Last Updated on April 11, 2023
The RV slide-out is a common feature in most RVs. For many owners, it’s the favorite part of their home on wheels. With one touch of a button or twist of a knob, you can extend your living space outside and enjoy all the comforts you have at home.
But there are times when things don’t work as they should, which means problems with the slide-outs mechanism or even just damage to the exterior surface. Therefore, knowing how to fix a sagging RV slide out so that your favorite vehicle works smoothly again.
RV slide-outs are a great way to add extra living space to your vehicle, but they can also be prone to sag if not adequately maintained. This article will discuss how to identify and resolve the most common causes of waning slide-outs.
Identify the Cause of the Sag
There are a few common causes of sag in slide-outs: worn-out rollers and bearings, misaligned tracks, and damaged seals. To identify the cause of the hang:
- Inspect the rollers, bearings, and tracks. If they are visibly worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
- Check the alignment of the tracks. If they are not correctly aligned, they will need to be realigned.
- Inspect the seals for damage. If they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Here are some of the most common causes of slideout sag:
- Improperly adjusted or damaged rollers or rails
- Excessive weight on the slide-outs for long periods
- Worn out suspension or bearings on the roller assembly
- A sag in the roof or sidewall of the vehicle that is causing the slide-outs to droop
When there is too much weight on the slide-outs, it can cause the mechanism to sag. Ensure that you are not overloading the slide-outs by removing unnecessary items or redistributing additional weight in your vehicle.
How to Fix a Sagging RV Slide Out Mechanism?
Now that you have identified the cause of your slide-outs sag, it’s time to fix it. There are several ways to fix a hanging slide-outs mechanism:
01. To secure a hanging rail, raise and secure one end to release tension from the other end. Then use an Allen wrench to loosen the track bolts at a loose end. Gently push up on the rail to redistribute weight using a pry bar.
02. To fix a sagged roller system, remove the retainer screws holding down each roller, and lift one roller at a time to release the tension on that section of the slide-outs.
Then use an Allen wrench to loosen the track bolts at the hanging end. Gently push up on the rail to redistribute weight using a pry bar. The position of the bar can be adjusted by moving it to the front, middle, or back relying on what you need.
03. To fix a sagged slide seal, place a small block of wood underneath each corner or section that needs lifting until you have redistributed weight and tension in that area. Then use an Allen wrench to loosen the track bolts at the hanging end. Using a pry bar, gently push up on the rail to redistribute weight.
04. If the cause of your slide-outs sag was due to incorrect roller adjustment or damage to the rollers themselves, you will need to replace them before making any adjustments. You will need to remove all damaged parts and reattach the slide-outs using new rollers.
05. For problems with the slide-out tracks, you will need to use a wrench to loosen bolts on the track and rotate them into the correct position. If adjusting doesn’t solve your problem, you may want to replace these parts before trying again.
06. If your slide-outs have sagging seals, you can fix this relatively quickly by removing the retaining screws for each slide-out section and then lifting each section with a small block of wood until everything has been tightened and realigned.
Before making any repairs to your slide-out, make sure that you properly disconnect it from its power supply and drain all water out of the hose. If you are not comfortable trying to fix the slide-out yourself, professional repair services are available for assistance.
By following these steps, you can easily adjust and repair your RV’s slide-out mechanism to get it working again.
Precautions to Keep your RV Slide Outs in Good Condition
If you want to prevent your slide-out from sagging, there are several precautions you can take:
• Avoid placing too much weight on the slide-out. Ensure that any additional items added to your RV are adequately distributed throughout the rest of the vehicle or stored away in an attached trailer or truck bed.
• Check and adjust the roller track every few months or so. If you notice any sagging, get to work fixing it right away before the slide-out starts to sag more severely.
• Regularly check and replace any damaged seals to prevent leaks along your slide-outs wall. This will help ensure the internal components remain dry, thus preventing cracking over time.
By following these simple precautions, you should be able to keep your slide-out in good working order for many years to come.
FAQs
Let’s discuss a few frequently asked questions on fixing a hanging slide out:
01. Should RV Slideouts be Supported?
RV slideouts should always be supported to prevent them from sagging. When not in use, it is best to retract the slide-out and store it safely. If you must leave the slide-out extended, make sure to use heavy-duty supports to keep the weight evenly distributed.
02. How Do You Support an RV Slide Out?
There are a few different ways to support slide-outs. You can use RV floor jacks, jacks stands, or plywood blocks to keep the weight evenly distributed. Make sure that whatever you use is stable and can hold the importance of the RV without tipping over.
03. How Do I Level my RV Slide Out?
Your RV’s manual should provide instructions on how to level and install your slides. Typically, a professional will recommend that you level first, then put your slides out. You should also follow the instructions outlined in the owner’s manual of your specific model.
04. Can you manually push in an RV slide out?
Yes, you can manually push in slide-outs. A Power Gear sliding technique has a manual override option that can be used in a power outage to extend or retract the room.
05. What Happens if RV is Not Level?
Your RV’s tank sensors will not function properly if it is not level. According to the slope, your sensors may register a higher or lower level of fullness than they are. Not allowing all of your tanks to empty can affect drainage.
06. Can You Store RV Unlevel to Fix Sagging Slideouts?
No, RV Slideouts should always be supported to prevent them from sagging. When not in use, it is best to retract the slideout and store it safely.
To keep the weight evenly distributed, use heavy-duty supports or floor jacks, if you must leave the slideouts for long periods.
In Conclusion
RV slideouts are a convenient way to add extended space to your vehicle, but they can also pose some problems when they start to sag. Luckily, by following these simple steps, you can easily adjust and repair your RV’s slideout mechanism to get it working again.
By taking the proper precautions, you can ensure that your slideout stays in good condition for years to come. So if your RV’s slide out is looking a little limp, don’t worry, there’s hope!
