|
|
07-28-2021, 01:26 PM
|
#1
|
Established Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Halifax
Posts: 45
M.O.C. #26352
|
What Comes First?
So we pulled into the RV park yesterday evening and after setting up shop, the friendly gentleman next door had a puzzling question for me…
These folks have a brand new Class A and are on their maiden voyage. After watching me unhook, level the rig (auto level) and then put the slides out; he came over with his new “dealership advice” and asked if it made sense…
He was told (on numerous occasions) when picking up his Class A, that you are to put the slides out first, and then level the rig. He was told that by doing it the other way around (the way in which I just did it), is hard on the slides and can cause a jam.
I’m guessing they are referring to twisting and flexing…. But, doesn’t it make more sense to level the unit first?? I was quick to make sure he didn’t have it confused and he assured me that they preach slides first and then jacks…
Have I been doing it wrong all along??
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 01:42 PM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,702
M.O.C. #2283
|
Which comes first the chicken or the egg. It doesn’t matter. Everybody has a different option and everybody is right. Open your slides whichever way you choose.
Lynwood
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 02:08 PM
|
#3
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,588
M.O.C. #23668
|
The slides should be opened when the rig is level. That "rule of thumb" may vary with the different types of slide mechanisms. The solid bar, rack and pinion slide might be less affected than the cable slides. I always unhook and level my rig before opening the slides. It has always worked well for us.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 02:16 PM
|
#4
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charleston
Posts: 494
M.O.C. #23094
|
I try to level first then deploy slides. Don't always work out that way and we often pop out a slide out when stopping for lunch while still hooked to the truck. I honestly don't worry unless we're really off level.
__________________
2019 Montana HC 310RE
2010 Wildcat 29RLBS
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 02:34 PM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,190
M.O.C. #1920
|
I guess I’m old fashioned (or just old), and decided to refer to the manual. Here is what it says:
Slide-Out Tips
Before operating any slide-out:
1. The RV must have a fully charged RV battery (having the shore-line cord plugged in may NOT be enough).
2. Turn off all necessary lights and 12V components prior to extending/retracting.
3. The RV must be leveled and stabilizer jacks extended.
4. Make sure the room has clearance, inside and outside, to extend/retract.
5. Make sure water and debris are removed from the top of the room before retracting
6. Avoid injury by keeping all body parts out of the way of the slide-room.
7. Make sure other parties are clear of the slide-out before extending/retracting.
8. DO NOT ride in the slide-out when extending/retracting.
9. DO NOT step on the floor of the slide-out when the room is retracted. The slide-out floor is not supported by the main floor and stepping on the floor may cause structural damage to the slide room.
I assume, your neighbor in the Motorhome also retracted and made the unit unlevel again before putting slides back in?
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 02:39 PM
|
#6
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,669
M.O.C. #9969
|
I guess in a way I would tend to agree with the Gentleman. When just sitting on the wheels is probably the least amount of strain/twist in the frame, be MH or 5th Wheel.
Now with the Level-Up the way Auto Level is designed is to prevent any additional strain or twist in the frame, this info came directly from the Gentleman who designed the system before it was sold to Lippert.
For a MH it could be entirely different as some only have one front jack under the middle and two in the rear. Not being a MH owner and don't know how their system is designed it might be correct to deploy the slides after leveled and retract them after jacks are retracted.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 04:15 PM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 963
M.O.C. #20472
|
I level first, it’s a routine for me, caulk the wheels, disconnect and pull out and then level. Then I connect shore power and slide the 3 slides out and turn on the AC and go from there.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 04:18 PM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 525
M.O.C. #19994
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh
Which comes first the chicken or the egg. It doesn’t matter. Everybody has a different option and everybody is right. Open your slides whichever way you choose.
Lynwood
|
Agree with Lynwood, its up to you. when we stop at rest areas for lunch, we put one slide out about 12" to access the fridge. most sites are level enough you wont damage anything, obviously if you sitting on a slope, you might want to level first.
__________________
The "Black Pearl"-2017 3731FL Legacy Package
2017 F-450 Platinum, 6.7 PSD
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 04:21 PM
|
#9
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
|
You are correct. Level up first. Even with a motor home if slides are out, the level up systems, do twist around. Just as the auto level up system. I actually seen the very 1st level up system displayed, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was installed on a Mobile Suites. During the show an tell, the system didn't work. I know the man who owned and designed the first level up system. Can't recall his name. He was very influential with the Owner fo DRV, Mobile Suites.
