RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20 
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Post by RGB on Jul 12, 2017 14:06:30 GMT -5
Hey all --
In my narrowed-down search for a Durango, I am leaning towards the Gold version 355RLT.
I do have some concerns, however, about use of the slide-out that contains the refrigerator.
If the slide-out is not working, is there a manual way to override it? ...and salvage food out of the refrigerator?
Also, for the sake of easy access at rest stops, does it require the slide to be opened with "normal" electric operation?
I can see on the floorplan of the 355RLT that the refrigerator is blocked from opening (when closed) at the center island. I
realize it ain't rocket science, but advice from users at this forum is worth a lot.
I came across this issue while watching videos on Youtube from people who commented on some of their pet peeve issues.
Any other pet peeve issues out there?
Thanks for your help.
RGB
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Post by lynnmor on Jul 12, 2017 14:25:43 GMT -5
You are questioning the right things. I would never buy an RV that doesn't allow full access with the slides in.
A gas operated fridge in a slide will have a fan due to the less efficient side venting. If you camp on battery power, that is just another small load to consider.
Usually there is a way to hand crank a slide if the motor fails.
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RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
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Post by RGB on Jul 12, 2017 14:37:07 GMT -5
Thanks, Lynnmor. I agree. Trying to think of everything is, obviously, not possible, but I still have time to look.
That is a nice convenience.
Another issue that I noticed for pet peeve topics: I wonder if people are concerned with having windows on the
camp side of their (backed-in) 5th Wheel. Some of the 5ers don't have any windows in the living/dinette side of the
trailer. However, they do have them on the "neighbor's" side of the trailer. I don't have too much interest in
looking out the window at my neighbors campground, but I would like to look out every now and then through the windows
on my side of the campground space ...at the picnic table, etc.
I guess these are the little things, but they can irritate the hell out of me later down the road, and I would rather
address them ahead of time, if possible.
Thx again.
RGB
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Post by johnr on Jul 12, 2017 15:25:44 GMT -5
Hi. There are manual ways to open most slides. The chuck should come with your RV. I would suggest investing in a quality 18V cordless drill to crank these things if it comes down to it. They should also go over how to manually open them during your PDI. Put it on your checklist to ask about in case they don't cover it.
Second, every slide I've seen will operate under battery power so you don't need to be connected to shore power unless your battery has issues.
If you have to open a slide at a truck stop, make sure you have room so you don't accidently bump into a rig sitting next to you. It does sound like an inconvenience to have to open a slide to get into the fridge.
What do you mean by "neighbor's side of the trailer"? I usually have people on both sides of me when camping. On mine, street side (kitchen and TV) has only 1 small window. Curb side (aka door side) (dinette and living room seating) has windows out the wazoo.
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RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
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Post by RGB on Jul 12, 2017 15:58:39 GMT -5
John -- "neighbor's side of the trailer" ?? What I meant was the street side. Most times, backing in, the picnic table, fire pit, etc., are on the curbside.
It would be nice, as you described, to have "windows out the wazoo" on that side. Of course, as I mentioned, these little pet peeves can easily be
overlooked. I'm just trying to stay ahead of the curve as much as possible before I pull the trigger on a 5er.
Thank you for the comments on the slider, too.
RGB
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Post by KZrider on Jul 12, 2017 18:48:45 GMT -5
I have the 355 and have no issues. Yes, you could manually crank the slide in or out in an emergency. You only have to open the slide about half way to get in the refrigerator. All runs on the 12 volt system.
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Post by Chuck on Jul 13, 2017 19:47:08 GMT -5
The frig in the G370RLT two steps up from the 355 looks as to have one side of the frig that you can get into if needed an the 370 has dining room table and theater seating with windows on the camp site (passengers Side) ... I also like the layout better than the 355 an it's only a few hundred pounds heavier UVW ... Like johnr we usually have people on both sides of us when camping, can't remember when we didn't. As well our door and all the trailers I have looked at have the entry door on the passengers/curb side of the trailers. The other side (roda/drivers side) had the power plug-in's water connections, sewer, pull handles for the dumping your tanks Like the G370 ours, road side (left)(kitchen and TV) has only 1 small window an 1 larger window the same size as whats in the the main slide, side windows, these both to left looking at the drivers side in the hallway along the steps. The the trailer in the very rear has three windows, one big window an two smaller to the right and left of the couch. The passenger side (aka door side)has windows over dinette and living room seating (recliners) an both ends of the slide .... All our windows have two shades on them, a privacy shade and a night shade, but looking at the different Durango Gold models this seems to be the norm along with the RV King Bed ... Lastly I wish this trip I would have remember the bigger drill in case I had to open a slide manually ugh !, but as stated I have two deep cell batteries an have opened an closed at least one slide using them ... Also at least with our 5th wheel there is valves in the battery compartment that you can open or close to prevent one or the either slide from opening if needed ... Chuck & Hildi out an about  |
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Post by Chuck on Jul 23, 2017 10:40:57 GMT -5
RGB Have not heard what you have decided on, would be interesting to hear your thoughts on what and why you decided on such if any Chuck and Hildi out and about in MO. |
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