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THE
IN’S AND OUT’S OF SLIDEOUTS & SLIDEOUT AWNINGS
JOHN HURD, OREGON SERVICE CENTER Slideout rooms are undoubtedly one of the most popular options/features offered on our product lines. Along with the rubber seal and thorough joint seam sealant, the most important part of a slideout’s ability to repel water lies in the inherent deflective characteristic of the slideout awning. Over the years, manufacturers have developed several different styles with varying degrees of success. Currently the two most common awnings installed are manufactured by Zip Dee and Carefree of Colorado. As most of you know, these awnings appear visually to be quite different. Yet their basic operation is very similar in terms of what you should and should not do when running the slideout box in or out. As a general rule of thumb, a visual inspection should always be performed inside and outside the coach prior to any slideout operation. Things to look for include any potential obstructions (awning straps caught or bound improperly, personal belongings inside the coach, etc.), interior travel locks, and especially exterior travel locks. The type and age of awning your coach is equipped with will determine where the travel locks are located. Refer to your owner’s manual and be sure to completely disengage the necessary locks before slideout operation. When extending or retracting a slideout be sure to listen closely for any abnormal noises that could indicate a problem. Although some squeaking, thumping, and scraping noises should not be alarming as they are completely normal, any LOUD cracking, screeching, ripping or tearing noises should be investigated before further operation. It is always advisable to have a partner if available watch the outside of the box during operation to alert the person at the switch of any problems. “Working at the Coburg, Oregon Service Center, where it rains 364 days a year, I have seen so many slideout awnings rolled up improperly and/or caught in between the slideout box and the coach that it’s concerning.” Once the slideout is positioned, an extension of the awning should be performed. Both most-common type awnings have latches which keep the arms in the upright position during travel. Release the latches, pull the awning down into position and secure the appropriate straps. While unrolling the awning, make sure it rolls smoothly and does not bind, if it does it may require lubrication or servicing. Depending on the brand of awning you have there is either one or two internal springs with adjustable tension which roll the awning up when released. Although adjusting tension should be performed by a qualified individual, a quick inspection can be performed by releasing the outward force on the awning during extension causing the awning to roll back up. Do not release it completely, rather, hold the awning rod and allow the spring(s) in the tube to pull the awning back to the upright position. It should roll itself back up without having to be pushed. Again, if unfamiliar with awning construction, it is not recommended to attempt servicing. Disassembling an awning under tension can be dangerous and result in injury as well as damage to your coach. When camping in wet weather the slide out awning(s) should always be extended. This facilitates their natural repellency and prevents an all too common mistake. Working at the Coburg, Oregon Service Center, where it rains 364 days a year, I have seen so many slideout awnings rolled up improperly and/or caught in between the slideout box and the coach that it’s concerning. In almost every single case the condition can be attributed to water pooling on the awning causing it to sag down towards the top of the slideout box. In the extended position the sloped angle of the fabric efficiently expels most of the water eliminating this condition. The real problem occurs when the slideout box is retracted without first draining the water off the awning. Perhaps some of you have even made this mistake yourselves. As the box comes in, the sagging portion of the awning is caught between the coach and slideout itself, potentially damaging the awning and the coach. The best way to avoid this frustration is to first manually—yes, manually—drain the water off the awning fabric. This can be achieved by gently lifting one end of the fabric with a rod or broom handle and holding it up until as much of the water as possible has drained off. Another method is to tilt the entire coach to the front or the rear using the leveling system. Even after the following of these procedures it is very wise to retract the box in increments in wet weather. This provides two important functions. First, it allows the awning time to shed the remaining water as the spring pulls the fabric tight, and secondly it gives the wipe seal around the slideout time to deflect the water running off of the box. Retract the slide approximately 1/4 of its length at a time pausing and listening for water run off. Wait until the runoff slows to a dribble or stops and proceed the next 1/4 and repeat the procedure until the box is closed completely. Remember to engage all awning locks before traveling. The imminent damage and subsequent repair bill from an on-road incident will surely convince any unbeliever of the importance of engaging travel locks. Just ask a fellow RV enthusiast who has been through such an ordeal. As always, the bottom line is the continued enjoyment of our product by you our valued customers. Hopefully these few tips on slideout and awning operation will positively contribute to your experiences out there in the real world. |