Can You Move a Camper With the Slides Out?
Many RV owners wonder – can you safely move or drive a camper with the slide-outs fully extended? Or do they need to be retracted first?
Unfortunately, manufacturers strongly advise against traveling with camper slide-outs popped out. Driving down the road with these rooms extended can lead to major structural damage, costing thousands in repairs. From bent walls and broken windows to detached motors and gears, the impacts of traveling while slid out can be severe.
This article will examine what slide-out rooms are, the dangers of moving an RV with them deployed, potential types of damage, weight and speed limitations, and other usage and maintenance tips to ensure safe operation.
What is a Camper Slide Out?
A camper slide out refers to an extendable section built into a recreational vehicle (RV) or camper. It allows extra interior space that can be “slid out” when the vehicle is parked. Once slid out, the section becomes part of the living area inside the RV. Slide outs are usually located along the side walls of campers and allow for wider walkways, more seating, larger beds, and overall more interior space. When not in use, slide outs can be neatly retracted inside the vehicle walls while traveling down the road.
Can You Move a Camper With Slides Out?
It is not recommended to move a camper with the slide rooms extended. Most manufacturers expressly warn against traveling with camper slide outs in the out position. Attempting to move or drive an RV with the slides fully extended risks serious and expensive damage.
Why You Shouldn’t Move Your Camper With Slides Out
There are a few key reasons why camper slide outs should always be fully retracted before moving or driving the RV:
Structural Integrity – Slide out rooms are not built to withstand road shock, vibration and wind forces. Driving with them extended, compromises the structural stability of the camper.
Potential Damage – Anything loose inside slide out rooms can easily shift and fall during transit, causing interior damage. Exterior damage is also likely as extended slides are vulnerable to hitting objects.
Safety Issues – An extended slide alters the width and dynamics of the RV, making it unsafe to drive. Visibility is reduced and handling is compromised.
What Damage It Can Cause By Moving Camper With Slides Out?
Significant damage can occur to both the interior and exterior of a camper when driving with slide outs extended. Potential damage includes:
- Buckling and cracking of walls, floors, and ceilings inside
- Shattered windows and bent exterior side panels
- Detached slide out motors, gears, and rails
- Crooked, misaligned slide rooms that no longer retract properly
- Furniture, cabinets, and appliances dislodging and impacting the interior
The shock and pressure endured by slide rooms not meant to handle road conditions can literally tear them apart. Repair costs often total thousands of dollars.
How Much Weight and Speed Camper Slide Outs Can Withstand?
Slide outs are designed to temporarily extend a stationary RV. They are not built to withstand any additional dynamic pressure or wind resistance. As soon as an RV begins moving faster than a couple of miles per hour, the slide out rooms are subjected to potentially damaging forces. Even with just the weight of the slide bearing down at a halt, problems can occur over time. Any motion is unsafe motion where slide outs are concerned.
Other RV Slide Out Maintenance Tips
To keep slide out rooms functioning properly:
- Inspect seals regularly and reseal as needed to prevent moisture damage
- Ensure slide mechanisms are well-lubricated
- Check for debris, dents, or other issues impeding the operation
- Have technicians adjust or repair at the first signs of trouble
Following manufacturer guidelines and restricting slide room use only for stationary RV deployment are vital for safe, reliable operation and for preventing costly repairs down the road.
