A Beginner’s Guide to RV Slide Out Issues

Many RVs come with a helpful feature known as a slide out. This is a big section of the camper wall that can slide out and create more space inside. The adaptability of a camper’s size allows it to be larger at the destination (for better comfort) and smaller while on the road (for an easier traveling experience).

RV slide outs are a great perk, but they will inevitably run into issues (especially if they aren’t well-maintained). Below, we cover some common slide out issues.

Lubrication (And Lack Thereof)

Slide outs generally move on metal tracks using gears or slides to push them along the track. In any mechanism, a metal on metal joint that involves movement should be lubricated or the friction will eventually cause damage to the metal parts. Slide outs need to be lubricated a few times a year in order to stay clean and in good shape. If you go too long without lubricating them, you might end up with a frozen slide or sheared part.

Seal Issues

Thin rubber seals are the only thing keeping the outdoors out of your slide out joints. These rubber seals will face all sorts of potential problems over time. Operating the RV slide out when they’re frozen can cause them to tear or crack. They could also just get brittle and crack over time. Even normal usage can eventually cause them to become misshapen and stop sealing the area. A product called seal conditioner can help to keep them in good shape, but if you have a problem with yours, you’ll probably need to get them replaced.

Motor Burnout

Some slide outs operate on an electric motor. Over time, this motor can burn out and stop working. This is especially common on RVs in which the slide out slides haven’t been lubricated. If the motor burns out, you’ll probably be forced to manually open and close the slide out until you get the motor replaced.

Gear & Pin Failures

In any machine, small parts that undergo lots of stress can shear or fail. Any number of the gears or pins that allow your slideout to operate can eventually wear out and fail. Once again, this is more common with RVs in which the slides haven’t been lubricated.

Hydraulic Problems

Some RVs have hydraulically operated slideouts, and while this system is often very effective, it can still encounter problems. The lines and couplings can break or leak under pressure. The hydraulic pump can freeze up and need to be replaced. The hydraulic valves can freeze open or shut, causing all sorts of problems. Unless you’re a hydraulics expert, it’s best to leave these fixes to the pros.

Professional Maintenance

Slideouts are intricately connected to the RV’s chassis and shell, and you probably don’t want to try to fix them yourself. Instead, let the professionals at Pete’s RV Center Indiana help. We are based in Schererville, Indiana. We also proudly serve those in Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as Champaign and Decatur, Illinois.