I was working the lot last week and took a couple of shots of a common problem (perhaps the most common problem) with slide-outs. When manufacturers put these things together they do not necessarily have longevity in mind and slide-outs have become the problem children of fivers and travel trailers. As you can see in the pictures, the trim at the bottom of the slide-out side leaves press board exposed. The manufacturers seal this very poorly and eventually it wicks moisture, expands, and falls apart. You will not notice this inside the slide-out until a great deal of damage is done, so if shopping used be sure to look for this problem.

These pictures were taken on a Big Horn I was working on and it is also common in Holiday Rambler Presidentials to name only two of a long list. If you have a towable with the edge showing as pictured, seal it with any good wood product sealer and keep it sealed. If you see appreciable damage in a unit you are considering, you may want to walk away or at least get a significant reduction in price. Just a heads-up.

 

You made me go out and check the slide out on my 2007 Jazz made by Thor of Ca. It has a 12" curved metal fender the full length of the slide out and the seams 12" above the bottom are tight and clean as a whistle.

 

That's great. If everyone would keep an eye on that area, it would eliminate a lot of problems.

 

I look at mine a lot and walk around all the seals on the slides. I also check stuff like brake wires when parked.