Wanting to buy an RV camper? Here is one issue to consider before making your purchase. Will you and your family benefit from slide-outs? A slide-out, on an RV, is an extra box that protrudes from the original box of your camper. The slide-out can come in the kitchen, bedroom, and the dinette, pretty much any room of the travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop-up, or motorhome.
Having extra space in your RV camper is a major plus for all RVers. A slide-out can add tremendous amount of space and ease tension of the guests on board. When available in the RV’s bedroom, it is easier to maneuver around the bed.
Statistics show that 55.5% of travel trailers, 85.9% of fifth wheels, 33.3% of pop-ups, and 95.1% of motorhomes have one or more slide-outs. They have become pretty popular among the building of RV campers. The first slide-outs appeared in motorhomes built by Newmar Corporation in 1990.
If you are worried about the stories of water leakage on the slide-outs, know that lack of proper maintenance is the most common cause of water leakage. There are products for the prevention of water leakage, if used appropriately to the rubber-like gaskets; the slide-out should not leak. And like any other vehicle, your RV camper should be checked at the beginning of every season.
Another issue some people may be worried about is the tearing of the slide-outs from debris falling on top and being brought in after use. Slide-out awnings help in reducing the amount of debris on top of the slide-out. These awnings may come already equipped or you can purchase and have them installed inside the parts and service department.
Resale value is also a plus in getting an RV camper with slide-outs. Used RV’s with slide-outs will receive a higher price percentage then those without slide-outs.
Remember when arriving at your destination; survey the landscape before setting-up. Make sure you have adequate room on every side of the RV camper to deploy your slide-outs, with enough space for safety as well.
Your RV’s 12-volt system powers the slide-out movement, which can drain the battery quicker. This is a problem when dry camping or boon docking. Fortunately if power failure comes about, a manual back-up, using a hand crank, is almost always offered.
If you need more advice, consult people who both have campers with slide-outs and those who do not. Let them take you on a trip and see how the slide-outs either help or hinder in their camping excursions.
At Lees Country RV we offer RV Sales, Fifth Wheel Sales and RV Service. Wether your looking for a Big RV for sale or a small tent camper, we have them all. www.leescountryrv.com.
