Should I not add weight to slide-out?

2019 2451 with Lippert Schwintech slides

I plan to remove the dining table and cushions to build a cat-scape (hang-out/play area for cats). How careful must I be to not add weight? I do not want to affect slide-out operation.

Hi Teresa,


I saw your question when you initially posted it, but I thought I would let someone with the same brand of slide respond. My slides are LiftCo.


1st thought that comes to mind is find the model number on the slide and search for it on the Lippert web pages to see if they publish a weight limit. I bet Phoenix knows it as well.. They can probably tell you how heavy the slides are fitted out with furniture, cabinets, etc when installed.


I know the forum was just upgraded and was unavailable off and on,,, so maybe someone else will contribute their thoughts here as well when they come back in force.   Here's my brain dump on this:


I would think your feline playground would be ok within reason as long as you don't add a large amount of weight. Here's why... You're removing tables and  cushions, you instantly can add that same weight in playground equipment. Also, consider that some floorplans (I don't know yours, so I'll be generic here) have passenger seating with 2 sets of seat belts in the dinette or in the recliners.  Each out those must be rated for a full size adult... Probably 250 to 300lbs each.   Those same adults would be in those seats when the slide is IN and the RV in motion, or When OUT and the RV is parked.  Some floorplans have a fridge loaded with food so I know the weight limits can be higher.


However, that is not a free pass to instantly add 500 lbs of playground. LOL... Extra weight is stress on the slide and more mass for you to push down the road which impacts your mileage and the weight distribution of the RV.    Also keep in mind the slide is strongest when IN for 2 reasons,,,, the outer shell is pressed against the outside wall of the RV and the weight is evenly distributed on the wall connections and the inside rollers. It is second strongest OUT because the inner shell of the slide is pressed against the RV inner wall. However the weight is mostly on the RV wall and only a small amount in the inner rollers. It basically shifts the weight out and why you never want to move the RV with a slide OUT.


It is least strong when part way IN or OUT since it does not have that wall contact for stability... It's basically floating and can twist or bind up. A huge reason to NOT move the RV.


If I was in your shoes I would target keeping it under 100 lbs as that should be plenty for a playground and allow for a litter box, some luggage or food/beverages to be stored in the same area while traveling.. and leave room for some humans to play with the cats in the playground. I would also attach the playground firmly to the frames of the dinette seating as they are designed for passengers in motion and they are attached to the floor of the slide.  This avoids putting holes in the slide itself because there are restrictions where things can be mounted in the slide shell. The walls are likely NOT designed for mounting heavy objects.  (which is probably why the cabinets are small).


I know 100lbs is well under 500...but if I was in your shoes that would be my goal. I'd hope 100lbs is plenty, albeit I've never built a catscape... at least not yet!


I would love to see photos when done and hear how much weight it added up to.


Hope this was helpful,
Larry

I agree with Larry 100%.

I have no slide-outs so keep that in-mind..... but.....

It makes sense to me, to remove the dinette cushions and the base storage drawers, and leave the dinette structure alone.  Build your kitty world around it, utilizing the dinette structure for support and anchoring.

I can't imagine whatever you come up with, would stress the slide-out mechanism.  Unlike the couch, the dinette structure is feather-light so removing it won't save you much weight.  Between the dinette structure and your kitty world together, it would likely be about the weight of a recliner/sleeper couch system.  Just be selective on your building materials.  Use 3/8" plywood instead of 3/4" plywood.... that kind of thinking.  Particle board is tempting to use because it costs less, but it is very heavy.

Keeping the dinette structure would also make resale much easier.  Just clean up everything, plug your kitty world mounting holes, reinstall the drawers and cushions, and you are ready to resell.