a_flyfisher
PA and MT
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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My wife and I went to Wilkins RV in Bath, NY last Tuesday to buy a new Newmar Kountry Aire that we had ordered several months ago.
Among a number of disappointing issues with the trailer (the subject for another forum topic), the carpet was ATROCIOUS!
It looked like there were faint grease track lines from the slide-out rollers, and then larger marks where the rollers rested on the carpet with the slide-outs retracted. Someone from the dealership had apparently tried to remove some of these marks before our arrival(reportedly with a mild cleaner) and in doing so had left sizeable stains and very noticable abrasions in the carpet fabric.
In addition, there was a large dark stain in another area not caused from a slide-out (who knows where that came from), the carpet had not been vacuumed prior to our initial walk through, and to put it in a nut shell -- my wife and I were both VERY disappointed with our first Newmar and Wilkins RV experience -- not a very good way to start things off.
Anyway, we've left the Kountry Aire at the dealership for the next couple weeks to replace the carpet, along with a laundry list of other items than need to be fixed (including one hydraulic leveling jack that was leaking hydraulic fluid all over the asphalt).
My wife and I have ordered a better quality carpet from a local carpet store (I don't know why Newmar puts such cheap quality carpet in their top of the line 5th wheel??), that is a slightly darker shade than the original carpet, which may cover some of the future slide-out track marks.
However, I was wondering what, if anything, do you experienced 5th wheel owners do to protect your carpets from your slide outs? (Wilkins sells those plastic floor runner/protectors for about $50.00 per pair, but maybe there's something that would work as well for less cost.)
Thanks for your help.
John
a_flyfisher
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CA Traveler
Sun Lakes, AZ
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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I have some marks from the slide so will be watching this thread.
I guess you own the rig since you are upgrading the carpet. But I can't help but wonder why you didn't walk, period? Only if more of us walk will dealers and mfgs get the message.
2004 Holiday Rambler 36 Endeavor PST with ISC 330 Cummins
2004 Honda CR-V
Bob
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judy&frank
Seattle, WA
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Joined: 06/03/2007
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We bought slide out plastic protectors from our dealer: LifestylesRV.com north of Seattle. They have worked perfectly to protect our carpet. Yes, we also are not impressed with the quality of the carpet.
Judy and Frank and Missy (purr-person)
2001 Ford F-250 4X4 Powerstroke 7.3L Extended Cab Long Bed
Crossroads Cruiser 28RL double slide 5th wheel
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CactusJohn
Scottsdale, AZ
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Joined: 03/23/2008
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I bought the Slide-out Slickers from Tweety's, but I see that RVWholesalers.com now has them for a cheaper price, $28.56 per pair.
2007 Ameri-Camp Summit Ridge SF27RK 5er
2008 F250 Lariat SuperCab, 6.4L PSD
Reese 16K Kwik-Slide with BedSaver
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a_flyfisher
PA and MT
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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A fellow on the Newmar owners forum said that some people cut stips with tin shears from those plastic chair pads. They have cleats on the bottom that keep them from slipping on the carpet. I just might try that.
John
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ALBE
Kelowna B.C.
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Joined: 08/30/2006
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We have a 07 32 lksa cypress ,small pressure points from the slides, but disappear shortly after opening. We looked at at lot of upper end units,carpet was not a strong point.Great fiver.
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ralexis
Flagstaff, AZ
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Joined: 12/09/2003
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We went a sheet metal shop and had them cut out some aluminum plates about 6"x24" and we place them under the rollers before retracting the slide. When the slide is out we stow them. Works great. My buddy made his from aluminum street signs..... no class!
LSU Tiger Fan
Retired U.S. Air Force
Pretty good Cajun Cook
Fair Skeet Shooter
Over-the-Hill Skiier
One Lovely Wife
Two Ugly Sons
Six Beautiful Grandkids
One Lucky Dog
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08f450psd
Westminster, Maryland
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Joined: 12/24/2007
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Second on Slide-Out Slickers, and I even bought mine from Tweety's.
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craftyfox
Texas
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Joined: 08/12/2006
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I purchased two packages of disposable cutting boards at the dollar store..2 per package for $1 a package. They are thin, flexible and pretty sturdy plastic. I punched holes in the sides at the top of each sheet and fastened two together with twisty ties. Slip these under the rollers before closing the slide and remove after opening..so far they work great with only a $2 investment.
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Turbo Diesel Dude
Green Mountain, NC
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Joined: 01/10/2005
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I have no slide track issues with my Holiday Rambler Savoy LX. Had to drive a couple of staples at carpet edge back down is all.
charles weidman
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