Level then Slides vs Slides then Level?

[ripwild]

With the auto-levelers, do you deploy slides then auto-level, or start with auto level and then deploy slides?

Which one, and why?

 

[Fishstick8]

Auto level then slides because that is what Jayco says in manual.

Makes sense to me. The chassis moves around a lot on a level. Would put more forces on the slide if they are out with the movement of leveling. Could hurt something with slide track or something maybe?

 

[JD99301]

I always level first because it is what I was taught...I guess the theory is it is less stress on the slide gear from a level coach. The down side is that it seems that even on concrete, my coach ends up slightly low on the side with the slides after all is done, but I prefer that as water drains away from the coach in heavy rain.

I try to never adjust level after slides are out, just because I think the flex that is in nearly every RV could put something out of alignment, but won't say I haven't done it.

On the other side of the issue, my jacks failed as we were leaving on our two month trip (fixed now), and I used my slides regardless as I looked around and saw a lot of rigs who had slides and no jacks.

 

[dauphintraveler]

We always level first. Then the utilities get hooked up, then I get anything I need from the compartments on the side with the slides. The last action is to extend the slides and put the pool noodles on the bottom edges. Doing it this way there should be no bending or flexing of the coach as the slides deploy.

 

[DonaandDon]

X2 on auto level first (after verifying shore power for us glampers).

 

[ripwild]

Great input! I agree with unloading hatches under the slides before deploying them!

Many years of bumper pull trailers; just starting with a Class C!

Thanks all.

 

[gprapim]

We always level first. Then the utilities get hooked up, then I get anything I need from the compartments on the side with the slides. The last action is to extend the slides and put the pool noodles on the bottom edges. Doing it this way there should be no bending or flexing of the coach as the slides deploy.

Why the pool noodles ?

 

[JimD]

1. Generator on (I mostly boondock).
2. Auto level.
3. Extend slide.
4. Raise Direct TV dish.
5. Extend awning.
6. Generator off.
7. Do all the other crap the wife makes me do.
8. Relax.

The reason for running the generator while doing all these things is that the levelers and slide suck a lot of battery juice and I don't want to start my boondocking trip with batteries that are already down a bit.

I also sometimes will adjust my level during the stay. Seems the auto levelers have the front end down just a bit so I bring it up. I have tried the auto leveler calibration but that has never seemed to do anything.

 

[Screwby]

Why the pool noodles ?

Keeps you from smacking your head on the sharp edges of the slide once they are extended.

 

[RetiredOne]

I always level first because it is what I was taught...I guess the theory is it is less stress on the slide gear from a level coach. The down side is that it seems that even on concrete, my coach ends up slightly low on the side with the slides after all is done, but I prefer that as water drains away from the coach in heavy rain.

I don't have auto-level, and use lego blocks. But I noticed, like you, that if level before the slide goes out, the suspension sags a little and it leans to the slide side.

So, now when I level, I set the slide side up an inch or two, then after I send the slide out, it will set close to level.

 

[gprapim]

Keeps you from smacking your head on the sharp edges of the slide once they are extended.

Ah-ha !!

 

[MrJackSprat-JAY]

1. Generator on (I mostly boondock).
2. Auto level.
3. Extend slide.
4. Raise Direct TV dish.
5. Extend awning.
6. Generator off.
7. Do all the other crap the wife makes me do.
8. Relax.

The reason for running the generator while doing all these things is that the levelers and slide suck a lot of battery juice and I don't want to start my boondocking trip with batteries that are already down a bit.

I also sometimes will adjust my level during the stay. Seems the auto levelers have the front end down just a bit so I bring it up. I have tried the auto leveler calibration but that has never seemed to do anything.

My #7 is crack open a beer, then continue!

 

[Camper_bob]

On my coach, auto-level requires coach motor to be running and parking brake engaged. If coach motor is running, slides/awning cannot move (in or out). So if I'm going to use my jacks (which I almost always do), I really need to drop them first. Otherwise, I have to turn off the motor to run the slides, then turn on the motor to run the jacks, and that just doesn't make sense.

So when we pull in, the first order of business is to auto-level so I can turn off the motor.

 

[Forelyndogs]

I would have to go back and read the manual, but I’m almost certain it specifically states that you “level first” and then extend the slides.

 

[Thomson-JAY]

Jayco manual says only open the slides when the RV is level. Else, you will damage the slides/mechanism and void the warranty

 

[sasiki]

I unhook, level, then do everything else. Gotta start with a good foundation.

 

[ralett]

On our 2018 Seneca, the rear slide always hangs if I level before extending that slide. So, rear slide goes out first, then I level, then the front slide goes out. That's what works for our rig...

 

[Farris7]

I agree- Level, power, chairs, slides. In that order

 

[berwin]

Take a small pool noodle, cut into 18-24" lengths (note a steak knife is perfect for this). Run the knife down the hole until you've cut the noodle on one side all the way down. Cut a v notch in the middle so it will bend easily. snap onto your slides at the corners. If this sounds complicated, by the 2nd or 3rd campsite (at the latest) you'll see plenty of examples around you.

 

[berwin]

Some people say level, run out the slides, and then level again. I don't bother with the second leveling.