Slide Out Support - 2023 Micro Minnie 2108DS

[DEWEY-WO]

We own a 2023 Micro Minnie 2108DS, and have read many posts related to slide out issues. IMO, many of these issues are a result of hanging so much weight on a fairly light duty slide out mechanism (SchwinTek). Two things the dealer emphasized during the handover was, do not sit in the dinette when retracted and do not travel with more than a half tank of fresh water.

When the dinette is retracted, the only support provided is the four little gears holding the outside slide flange tight against the wall. Never mind sitting in it, think of the stresses of that unsupported inside edge constantly bouncing up and down during transit. I started noticing the lower rear edge sliding out about 1/2 inch after driving awhile. We've also caught ourselves at times, sitting down in the dinette during parking lot stay-overs.

So now we carry a couple woodworking hand clamps configured as spreaders to brace the slide inside edge so that we can at least use it while retracted. Next season, we will attempt to use them while traveling. I'll fabricate some plywood squares with a rubber surface to spread the stress and protect the floor.

Hope this helps others with similar issues.

 

[MrJohn-WO]

Great idea!

I have seen this person use Camco Save-A-Steps:

Others use Yoga Blocks and other shims (link from other models):
Blocks for holding up slideout while in. - iRV2 Forums

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Vroom

When I upgraded to the Vroom slide system the first thing I asked was whether you can sit in the slide when retracted, and was assured I can sit in the slide when retracted
This was the game changer for me!
Bill

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I added wooden blocks with caster wheels to mine:

More details in this post.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

The couch slide comes with similar casters and they dug into the Congoleum floor before the Vroom system was installed. I wish the original system used wider casters to spread the load on the floor
Bill

 

[RonW58]

Caster details

I added wooden blocks with caster wheels to mine:

More details in this post.

Could you provide more details of how you install and type of hardware, would like to do this with the wide rollers. Thanks Ron

 

[Camper1-WO]

I just ran across this thread, and I am wondering if this has been an issue for multiple years on the Micro Minnie's?

I believe what you stated Dewey, but I find it very hard to believe that Winnebago Inc would agree with the dealer when he told you to not sit in the dinette when retracted and to not travel with more than a half tank of fresh water.

For my 2021, 2108 TB, the freshwater tank has nothing to do with the slide. Weird!
Since yours is a 2023 Dewey, I assume this problem existed in previous years. So, has everyone made these slide support mods, OR, do most Micro Minnie owners simply never sit in their slide when retracted?

I do use the storage area under the dinette seats, so maybe I have to stop using this area to store stuff?

Great ideas on the slide support mods!

 

[DEWEY-WO]

Camper1, Sorry for the confusion. I was just stating the two recommendations made by the dealership. No connection to each other.

That said, if you search this site you will find examples of deficiencies in these two areas. As such, I never travel with more than a 25% load of water and never sit in the dinette unsupported.

 

[Camper1-WO]

Thanks for clarifying Dewey!!

Yes, I will do more searching on the Micro Minnie slide issues, but I'm hoping more folks jump in on this thread regarding their slides.

Regarding the water tank on these Micro Minnie's, I have read some of the very unfortunate stories of water tanks falling out all the way, or falling partially out, because of the sub-par construction & supports performed at the Winnebago factory. I took these stories to heart and welded the existing angle iron support onto the frame (because the existing small self-tapping bolts were obviously not sufficient) and also welded a new length of angle iron, about 18" back from the factory angle iron support just to be safe.

So far so good, especially after my last off-road adventure!

Thanks again!

 

[RovingMedics]

reinforcing the fresh water tank is on our list too. did you happen to document the process anywhere?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

reinforcing the fresh water tank is on our list too. did you happen to document the process anywhere?

Here is what I did: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/eatsleepwoof-gets-a-winnie.243102/page-9#post-3184755.

 

[RayIN]

According to RVIA standards a water tank support must be able to support a full fresh water tank while traveling.
The RVIA organization adopted the NFPA 1192 RV standards by incorporation. One does not have to join the NFPA to read or download the standards.

 

[rob v-WO]

Thanks for sharing - was that angle iron support that's on the bottom side of the chloroplast supporting the tank done by the factory or was that an add on ? I would think that support together with those around the perimeter of the tank would be plenty to support the tank ?

 

[rob v-WO]

Here is what I did: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/eatsleepwoof-gets-a-winnie.243102/page-9#post-3184755.

thanks for sharing - looks good. Was that angle iron supporting the centre of the tank added by the company ? I don't think my unit has that support on it. I'll have to double check the next time I'm at my units storage facility. What model do you have ?

 

[IdahoHunter]

We own a 2023 Micro Minnie 2108DS, and have read many posts related to slide out issues. IMO, many of these issues are a result of hanging so much weight on a fairly light duty slide out mechanism (SchwinTek). Two things the dealer emphasized during the handover was, do not sit in the dinette when retracted and do not travel with more than a half tank of fresh water.

When the dinette is retracted, the only support provided is the four little gears holding the outside slide flange tight against the wall. Never mind sitting in it, think of the stresses of that unsupported inside edge constantly bouncing up and down during transit. I started noticing the lower rear edge sliding out about 1/2 inch after driving awhile. We've also caught ourselves at times, sitting down in the dinette during parking lot stay-overs.

So now we carry a couple woodworking hand clamps configured as spreaders to brace the slide inside edge so that we can at least use it while retracted. Next season, we will attempt to use them while traveling. I'll fabricate some plywood squares with a rubber surface to spread the stress and protect the floor.

Hope this helps others with similar issues.

Thanks for your post. I finally decided to use your solution with one small modification. It looks like you are pushing up on the slide's edge piece, and I found that if I attached a 3"x4" piece of 3/4" plywood in the corner of the underside of the slide's floor, then I can push on the bottom of the floor. The 3/4" thickness on the bottom of the floor is just enough to put the wood clamp's pad on that plywood piece without touching the trim edge around the slide.

Main reason I chose your solution is to avoid having anything permanently attached to the slide once I get to my camping spot. This way I just remove the clamps, and there are not objects sticking down under the slide when we run the slide out.