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Old 05-01-2016, 10:36 AM   #1
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Rain & Slides

When we bought our trailer and used it last fall, we didn't have to deal with any weather to speak of. As of now, it looks like we're going to be in some rain at least for the first few days of our trip beginning this weekend.

We don't have slide toppers. I realize the awning can keep the kitchen slide dry, as long as winds aren't too strong, preventing us from using it. So if I have to pack up to move to next city, and the slide is wet, how much effort do I need to put in to dry it? Do you guys dry them at all? Do the weather strips dry them enough when retracting them? Just wondering if there are any tricks I don't know.
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Old 05-01-2016, 10:47 AM   #2
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Steve,

I'm new to slides too. My previous TT didn't have one. One suggestion I've read, several times over the winter, is that you can raise or lower your tongue a little bit before stowing to let the water run off. You still have to get the debris off though. I'll be looking forward to the responses you get as I can learn something too.

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Old 05-01-2016, 10:50 AM   #3
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Well this is what I do. I have a washing brush with an extendable handle. I will get on the roof and use an old beach towel and put around the brush and wipe it dry. Now if its raining when you are ready to leave we just pull it in and put a beach towel on top at each end or I will use a three step ladder and wipe it down after I bring it in. I think the rubber seals should take the majority of the water off though.
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Old 05-01-2016, 11:09 AM   #4
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The seals are designed to wipe them off as they come in, but some do a better job than others. Try your particular rv then you'll know what has to be done. This is the 1st one with toppers we've owned, on the past 2 we never had a problem with the slides bringing in water. As mentioned above raise/lower the front to dump the excess water before retracting the slides.
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Old 05-01-2016, 11:19 AM   #5
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Thanks for all the advise...will try them.
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:32 PM   #6
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I've owned two different Cruisers, 2 slides then 3 slides, all with toppers. Over 12 yrs of use, I've never cleaned the slide roofs or tried to dry off the side walls prior to retracting a slide. The main slide topper can easily have a puddle of several gallons of rain water that will dump off as the slide retracts, again no problem. I've never had water inside after retracting the slides.

If you have Schwintek slides, you may have rain water collecting on the silver slide guides and getting inside when the slides are open since the wiper seal isn't effective around the guides.
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Old 05-01-2016, 06:25 PM   #7
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I have had slides for the last 16 years with and without slide toppers and never had a problem pullLing them in during rain. Without toppers the top of the slide will be damp when pulling in but if your rubber seals are working properly there should be no issue. With toppers I would lift the front of the trailer up to drain them. My DW found out while standing beside the trailer what happens when there is water on the toppers when the slides come in
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Old 05-01-2016, 07:34 PM   #8
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I have done exactly what Papa-T wrote in his post...The less water the better, even a little water can promote mold as far as I am concerned...
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Old 05-01-2016, 10:39 PM   #9
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Sounds like there isn't much to worry about. I will likely lift the front, level, and then pull them in and dry if needed. Thanks for the responses. I have been thinking about this for the last few days, and when I saw the weather report today, I figured I might as well ask you guys, or gals, that have done it. This forum has been great, and the moderators really do a nice job...
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Old 05-02-2016, 03:55 PM   #10
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Just a thought on raising/lowering the front to drain the water...

Not that I give much credence to salesmen, but ours made a really big deal about telling us to make sure the rig was 100% level before we ever deploy the slides. Can you damage the slides if you mess with the level while they are deployed?
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Old 05-02-2016, 04:18 PM   #11
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It was a salesman & his lips were moving!!! Dump my slides after every rain & no I'll effects in 3+ years.
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Old 05-02-2016, 04:59 PM   #12
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I think they mean lower the front to drain, then raise level and put slide in.
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Old 05-02-2016, 09:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dedmiston View Post
Just a thought on raising/lowering the front to drain the water...

Not that I give much credence to salesmen, but ours made a really big deal about telling us to make sure the rig was 100% level before we ever deploy the slides. Can you damage the slides if you mess with the level while they are deployed?
Dedmiston, as others have replied already, I think as long as you are level while deploying or retracting the slides you should be good. I plan on tilting slightly if needed to dump water, and then leveling prior to retracting.
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Old 05-03-2016, 10:09 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve7 View Post
Dedmiston, as others have replied already, I think as long as you are level while deploying or retracting the slides you should be good. I plan on tilting slightly if needed to dump water, and then leveling prior to retracting.


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