Enormous Slide-Out Camper Floor Plans with 3 to 4 Slides
No matter what type of travel you prefer, you can probably find a camper that fits the bill. Some people want something that’s small and easy to pull. Other people want something that feels more like a home, with all of the features and luxuries you can imagine. Especially for those with large families or for people who will be spending several months (or more) living out of their RVs, enormous slide-out campers with a variety of roomy floor plans can provide the comfort you’re looking for.
Benefits of a Slide-Out Camper
Slide outs (aka slides, slide rooms, tip outs, or bump-outs) are used to increase the room available within a travel trailer or RV. They can be found in just about every size of camper from small pop-ups and teardrops to luxurious RVs.
In general, slide-outs are found in the sides or the rear of the rig with mechanisms that allow you to extend out and retract them back in to make the unit compact for traveling. The mechanisms can be manual and operate via a system of cables and pullies. However, more commonly in today’s RVs, you’ll find electric systems or hydraulics that operate with the simple push of a button. Hydraulic side-outs are more complex, but they’re also more powerful, so they can handle larger, heavier slides than electric versions, which operate with a small motor.
Rack and pinon slides (aka electric through-frame slides) tend to be the most popular as they have fewer movable parts that can break, require minimal force to operate, and are flush with the main floor. This is important as there’s a minimal bump in the floor when the slide is open or closed. They do, however, take up more room than some other options.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Slide-Out Campers
One of the biggest benefits of a slide-out camper is more living space. You may also be able to save money and have more flexibility with towing as slide-outs offer additional room even if you choose a shorter or smaller trailer. Slide-outs can also add more light and ventilation for units if they have windows in the sidewalls.
There are, however, also drawbacks of a slide-out camper. For one, there’s an added layer of complexity. Slides can fail or break, especially if they aren’t properly maintained. They need regular maintenance to ensure they stay aligned, lubricated, and sealed to prevent leaks or mechanical failures.
Another drawback is reduced insulation within the slides, which could make it more difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures when they’re extended.
Finally, sliders add additional weight, so you may need a larger vehicle to pull the slide-out camper, or you may need to cut back on your gear. This can also affect how well the trailer performs on the road.
Slide-Out Camper Maintenance
Because of the complexity of the moving parts, electrical components, and perhaps hydraulics, regular maintenance is required to ensure the slide-out remains trouble-free. Maintenance includes:
- Cleaning out the dirt and grime that can build up from road travel and storage. Clean it thoroughly after storing as well as before and after your next trip. This is also a good time to inspect it for any damage to the paneling or seals or fraying cables.
- Lubrication can help prevent excess wear and tear from the friction of all the moving parts. It can also prevent seals from tearing, which can lead to leaks. After cleaning, use rubber seal lubricants that are designed for your seals, so they don’t damage the rubber or lead to dirt build-up. However, before using a lubricant, check with the recommended maintenance. Some slides only need to be cleaned and don’t need extra lubrication on the rails.
- Check for alignment issues and ensure the gears and rails close evenly from side to side and top to bottom. If it is out of alignment, make adjustments immediately to prevent damage.
Your system may need further maintenance if it has hydraulics, electric motors, or cable drivers.
Slide-Out Camper Floor Plans
Slide-out campers come in all shapes and sizes. But if you’re traveling with a large family or friend group or you’ll be living in your slide-out camper for an extended vacation, a bit more room can be a lot more comfortable. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Jayco Eagle 338RETS: These large luxury travel campers offer a comfortable master bedroom with a queen (or king) bed with slide out. So you have plenty of room for the family to spread out, providing all the comfort of home away from home. The slide-outs on both sides of the living area provide room for a comfortable trifold sofa to relax and watch movies or play games, a spacious kitchen with rolling island option, and an area to dine. You’ll also find a well-equipped bath with shower and even room for a washer and dryer.
- Grand Designs Reflection 315RLTS: No matter where the adventure takes you, this slide-out camper will take you there in style and comfort. It’s been tested to withstand temperatures as low as zero and soaring over 100. There are several models available. The 315RLTS version comes with a spacious plan and three full slide-outs, which allow for a queen (or king) bed with wardrobe and underbed storage. The bathroom is large and feels even bigger with the skylight and glass door. A second and third slide out on opposite sides expand the kitchen, living, and dining space, so there’s plenty of room to spread out for the whole family.
- Palomino Puma 31RLQS: Similar in layout to the Grand Design, this rig offers ample room and an open floor plan. It also provides a larger bathroom with linen closet, plush recliners, comfortable carpeting, and room for the whole family to gather in comfort.
Other enormous slide-out campers with 3 to 4 slides to consider include:
All of these options offer similar comfort and features with a variety of floor plans to suit your preferences and budget.
