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Old 02-07-2016, 08:23 AM   #1
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Pros and Cons on slider model 2005

Looking at a 28ft safari with slider. Is there any thing I should look for as for structural or possible leak issues?
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Old 02-07-2016, 08:47 AM   #2
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, one thing to keep in mind is that the Airstream slide-out models have a significantly heavier tongue weight than the same non slide-out model.

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Old 02-07-2016, 09:09 AM   #3
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ALL slides leak in time if not from day one. Airstream slides add less than half that of other slides. When they fail in the open position and it is time to go home they are a real problem.
If you want more room buy a longer trailer and save on the total weight.
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Old 02-07-2016, 09:30 AM   #4
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Welcome to the forums! Overall, mine has been mostly leak free and structurally sound after 10 years. It did develop some leaks along outside trim line at the floor level that was rectified by sealing the trim. A few other minor leaks here and there as the trailer ages. I would suggest taking a moisture meter when you go to look at the trailer and checking at least the floor with it.

The frames on the slide out models are beefed up to carry the extra weight and as Moosetags said the tongue weight is heavy and so is the trailer. The good thing is the carrying capacity is greater than most. The dry weight on mine is 6750# and the GVWR is 9100#, so over a ton of carrying capacity.

As far as slide leakage goes, not much to speak of although some water can collect on the slide top after heavy rains so that when it is retracted, the water can enter. You can squeegee the water off before retracting the slide.

Also there are Airstream folks that know nothing about the slideout models that will tell you they all leak or have problems. This is not true and the fact is most people that have them love them.

There are a few other threads about slideout models if want more information. Here are links to three but you can also use the search tool to find more. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...te-118408.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f302...out-27330.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ut-137094.html
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:02 AM   #5
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Slideout

We love our slide out; one friends mentioned they would never buy a slide but their opinion only. It makes a huge difference on the inside room. We did have a major leak which Andy from Canam hopefully has cured for us. We bought used but believe the leak happened from the beginning when the trailer was new.

If we are travelling the next day, we bring the slide in at night before the dew accumulates on the slide therefore eliminating any chance of water coming inside which will happen as the rubbers do not wipe the water or condensation off the slide. Much easier than dealing with it in the morning. Yes when we have to do that, the room inside is less but we manage. We put in new flooring last fall & do not want it getting wet.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:10 AM   #6
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Besides leaks, you add more possibilities for electrical and mechanical problems and you increase area to heat and cool. BUT, increased space could be priceless.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:14 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HowieE View Post
ALL slides leak in time if not from day one. Airstream slides add less than half that of other slides. When they fail in the open position and it is time to go home they are a real problem.
If you want more room buy a longer trailer and save on the total weight.
I would say that the number of slider failures per cent wise is way way less than a regular unit that leaks in various places and is particularly common in the years from 2002-2008, at the rear of the units.

I doubt that this fellow has ever owned a slider. For us, ours is a 2002 and we are the second owner. We have had no issues at all, but we did change out the carpet in the living/kitchen to oak and replaced the couch with 2 recliners. The additional room with the slide out, is significant IMHO and worth the little extra weight and effort.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:59 AM   #8
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I asked the same question last summer after not buying a 30 ' all the answers were positive I have been told to always have the stabilizers down when opening the slide .
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:04 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pappy19 View Post
I would say that the number of slider failures per cent wise is way way less than a regular unit that leaks in various places and is particularly common in the years from 2002-2008, at the rear of the units.

I doubt that this fellow has ever owned a slider. For us, ours is a 2002 and we are the second owner. We have had no issues at all, but we did change out the carpet in the living/kitchen to oak and replaced the couch with 2 recliners. The additional room with the slide out, is significant IMHO and worth the little extra weight and effort.
You are correct "This Fellow" has never owned nor will he ever own one. I am the Fellow that slide owners come to when they have a problem and they do have problems. Be it mechanical or leak issues.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:47 PM   #10
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I own a 2005 Safari with a slide and have only had one minor leak which has been fixed. I have been told by other non slide owners that the added tongue weight makes it a better towing trailer. I am the original owner and am happy with the slide. I think you would be hard pressed to find any Airstream that never had leak somewhere! With only about 84 ever being built, they are in high demand according to folks in the know.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:58 PM   #11
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I'll reply like this,

I own one.

