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10Smiles · 06-19-2011, 01:59 PM

Hello again. We are still looking for an Airstream. Trailers with slideouts come up frequently. I am wondering if slideouts are worth it. I know they give you a bit more living area. But are they are a mechanical and can fail and they also add weight. So, are they worth it?

Thanks,
David

Wingeezer · 06-19-2011, 03:03 PM

Probably a very personal choice.

When we bought our used AS, I probably wouldn't have rejected a prospective trailer because it had one, but by the same token it wasn't high on my list.

I haven't studied the subject much but my impression is that AS ones don't extend as much as is often the case with SOB's so for all the added weight, increased cost, added potential for leaks and mechanical breakdowns my own thoughts tend to be a bit negative.

I'm sure other folks have entirely opposite views and I wouldn't argue with that.

One wonders also however why AS only offered slides for a few years - I may well be wrong, wouldn't be the first or last time, but if that is so, why did they give up on slides? Not popular? too many problems? other?

I suspect though that once you got use to the added space that they afford - even though it may not be a lot in absolute terms - it might be hard going back to doing without one!

Brian.

ctdair · 06-19-2011, 03:05 PM

2004 30ft Slide. Love it . Always receive good comments about it. Zero mechanical issues , never any retract or extend failures . I have had attacks of forgetfulness and slid it out with out the stabilizers down , a cardinal sin. It has always retracted while I breathed a sigh of relief. 1 leak not related to the slide rubber seals , the aluminum trim piece around the slide required resealed by Airstream. So I would not really say it was a slide problem although it was a seam that would not be on a non slide out unit. I feel it is no different than a seam leak that could have occurred anywhere. Overall satisfaction with having a slide out is high. Wish I would have bought a 34 slide out lounge. Several have been on the forum and we recently saw the inside of one in person at Alumapalooza. Wife didn't want a 34 when we first ordered but one of the ones for sale on the classifieds she said was better than our 30. Some say the 34 limits where You can go , but my oh my they are roomy. The 30 slide has received many compliments on its roominess and I guess we have grown used to it. Shop hard and the right slide is out there. We are still in an economic downturn and deals can be had.

10Smiles · 06-19-2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks to both of you for the replys.

An interesting note, NADA has the 30 foot '04 with a slide at $36.7K and the same trailer without a slide for $23.1K. I am surprised about the large difference ($13.6K). ?????

Thanks again.

GCinSC2 · 06-19-2011, 06:34 PM

10Smiles,

We are 1 1/2 years into owning our 2007 30' S/O. We have had one leak as a result of the compression seal detaching from the slide. Fixed it myself, no other issues so far.

The slide has a manual extend/retract haven't had to use it so far. These have a built in slide retracted position locking system, keeps that S/O in tight.

My .02$ personal issues will be the factor. I looked at many different AS's while shopping. Went into this unit with slide open, it was over. Weight premium wasn't much of a deciding issue as I already own a Dodge Diesel.
They are unique for sure. Our last outing the camp host helped me spot the AS and he commented on the unt, what was the noise while braking = hydraulic brakes. Second I told him it was a S/O and IIRC he said "didn't know AS even made one".

Good luck on your searching, enjoy.

nilesrob · 06-19-2011, 06:56 PM

We had a 2005 Classic 34 w/SO. At the time we were camping with 2 teenagers, so the extra space was great. We now have an Intl 27 FB with no slide out and love it - don't miss the SO - granted situation is different.

We did not have any issues with the SO, worked fine.

I'd say if you really liked or needed the SO, great - go for it.

pappy19 · 06-19-2011, 08:00 PM

We have an '02 30' Classic with SO and love it. Makes all the difference in the world and takes 10 seconds for the slide to go in or out. Never had an issue at all with the SO.

Pap

**Aage** · 06-19-2011, 08:23 PM

I don't have one, but I can tell you from reading the threads here on Airforums.com that the owners of the S/O TTs always seem very enthusiastic about their trailers.

I don't recall hearing a significant amount of complaints about failures, either.

I think space in a TT is like horsepower on a motorbike: too much, is ALMOST enough.

JFScheck · 06-19-2011, 08:32 PM

If they offered a slide out on a brand new 30 Classic for 2011 I would have purchased it - granted, being the worry wart that I am, glad they didn't...

**Airslide** · 06-19-2011, 08:33 PM

We have an early S/O and absolutely love it. The trailer is very usable with the slide in too. The only down side is tongue weight. Not a problem for a large truck and it tows beautiful. If you like to stay put once you arrive you will love the extra room the S/O provides. Nearly 20" when all the way out which is comparable with most other brands. Never any mechanical problems but did have some adjustment issues when I first got it. Took care of that here on the forums and have been happy ever since.

Cheers.

Vinnie

**jcanavera** · 06-19-2011, 08:45 PM

We are also one of the happy slide out owners. No issues but it did require me to upgrade the receiver on my van to a Class V due to the hitch weight being 1,250 lbs or so. In 2003 the receivers on GM vans were only rated to 1,000 lbs.

All in all if presented the same choice I would do it again.

Jack

10Smiles · 06-19-2011, 10:45 PM

Good responses. Thank you all.

It turns out we are looking at two trailers that are in reasonable distance. One is an '04 30' with slide. The other is an '05 30' limited without slide. They are both about the same price and have little use. We will be looking at one tomorrow and hopefully the other next weekend. Right now, I am leaning toward the '05, but we will see how they strike us in person.

Can someone tell me what the "Limited" means?

Thank you, thank you.

David

Air-Texas · 01-16-2012, 06:26 PM

Had a problem with my slide out today!

I could not get the slide to retract into the camper with the motor. I was able to manually get it back in. The motor would work in the out mode, just not in..
I replaced the converter this weekend, and I might have unplugged a wire. This is a picture, can anyone tell me if I am suppose to have a wire on the SW REV stud? It is the only one that does not have a wire connected to it.

Air-Texas · 01-17-2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air-Texas

Had a problem with my slide out today!

I could not get the slide to retract into the camper with the motor. I was able to manually get it back in. The motor would work in the out mode, just not in..
I replaced the converter this weekend, and I might have unplugged a wire. This is a picture, can anyone tell me if I am suppose to have a wire on the SW REV stud? It is the only one that does not have a wire connected to it.

OK, after sleeping on this, I remember attaching a loose wire to the alarm stud....I am now thinking that wire should be attached to the SW REV stud.