Slide Out in MC5A

[Fredward]

I really like the 35 foot length, but sometimes it would be nice to have a little more width in the living room. I'm familiar with screw drive slide mechanisms and cutting tools. Structurally speaking can you cut a hole in the side of a 5A with a roof raise maybe 8 feet long without compromising the strength of the rig? I know you wouldn't cut a hole in the side of a 4104. But the strength in an MCI is where? Also, not sure where I'd anchor the slide mechanisms because of all the plumbing running down the middle of the coach under the center isle.

Might be an interesting winter project next year. Might not be. 

Fred

[Tom Y]

Fred, They will tell you no because the strength is the wall. That being said I think some have done it to MCIs. There is a Prevost by me that they are putting double 32 foot slides in. With them both out it is HUGE. Tom Y

[Ncbob]

Fred, I wouldn't want to be one to dim your dream but looking around my 5A this morning these thoughts passed my mind......

It could only be done on the drivers' side (if the construction of the bus would allow it) in the 90-92" of the old side window.  Wheel well considered the depth of the slide out would be controlled by the interior
bulkhead of the  old condenser compartment.  Inside of the bulkhead there are air and coolant lines under the floor which you wouldn't want to disturb.

Personally, I wouldn't attempt it for fear of creating a parts or donor bus out of what has been a lengthy and expensive re-conversion...but then wifey and I are quite happy with the way things are....you might have a larger family.

regards,

NCbob

[Stan]

A MC-5 is not a good model for a slide out but anything is possible with enough money. If you are really serious, start with a structural engineer to get an idea of what structural changes are required. I don't think he would recommend the change, based strictly on the cost.

[jjrbus]

 Early on in my conversion I had the opertunity to be with some very talented people. They explained to me how I could put a slideout on my MCI5C. Where I cut out the wall I would have to build (I belive they called it a chase) in the bay area.
In other words the structure you remove from the wall is going to have to be put under the opening. What happens is you lose access to one side of the bay! No way am I giving up any bay space. Plus there is a time element, do I want to work on my bus or use it?
There was an outfit that would build you a slideout, but big$$$$$$$

[Fredward]

Yah I am not fixated on the thought of doing it. It was mostly one of those "how hard could it be" type of thoughts. I prefer to be able to just use it, not work on it all the time. That's why I bought one that was mostly done. But my wife frequently mentions the lack of space compared to our 30' fifth wheel. We'll just reconfigure the floor plan a little and see how it goes. I'd still much rather travel in the bus than in the pickup and once we arrive at our destination we are outside anyway.

Thanks guys.