Happy trails.
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 04:29 PM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
|
Great comment. I not only old fashioned, but I'm old. I also take a leaf blower, when we travel, to blow off debris, water ect. off the slide outs. We don't care for the slide out covers, especially if you are in windy area's just my choice. We have owned several 5th wheels with slide out covers, most are a problem waiting to happen. Just my opinion.
Happy trails.
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 05:30 PM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Granger TX
Posts: 2,680
M.O.C. #21044
|
I have no scientific knowledge to back this up - but it seems to me that a Class A motorhome would have a more substantial frame than a fifth wheel, and if so - twisting and torquing from slide outs might be less consequential.
With all I read in this forum about frame flex etc. - I choose to level up first before extending the slides…the retract the slides before adjusting for hookup.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 08:30 PM
|
#12
|
Established Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Halifax
Posts: 45
M.O.C. #26352
|
All great input!
When I think about… my idea of levelling first probably dates back to the days with a travel trailer when I’d have to level by means of riding it up on blocks, etc.
That said, my go-to routine is unhitch, level, shore power, slides, and so on…
But while we’re on the subject, who else gets the slides moving enough where you can walk around the inside to check behind the mouldings for fallen objects or cabinet doors ajar?!? Ask me how I learned this!
I’ve also got labels made up and stuck in the hydraulic panel with the exterior depths of the slides. Handy little reference when you’re parked in a tight spot or working around a tree or post.
|
|
|
07-28-2021, 08:59 PM
|
#13
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
We always level first. IMHO leveling with the slides out will put more strain on the frame than leveling with them in and supported.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
|
|
|
07-29-2021, 05:46 AM
|
#14
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
|
Same here. We always level first.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
|
|
|
07-29-2021, 07:03 AM
|
#15
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,023
M.O.C. #21963
|
1. Level
2. Slides out
If any rig isn't level there could be excessive lateral forces placed upon the slide mechanisms. Side to side out of level will cause one side to push or pull the slide uphill causing extra strain. Then who knows when there is a flex in that 40' of frame. Ask your neighbor if he takes the rig out of level to retract the slides.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
|
|
|
07-29-2021, 09:31 AM
|
#16
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,836
M.O.C. #22835
|
Well, if you want some interesting reading, Click here and read this thread on iRV2.com (Motor homes primarily) and it seems, even among Motor home owners, it's debatable. (Consider the dates of these posts too. I'm sure, technology has improved since then ... well we are talking RVs ... maybe not!
However, on your Monte, you want to stabilize and level first. Then deploy slides.
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
|
|
|
07-29-2021, 09:38 AM
|
#17
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,836
M.O.C. #22835
|
Oh ... to go off topic? Which came first? The chicken. Why?
In the Bible, God created all the animals first. After he created the animals, he said, "Be fruitful and multiply." The egg is a result of reproduction (multiplying). "Multiplying" came second. But it doesn't matter anyway, because I sure do love to eat them .... yep ... both chicken and eggs!
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
|
|
|
08-01-2021, 01:55 PM
|
#18
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: westminster md
Posts: 2,334
M.O.C. #17894
|
With fifth wheels, always level first.
However with some class A,s, they state in their manuals to but the slides out first. I have seen that first hand from someone I know that had a Entegra aspire bus.
I do not understand the reasoning behind that, but that is what his manual stated.
__________________
2018 Chevy 3500 LTZ Dually Diesel 4x4 CCLB
2011 Montana 3455 SA. 6 point level up. Disc brakes. Curt Q24 Hitch. 5 step glow steps
Progressive EMS. Valterra tank valves. Sailun G637 tires. ARP fridge control. All led lighting. Mor Ryde IS
|
|
|
08-01-2021, 03:00 PM
|
#19
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,669
M.O.C. #9969
|
Actually the first thing we do when we get on a new site is plug in the power and make sure it's good.
Last thing I want to do is get all setup with jack down and slides out and find out there's no power or a power issue.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
|
|
|
08-01-2021, 05:25 PM
|
#20
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: SoCal
Posts: 625
M.O.C. #25842
|
We level first slides second.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|