Slide room, bump out, slider: these are all common names for the piece of your RV that slides out to add extra floor space. These mechanized components are often found in the bedroom or living areas, better known as the hubs of your RV, where your family spends the most time (and therefore needs the most living space).
Because it’s not legal to drive an RV with extended slide-outs, you’ll need to retract these additional living areas when it’s time to hit the road. If a malfunction arises, you may end up stranded until you’re able to recall your bump-outs.
Did you know that slide-outs are also the number one culprit for costly leak-related repairs?
If you want to avoid those expensive repairs, it all starts with proper (and consistent) RV slide-out maintenance.
Identify Your Type of RV Slide-Out System
Before we get to the tips, you need to know which RV slide-out system you have. There are two main types.
Type #1: Electric Slide-Outs
Electronic slide-outs are simpler but not as powerful. That’s why you find them on smaller, lightweight slide-outs.
Within the category of electric slide-outs, there are three subcategories:
- Cable Slide Out
- Rack and Pinion Slides
- Schwintek Slides
While the mechanisms between cable slide-outs, rack and pinion slides, and Schwintek slides are slightly different, they all use electric motors to operate.
Type #2: Hydraulic Slide-Outs
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the hydraulic slide-outs. They handle the larger, heavier slides because of their effortless power. However, hydraulic systems are more complex than their simple electronic counterparts.
Over time, components like valves, pumps, and hydraulic lines can succumb to the rigors of the road, particularly if they face excessive heat or wear. That means you have to monitor for leaks and ensure fluid levels stay topped off.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for RV Slide-Outs
Neglect is your nemesis. When it comes to taking care of your slide-outs, there are things you can do to prevent damage–from routines that keep things running smoothly and precautions to take when you’re on the road.
Preventative Tip #1: Don’t Overload Your Slide-Out
Slide-outs aren’t built to hold a lot of weight. I know because I made the mistake of storing all my books in the overhead cabinets in my slide-out.
When we flipped that switch to pull the slide out, all we got was a whining sound and no movement. My husband had to go outside and push it in.
Needless to say, I got a brand new bookshelf and now store blankets in those overhead cabs.
Preventative Tip #2: Don’t Leave Your Slide-Out Extended When Not in Use
Leaving your slide out extended shortens its lifespan. It’s an invitation for…
- Dirt and leaves to clog up the mechanisms,
- Sun exposure to dry out your seals,
- And for leaves to build up on your roof and cause micro leaks in your bump out.
Now, if you live in your RV full time, then, of course, it’s going to stay extended when parked (You need all the space you can get). But, consider protecting it from sun and debris by installing a slide-out awning. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a small canvas awning that extends with your slide out and protects it from UV rays and the build-up of leaves that can cause leaks.
General Maintenance Tips for RV Slide-outs
Tip #1: Regularly Inspect Seals and Gaskets
Something to realize about your bump out. It’s not built to be waterproof. It’s built to shed water. Regularly inspect your seals and gaskets for any damage or cracking. Then, condition them to prevent drying out and shrinkage with an RV Rubber Seal Conditioner like this one.
Tip #2: Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
Now, let’s talk about your slide-out mechanism. Keep it clean by washing away dirt and debris with your RV cleaner. For parts that are too small to brush you can use compressed air to blow it out before lubricating with a dry lubricant such as 3 in 1 RV Care Slide-Out Silicone.
Warning: Don’t use oil-based lubes as they stay sticky and attract dirt.
Tip #3: Check Mechanical Components
You can do this by listening as your slide-out goes in and out. See if you hear any…
- Grinding – indicates that gears need to be cleaned.
- High-pitched whining – check your alignment
- The sound of the gears working, but no movement – your bump out is probably overloaded.
If you’ve taken a listen and everything sounds good, then it’s onto your roof.
Tip #4: Clean Your Roof
As I mentioned, leaves that accumulate on your slide-out can work their way under the seals, which presents an opportunity for water to leak in slowly. The slow leak is the worst kind because you don’t notice it until it’s done extensive damage to your walls and roof.
Regular maintenance of your roof cover includes:
- Cleaning it with a soft brush and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to keep it free from dirt and debris.
- Inspecting it for any signs of mildew, mold, or tears (as these are a sign that water is collecting)
- Resealing it with a silicon sealant to protect your RV from water damage.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your roof remains in good condition and continues to protect your RV from the elements.
Also, invest in that slide-out awning I mentioned earlier. Seriously, keeping your slideout covered will save you from so much frustration.
Tip #5: Manually Check and Tighten Hardware
Do a physical inspection of the undercarriage. You’re checking bolts and hoses, making sure everything is tight and in place. Hoses should be sealed with no leaking fluid, and bolts shouldn’t rattle as you’re going down the road.
Tips for Operating your Slide Out…
Tip #1: Have Sufficient Power
Did you plug it in? There’s a reason that this is usually the first question IT departments ask.
Sometimes, we forget the obvious (and do so on more than one occasion). I’ve helped fellow RVers push their bump outs in because their batteries were almost out of power. (I myself have forgotten to plug in my RV before setting up camp).
Tip #2: Beware of Obstructions
The number one issue RV service centers see, as far as motorhomes with slide-out problems go, isn’t mechanical. It’s for an obstruction that’s in the way. It can be dirt, leaves, a frog, a stick, or even a misguided squirrel who got caught in the mechanism.
As a safety precaution, always check to make sure the mechanisms are clear.
It’s equally critical to pay attention to obstructions like tree branches, light posts, and other vehicles when you’re extending your bump-out to avoid problems when you run into them.
In Conclusion: How Do You Store Your RV?
Be honest. You knew this was coming. We can’t talk about maintenance without addressing the elephant in the room: How are you storing your RV on a regular basis?
If you’re storing your RV in your driveway or under that beautiful live oak in your yard – even if your slide-out isn’t extended – you’re risking damage. As I said, bumpouts are not built to be waterproof, so you still need to store your RV undercover.
Whether that cover is in your garage or under a carport is up to you. But if you don’t have space in your garage—and don’t have room in the budget to build a carport for it—let me offer another option.
Store it with Neighbor.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace that offers covered/enclosed RV storage up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options.
You can find listings (some from pre-screened hosts in your own neighborhood) nearest you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Lubricate My RV Slide-Out Mechanisms?
Experts recommend lubricating the moving parts of your RV slide-out mechanisms at least twice a year to ensure optimal performance and prevent stiffness or squeaking during operation.
What Should I Do if My RV’s Slide-Out Starts Making Unusual Noises?
If your RV’s slide-out starts making unusual noises, you should immediately stop using it and inspect it for visible signs of wear or damage. If the problem persists, seek professional help to diagnose and repair the issue.
Can I Manually Retract My Slide-Out if the Motor Fails?
Yes, you can manually retract your slide-out if the motor fails by using the manual override feature found in most RV slide-out systems. Simply refer to your RV’s manual for specific instructions tailored to your slide-out system.
How Can I Prevent Water Damage to My RV’s Slide-Out?
To prevent water damage to your RV’s slide-out, a) regularly inspect the seals and gaskets for wear, b) clean and lubricate said seals, c) apply a UV protectant to prevent cracking, and lastly, d) ensure the slide-out roof and exterior panels are free from debris and damage.
Is It Safe to Travel With My Rv’s Slide-Out Partially Extended?
No, it is not safe to travel with your RV’s slide-out partially extended, as it can cause structural damage and potential accidents. Always retract the slide-out fully before moving your RV.
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