RV glossary · Floorplans & features
Slide-out
Also called: Slide, Slideout
A section of the RV wall that extends outward at camp to add floor space, driven by electric or hydraulic mechanisms. Slides add weight and moving parts but make interiors much roomier.
Slide-outs can add several feet of width to a living area, bedroom or kitchen, which is why most mid-size and larger RVs have at least one. Common mechanisms include electric rack-and-pinion, cable systems and hydraulic rams; some small slides are manual.
Each slide adds weight and seals that need care: keep the rubber seals clean and conditioned, clear debris off the slide roof before retracting, and make sure the RV is level and the area outside is clear before extending. A slide topper helps keep leaves and water off.