ReneeG
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 07/13/2005
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We are currently looking at fifth wheels, two different models of the same manufacturer. One has hydraulic slides and the other has electric. Our current TT has an electric slide and the only "problem" we've had with it was being squeaky but dry lube minimized that. So here are my questions:
1. Which is better and why? Of course those of you who have only had one or the other wouldn't be able to answer this.
2. Which lasts longer. You'll only know this if you've had your rig for quite a few years. Our current rig is 4 years old with no problem.
3. What about maintenance on hydraulics?
Thanks!
2011 Bighorn 3055RL
2011 F350 SD CC DRW 6.7L Diesel Lariat, Hensley BD3 with Ford Under-Bed Adaptor
Dave & Renee plus (Champ & Molly in spirit), Missy, Maggie, and now Paris!
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Corkey05
Washington State
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Joined: 06/04/2005
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I can't speak for or against either because I've never had anything but electric.
I can share that A fellow camper just had one h**l of a mess in his bays recently from a hydraulic slide failure. Oil everywhere, and lost some gear.
I have always liked the hydraulics until I saw the aftermath of this failure. (I think I still do).
2008 HR Endeavor PDQ - Blazer 4 Down
FMCA F374292
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deereone
NE
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Joined: 12/20/2005
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We have had both electric and hydraulic operated slides. Our older electric slides held up fine and were quite. Our present electric slide is one noisy piece and slow. I would hate to run it in early in the morning if a near by unit still had folks sleeping. We only had one hydraulic unit with dual slides, it also worked fine and was very quite. I have heard several on the newer RV's with electric slides that are noisy. I would not buy another one if it was noisy like the one we have now.
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fpresto
Maryland
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Joined: 08/01/2007
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I have had both. Both did the job for me which is open and close. Maintenance was no different on either. I would not base my purchase on either type. Since you are looking at two different models I would get the one that had the features I preferred and not base it on the type of slide motor.
USN Retired
2007 Cedar Creek 30 RLSTS
2008 F350, DRW, V-10, B&W hitch,
Pressure Pro, JT Strongarms
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Duck
Miami Lakes, Fl
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We have had both hydraulic and electric slides. They both gave me good service without any problems. The hydraulic slides move in and out with less effort.
Don
08-FORD F350 PSD
08-Hitchhiker II 34.5 UKSBG
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Wayne Dohnal
Bend, OR.
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Joined: 03/09/2003
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IMO hydraulic slides are kind of like computers. When they're working right they are wonderful. When something goes wrong, you might have a big mess and/or problem to deal with.
2009 Fleetwood Icon 24A
Honda Fit dinghy with US Gear brake system
LinkPro battery monitor - EU2000i generator
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ernestfortier
Palmdale, Calif.
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I had a TT with Hydraulics. My MH has electric. Best thing about the electric one is if something happens to it there is a mechanism that I can manually retract the slide. If something happens to the hydraulic slide you are out of luck and need a mobile mechanic to come out to where you are.
Ernie Fortier
99 Bounder 34V
2 honda 2K paralled (for economy)
5.5 Onan onboard
96 Geo Tracker 4x4 Auto. convertable
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camperpaul
Wherever I park my travel trailer
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I'm an advocate of NO Slides.
I have seen too many times when a camper is getting ready leave the campground and his slides won't retract due to either equipment failure or (in winter) ice and snow.
Paul
Ham Radio - K9ERG (since 1956)
Was a campground host at IBSP (2006-2010) - now retired.
Single - Full-timer
2005 Four Winds 29Q
1982 6.2L Diesel Suburban 1500
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Duck
Miami Lakes, Fl
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ernestfortier wrote:I had a TT with Hydraulics. My MH has electric. Best thing about the electric one is if something happens to it there is a mechanism that I can manually retract the slide. If something happens to the hydraulic slide you are out of luck and need a mobile mechanic to come out to where you are.
Not 100% true. We have two hydraulic slides on our current trailer and they can be brought in with a drill and 1/4 bit if there is a problem with the hydraulic system.
Don
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ernestfortier
Palmdale, Calif.
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Duck wrote:ernestfortier wrote:I had a TT with Hydraulics. My MH has electric. Best thing about the electric one is if something happens to it there is a mechanism that I can manually retract the slide. If something happens to the hydraulic slide you are out of luck and need a mobile mechanic to come out to where you are.
Not 100% true. We have two hydraulic slides on our current trailer and they can be brought in with a drill and 1/4 bit if there is a problem with the hydraulic system.
Don
Might not be 100% true but if you blow a hydraulic line then all the drill is going to do is pump all the fluid out to the ground or into the RV. The only thing the drill will be good for is if the hydraulic motor goes out. There is a lot more to a hydraulic system than the main motor.
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