And IF something happened to it and I needed to replace it, I'd search out another one.

You will enjoy that extra space and if weather might interfere, just push the button and bring it in.
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Old 02-07-2016, 03:29 PM   #12
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Thank You for all the responses and I find this web site very valuable and alot of great info from many great people. Hope to meet some in my travels.

Regards

Mike Comeaux
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Old 02-07-2016, 03:57 PM   #13
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Got mine in 2006 brand new. I have had problems with the trailer but not the slide. There is a group called sliders on this forum somewhere. Check it out, then purchase your slider. Unless its been hit or someone screwed with it you won't be sorry. You didn't say what year it was. Somewhere before 2005 they changed the floor rollers location so they do not ride on the carpet. If that is true on the one your looking at you can change the floor to anything you want. I did.
Watch out for those who complain about sliders but never had one.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:07 PM   #14
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As another slide owner I'll chime in with nothing but accolades to say. I've found the other elements of the trailer are no different than the non-slides when it comes to issues. However, the slide has never been a problem, nor associated leakage, and mine is now 13. My unit was built in October 2002, titled a 2003, but the forum has no choice listed for that year hence the 2004 28' S/O below my avatar.

I've yet to find a naysayer who poo-poo slides who was an Airstream slide owner so you may safely assume their opinions were formed by other brands (which really do seem to have quality/integrity issues).

If the slide motor fails for any reason (it does have a reset switch), be aware you can open the lower panel and manually crank it closed. You aren't stuck as some imply.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:52 PM   #15
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My slide out trailer was built in 2005. No problems yet. I always park it with the side the slide is on leaning slightly in that direction to help water go away down hill. I have manually cranked it in with a 3/4" ratchet and that is a piece of cake. The only other note. If you should need a controller get a dealer to call Power Gear. The will not ship until 5 days after it is ordered by a dealer. And they will not drop ship. Airstream does not stock them. Camping World can give you the best price (10% off). I had one fried by lightening.
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Old 02-08-2016, 06:51 AM   #16
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Pros:
more walk around room
more acceptance from wife
Cons:
mechanical issues
weight
We had an SOB slide-out- maintenance nightmare- part of the reason for getting an Airstream- and I wanted an Airstream anyway.
So far the Airstream with no slide has been so much less maintenance and break down compared to the SOB slide-out.
Not all issues were related to the slide, but many were- wouldn't go in all the way- wouldn't go out all the way- went in or out crooked- parts fell out of the mechanism-
Enough that I never want another slide.
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Old 02-08-2016, 07:49 AM   #17
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1. All trailers leak
2. All slide outs need a little more maintenance
3. Slide outs give you more space
4. Airstream slide outs are rare and beautiful!
5. Go check it out
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Old 02-08-2016, 09:08 AM   #18
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Why did Airstream discontinue slide outs when the rest of the industry is embracing them.

What is the typical tongue weight on an AS slide out model?

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Old 02-08-2016, 12:53 PM   #19
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I have never seen an Airstream announcement articulating exactly why they discontinuing slides, but my guess is insufficient sales volume and market conditions. Slides were discontinued when the economy tanked and RV sales dropped though the floor causing many companies to either shutter or narrow their offerings to high volume models in their lineup.

When Airstream slides were offered, the price point compared to SOB slides was quite a hefty premium for those in that niche market and, as seen in comments above and elsewhere, there are a fair number of misanthropes with strongly held beliefs against slides as either a maintenance/operational problem or a variant that detracts the iconic image of the brand. The sales cycle was more difficult to close.

As long as Airstream has a production backlog, expect more minor variations/designer models as their primary direction in the near-term as they cope with staff acquisition/training and sheer volume related to the new production capacity being brought on line. Airstream has all the tooling to restart slide production when or if they choose to, but, at recent public meetings, few to no hands were raised when the attendees were asked about interest in reviving a slide-out model.
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Old 02-08-2016, 02:00 PM   #20
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I have toured a few of the sliders - I definitely have "slide envy". I would gladly trade the extra weight and maintenance for the room it provides.
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