Pros and Cons of RV Slideouts

These days, many RVs come equipped with slideouts. Also called slide rooms or pop-outs, these extendable and retractable RV rooms can allow for extra square footage inside your rig. As any RV enthusiast know, every inch counts when you consider the cramped quarters that you may be dealing with for days, weeks, or months at a time as you travel. However, RV slideouts do need to be utilized safely and properly. These extra rooms also have some drawbacks, so before investing in an RV that contains slideouts, make sure you are aware of the benefits and the risks that come with this type of amenity.

Benefits of RV Slideouts

As mentioned above, the obvious benefit of an RV slideout is that you can vastly enhance the living or sleeping space inside your rig. The extra square footage can truly make RV living feel spacious and luxurious. If you’ve ever taken a tour of an RV interior and marveled at how spacious it felt, the pop-outs were likely fully extended. Before purchasing an RV with slideouts, be sure to examine the rig with the slideouts retracted as well so that you can get a realistic perspective of the space available. Most RV slideouts are extremely easy to operate, with electronic sliding systems that extend and retract with the push of a button. This makes it simple and fast to transition when you’re ready to set up camp or hit the road. Just be sure that slideouts are either fully extended or fully retracted; anything in the middle can damage the slide system. Also, always practice caution when extending the slideout and check for nearby people, trees, cars, and other objects. Depending on the size of your slideout, you should take this into consideration when booking camp sites. It’s a good idea to call ahead to campgrounds and RV resorts to ensure that their lots can accommodate fully extended rigs

Drawbacks of RV Slideouts

Keep in mind that slideouts can only be extended while the RV is parked. The rig also needs to be securely leveled, either using manual jacks or an electronic leveling system, before the room can be extended. This makes slideouts ideal only for individuals who plan on camping and keeping the rig stationary for extending periods of time. While the rig is on the road, however, retracted slideouts can actually may the RV feel more cramped, which is an important point to consider if traveling with more than two people. As anyone with an RV knows, something is always breaking or rattling in the rig. The larger and more complex the vehicle, the more likely it is that increased maintenance will be required. Over time, the slide mechanics of extendable rooms will wear out and require maintenance. In addition, RV slideouts are one of the leading causes of leaks that can, at best, cause your RV to run less efficiently and, at worst, cause costly water damage inside the RV. If you do decide on a rig with slide rooms, always ensure that the weather seals are tight and free of cracks and that your RV is properly leveled before extending the room.