Jim,
My 2005 PT has a similar support and ram system. When fully extended there is a slight bow, but when slightly retracted, no bow. I do extend all the way all the time because when on the east coast, noticed some water seepage into MH during a very heavy rain. Went to the control and extended slide, somehow it had not been fully extended and leakage stopped. Presently have over 165,000 miles on this coach and it still works quite well. One thing I was told by the person who did our walk-through in Bend (coach also built in Bend) told us to not put too much weight in those hanging compartments, so that is where I carry my black and gray drain hoses and parts in a plastic bin, and my excess electrical cords, plus some other lightweight items.
Roy Warren