Slideout Jacks

Wondering how big is the use of slideout jacks. They seem like a good idea even at $70 - $80 a pair, but then something else to cart along.

Thanks.

I had heard that they were not a good idea. If your trailer shakes and the slide is held firm you could "tweak" the alignment of your slide.

We use them. They made a huge difference.
They really are not "jacks".
They are intended only as supports. The nut you turn to tighten them is even designed to be turned tight by hand.
When you extend or retract your slide it lifts up or down. There is plenty of play there IMHO.
I guess if we were at one place for 30-60 days, I might check them.
We ordered them from Tweety's. Ultrafab. Two in a box for $65.00 I think.

We have them under our two rear slides on the 31TS. We are leaving it at a campground through the summer for weekend stayovers. They do appear to provide additional stability, although, you can crank them up and open a gap at the top of the slide if you aren't careful. Easy to notice when you see daylight!

Now you guys with the jacks don't bite my head off.Every thing I have read says not to use them.Just wondering....But wouldn't you need the weight of the slide to make the seals seat.

I do fully agree. Slide outs are designed to hang. I too think it would be easy to open the top and see daylight.
I tighten them just so they are snug. Really the side to side is tires and suspension. The supports do hold the slides, but really I think just take some added weight off the tires when walking or sitting in the slide areas. I think this is where they help.
We do like ours. Our Cat model seems to have more movement than others we have been in. Maybe just the design.
Hopefully we do not have problems because of them. We just started using them this season.

Just wondering,,,, are you guys playing basketball in your slide outs??

With just the two of us old people, we don't have a need for them.

Sometimes the kids try to pass a soccer ball but usually get caught.
Really the only time the movement bothers me a little is at night. We can easily wake up to movement just from the kids rolling over in bed on the other end. When they have a friend along, they sleep on the couch. Thus support.
I also notice if we quickly set up for a short stay and maybe the slide side is a little off level and low. Side to side, then it really rocks. We don't always use the supports for just an overnight stay.
Maxtor, my goal in life is to be just two old people.
My DW and I read stories and trip journals by retired people. Can't wait, but I'm sure there is much more to it than just being retired. Not just an extended vacation.

I sure would not use them. The cost of new rails for the slide out is to much for me................ Don

azandy700 wrote:
Maxtor, my goal in life is to be just two old people.
My DW and I read stories and trip journals by retired people. Can't wait, but I'm sure there is much more to it than just being retired. Not just an extended vacation.

Your goal is admirable. It is absolutely great to be retired. I can not figure out how I had time to go to work. Every day is a new experience. Retirement is getting paid to do the things you want to do. Right now we are having our garage remodeled, so after that, we are planning a trip to the coast. Every week we take a 50-100 mile short trip in the car or truck, just to see the the beautiful areas here in the north west. Lakes, rivers, forest, desert, mountains are all within 100 miles of us. A little farther, and we are on the Pacific Ocean coast.
My job was Network Admin. for a large company, and it is great to be retired and not have the pressure of maintaining a network and the problems that occur. As you get older, time accelerates, and health becomes an issue, so it is important to retire as young as you can and travel to the places you want early while you are healthy. I have been blessed by God. My wife is my best friend, and every day is a joy. I hope retirement for you will be as good as it is for us.