If your RV is leaning to one side, it can cause a problem for your road trip. Keeping your RV level with the ground is an important part of traveling safely. If everything is working correctly, you shouldn’t notice any leaning in your RV.
Fortunately, the problem is usually a simple fix if your RV is leaning. Some people can fix this problem independently, but others must visit a mechanic when their RV leans to one side.
Is Your RV Leaning To One Side?
Please continue reading to learn everything you need about why your RV leans to one side. In addition, we will discuss everything you should do when this happens.
People enjoy RVs with a slide-out so they can have plenty of room when they stop in one spot. However, slide-out problems happen occasionally, which can be a downer while you travel. The main two reasons your RV leans to one side is that your slide-out isn’t working right. Below, we will discuss slide-out issues and how you can identify them.
2. Worn Out Springs
If the springs on your RV slide out wear down, you’ll have trouble closing each door. Your RV slide-out springs can only handle a specified amount of weight that you can find in your user manual. If you exceed this weight limit, you’ll need to replace your worn-out springs so you can use your slide-out normally.
3. Slide out Isn’t Closed
You must ensure that your slide-out clicks when restoring your RV to its road settings. It’s common for people not to realize that they didn’t click their slide out into place when closing up shop. If your slide-out doesn’t close all the way, your RV will tilt to one side instead of staying level with the ground.
How To Fix Your RV Slide Out?
When you experience RV slide-out problems, it will be difficult for you to drive your RV safely. Unfortunately, when your slide-out doesn’t work right, you can end up stranded in one spot until you resolve the problem. Follow these steps to fix your RV slide out so you can hit the road on a level surface.
- Add lubricant to your slide-out: if you don’t add oil or Lube to your slide-out parts, it’s easy for them to get stuck in one place. If you hear any creaking when you move your slide out, you should add Lube to resolve this problem.
- Check for any slide-out jams: if you own an RV, you spend plenty of time outdoors. It’s not uncommon for sticks or other debris to get trapped in your RV slide-out. Look out for any of these obstructions and remove them to click your slide-out back into place.
- Check your RV power supply: many Arby’s use electricity to power the slide-outs because manual slide-outs are hard to deal with. You should check your RV battery for life if you have an electric slide-out. You may be at the end of your battery lifespan and require a replacement.
- Replace your RV slide-out springs: if you add too much weight to your RV slide-out, you will wear out your springs. Fortunately, these springs are easy to replace. If you need to replace your springs, it would be best to go to a mechanic to perform this job. DIY RV projects can take time to manage.
RV slide-out problems are extremely common, and they’re the leading cause of your RV leaning to one side.
Is It Safe to Drive While RV Leans?
Unfortunately, if you notice your RV leaning to one side, you shouldn’t operate it until you fix the problem. Driving an RV that isn’t level to the ground can cause a vehicle accident and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. For example, if you make a turn while driving in a slanted RV, you can topple your RV over and cause serious injury.
Whenever you operate a vehicle, you should always be cautious of any vehicle problems you encounter. If you drive a vehicle that isn’t safe, you can cause harm to yourself and others on the road. Always fix your slide-out issues before hitting the road in your RV so that nobody gets hurt. You may need to tow your vehicle to a mechanic in this situation.
What To Do When You Notice Your RV Leaning?
If you notice your RV leaning while driving, you should immediately pull over and call roadside assistance. You should not continue driving when your RV is not level with the ground. You never know when you’ll encounter a sharp turn that can cause your RV to topple while driving.
Depending on where you live, driving an RV with faulty springs can be illegal due to roadside hazards. Some laws are put in place to protect people while they drive, and laws about vehicle maintenance are included.
What To Do If Your Slide Out Won’t Close?
If your RV slide-out doesn’t close, you should check for any jams or debris before you hit the road. It would be best never to drive while your slide-out doesn’t click into place. Otherwise, your slide-out couldn’t open in the middle of the road and hurt somebody.
If you drive with the slide-out extended, you’ll have to repair any vehicles you damage on the road. Additionally, it’s unlikely that your RV slide-out will survive this situation. Replacing your RV slide-out can cost thousands of dollars. Many insurance companies won’t cover an accident if you cause the situation.
Final Thoughts
If your RV leans to one side, it’s likely because the springs on your vehicle no longer function how they’re supposed to. Putting too much weight on your RV for an extended period can cause your springs to give out. Your RV can also lean to one side if your slide-out isn’t pushed in all the way while driving.
Operating an RV that doesn’t stay level with the ground is unsafe. RVs are larger than regular vehicles and more susceptible to falling over on a tight curve.
