Walking on the floor of the slide while closed

[Jewhawk]

I just bought a 2018 Jayco 24mbh whitehawk. I noticed that when I walk on the slide when it’s closed the floor flexes a lot. So much in fact that I notice one of the screws had pulled out of floor that goes into bench base. This doesn’t seem normal??

[RAurand]

Really not supposed to walk on them when closed. The floor is raised a little when the slide is closed

[Route 66 Traveler]

On my dinette there is a screw that holds the back to the wall. When the slide is out the back fits flush to the wall and the screw seems tight; when the slide is in the back pulls out about 1 inch from the wall, along with the screw. They should have used a flexible screw??!! I don't worry about it anymore, but I don't sit on the dinette when the slide is in.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

On my dinette there is a screw that holds the back to the wall. When the slide is out the back fits flush to the wall and the screw seems tight; when the slide is in the back pulls out about 1 inch from the wall, along with the screw. They should have used a flexible screw??!! I don't worry about it anymore, but I don't sit on the dinette when the slide is in.

Just curious - What is a flexible screw?

[Route 66 Traveler]

Kind of a joke....When I first saw the screw was loose I did a pretty good repair, or so I thought. Once I cycled the slide in and out the screw was again pulled loose. I carefully watched the dinette when I closed the slide and when the floor raised up just before it stopped, the back of the dinette pulled away from the wall about 1 inch. When the slide is extended everything tightens itself up, so all is good.

[Marcm157]

Ah, I thought I missed some cool new device!

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

Just curious - What is a flexible screw?

I’m just saying that you lobbed a beach ball sized joke set up over the plate and I just gritted my teeth and watched it go by

[deano]

I walk and sit on our slide when closed and haven't had any problems. Maybe lucky I guess

[Parcany]

when we bought the 33rlds was told that you can walk on the slide when closed.

[sirrealone]

I generally don't. My feet feel funny when I have so I just avoid it.

[deewaltguy]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

Just curious - What is a flexible screw?

a girlfriend with a gymnastic background?

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by deewaltguy

a girlfriend with a gymnastic background?

Haha! I just spit coffee all over myself!!!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by RAurand

Really not supposed to walk on them when closed. The floor is raised a little when the slide is closed

X2........, the slide floor isn't supported when retracted. Many RV manuals reference the 'no step' rule on retracted slide floors.

I modified a couple pool noodles that I 'snug' under the slide floor when retracted in the event I step on the slide floor when loading/unloading.

I have the table/chairs option and the slide floor flexes considerably more than a slide with a U-shape dinette.

Bob

[Explorer03]

I inquired with Jayco a few years back-the question I asked was.

"Jayco Rep, I have a question regarding the use of the slide when not deployed/extended out during travel. Can the slide kitchen table area be used in the non-deployed mode? When pulled over at rest areas or other places for a quick lunch we would like to use this area. What are the guidelines/rules regarding the use of the slide?"

The response from Jayco was,
"Good morning,

There is nothing wrong with sitting inside the unit while the slide out is not extended.

You may have lunch in there.

Thank you,"

As far as Jayco is concerned you can use the slide when not deployed. I still error on the side on caution and use only when needed when not deployed.

[hoosierdome]

I have a 2018 23mrb and the manual very clearly states do not walk on the slide area when not totally extended or you may break the plywood floor as its not supported when not fully extended.

[ttavasc]

Our ORV has the same caution. We use some wedges underneath the outer edge in a couple of places to provide support so we can use it when stopped for meal breaks and we aren't able to extend it.

[hoosierdome]

Interesting I might have to try that

[deano]

If that's the case I've broken mine stepping on it . Doesn't feel broken and still works. Mine is a2016 model maybe design has changed

[ttavasc]

Originally Posted by deano

If that's the case I've broken mine stepping on it . Doesn't feel broken and still works. Mine is a2016 model maybe design has changed

You can easily check to see if yours might have the issue. When the slide is retracted lift the carpet along the edge and see if there is a gap between the floor and the bottom of the slide. If so then you probably don't want to be stepping on it or using it when retracted without some support. Without additional support the floor will sag and bow under the extra weight.

If you decide to use some wedges for support - make sure and remove them before extending the slide. I've heard they can get pulled under the edge of the slide and potentially get stuck or cause other issues. We insert one wedge right in the middle of the slideout where it will sag the most when extra weight is on it, and then one on each side lined up with the front of the dinette seats.

[deano]

Mine functions fine as designed and seals as designed. Very few steps are on that edge when in our driveway.i think stepping over that outside edge would be good practice but I think using your slide to sit down while it's in is ok for me. Or should I say employed or deployed?🤔