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Topic: Slide outs crumple at 20 mph impact (Read 230 times) previous topic - next topic
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Slide outs crumple at 20 mph impact
I was reading up on RV safety, and the posts here about seatbelts.  I read that slide outs cannot withstand a collision over 20 mph.  So slides on motorhomes leave occupants very vulnerable.  Also, class A motorhome cabs do not have to meet the same crash safety standards of cars, trucks and other vehicles.  So, in my opinion, it's better to have a motorhome with a truck cab because of the safety requirements.
Google 2020
“ In Class A RVs, the front seat belts need to meet federal standards. However, the front compartment itself does not have to meet any crash standards and may not be crash tested. Some RVs do not have an adequate number of seat belts for the number of occupants.”
What You Need to Know About RV Slide Rooms - AxleAddict

Are RVs Crash Tested? 3 Examples You Should Know

SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Slide outs crumple at 20 mph impact
Reply #1 –
I've said it many many times.   Auto/Light Truck regulations do not apply to Medium/Heavy Duty Trucks and RV's.   The RV industry has been successful at keeping themselves under a different set of rules.   Sadly most folks buying RV assume they have the same level of protection that the car buying public has. 

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Slide outs crumple at 20 mph impact
Reply #2 –
I first learned about the differences in RV safety about 25 years ago from the RV Consumer Group while researching my first RV.  That’s when I decided on a class C versus a class A, and that’s when I discovered Lazy Daze.  So glad I did!

Class A - RV Consumer Group

Class C - RV Consumer Group
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Slide outs crumple at 20 mph impact
Reply #3 –
And yet, the liability insurance for my 2005 25' Class C motorhome is only $98/year. Compare that to my 2002 Toyota Camry's $220/year - a 3500lb car vs a 14,000 lb "truck". At least for Class C motorhomes, it suggest they have far fewer accidents than Camrys, given that their 4x weight that can cause far more damage. I suspect the same applies to Class A models, but I don't have any prices for their liability insurance.

I read the slide out safety article, and did not see any documentation of their safety: no controlled crash tests, no careful analysis of crashes, just opinion and speculation, really. Most(?) of the big RVs aren't driven a lot miles a year, so perhaps, not being as crashworthy as a car doesn't expose the owners to much risk/year. And I really don't know how much better the Class C is in crashes, either: is the cab really built and tested to federal standards for a 14,000 lb vehicle, and not to the standard for 8000 lb van? I suspect it is better, but that's just my guess. I bought it becuase it really fits my needs, and the slide-out adds a lot of comfort for long stays. Riskier than no slide? I don't know, but it's certainly worth some extra risk.
2005 Jayco 24SS