Most people don’t know what RV slide-outs are. The usually moving parts of a recreational vehicle’s living area that extend are what are known as slide-outs. There are instances when you’ll hear other people refer to them as glide-outs or bump-outs. These slide-outs are well-placed along the RV’s side walls in either the rear or front-end configurations.
These slide-outs have made RVs more convenient just the same way showering in an RV is very convenient. This is with regards to how they are capable of increasing the living space. This is to the extent that at times the slide-outs offer more space compared to what the RV itself offers. The recently produced RVs have been fitted with up to even three slide-outs, but do you know how to remove an RV slide out even after having it fitted for you?
The importance of these RV slide-outs has seen even RVs that were built without them long before being taken for refitting to help them have such extra spaces. But this process is not an easy task as you might think; it involves a lot of designing, carpentry, fabrication, welding, electrical installation and plumbing among others.
The slide-out removal and installation process is quite a costly venture but it is worth spending on. Is it, therefore, not important for you to know how to remove the slide-outs for reasons best known for you? Well, we have got you covered in this new piece.
4 Steps involved in removing RV slide out
Just the same way other practices involving RVs like cleaning RV roofs have a step by step procedure of doing them, removing an RV slide out has a procedure too. Slide outs can be removed by either a hydraulic mechanism drive or the rack and pinion mechanism drive.
It is wise enough for you to know that both mechanisms are more or less virtually identical. Here are the important steps you have to follow in order to get your job well done.
1. Step One
You need to re-engineer your recreational vehicle so that it doesn’t become weak after you are done with the removal. New hoops and support beams should be welded to provide some additional strength. After you are done with the support, decide on your new RV’s insulation as well as other physical structures such as windows.
Now, start by removing the internal molding which is often known as the “horseshoe” fitting. It is the one in which the slide out moves. Make sure the slide out extends up to the maximum by simply making sure it drops inside the recess. This recess should be well built to equalize slide out floor levels as well as the camper main floor.
You need to take note of whether the slide rams have been blocked or not. If so, just arrange them nicely into place.
2. Step Two
Provide much support to the underside of the slide out extended, you can use shims and blocks. Make sure you don’t use axle stands or car jacks in giving out support. To be as safe as possible, the support should be very firm and sturdy to easily support the weight of the slide out.
3. Step three
Having made sure that the support offered is to the peak, release the slide outs right from the fasteners holding to the rams. You should not worry of whether the rams are hydraulically driven or rack and pinion drive mechanism. Fasteners are simply pin-like features in fore ends of rams.
4. Step four
After slide-out release, move the slide out slightly away using the many assistants available from the camper body. Perform the moving action with extreme care by making an inch move at a time, and working at opposite ends. With the careful slide out move, your work will have been perfectly done and so accomplished.
Precautions when remove the slide-outs
Before you remove the slide-outs, there are some precautionary measures that you need to look out for to avoid exposing your life to unnecessary dangers. So what are some of the precautions you need to adhere to?
Firstly, RV slide-outs which often collapse due to unstable and insufficient supports are very dangerous moving loads. The supports should be strong enough to hold your weight. If you are in doubt of the slide-out’s strength, then you need to work with an assistant who can help you get the job done. The assistant can even call for help in case you get injured during the process.
Secondly, you need to be sure that you have the authority to remove the slide-outs on your own. There are some RV dealerships that do offer their own trained staff and equipment for the task. This is a welcomed idea to RV owners who aren’t well-conversant with the complex and at times dangerous slide-out removal process.
There are also some motorhome manufacturers who have gone ahead to block any access to the vehicle’s ram fasteners. This has been done by ensuring that the fuel holding tank, the water holding tank and the RV water pumps are installed under the vehicle. Proceed to remove all these components first and ensure that they are properly stored before you move ahead with the slide-out removal as such will ensure you are safe during the process.
Also read: How to Prime an RV Water Pump?
Conclusion
We hope you now know how to remove an RV slide out. Just as has been mentioned above, slide-out removal is a quite costly process that at times is so dangerous as well. We, therefore, call for the utmost care during this venture. Extending your RV’s living space is worth spending on if you plan to have a large team accompany you to a campground.
It is cheaper to extend whatever you already have rather than hiring an extra vehicle. During the entire removal process, make sure that you meet the highest standards of professionalism. Don’t interfere with the original strength of the RV; in fact, you should leave the RV stronger than you found it.
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