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Old 10-23-2020, 09:50 PM   #1
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Slide Awning

What is the conventional wisdom around installing an awning over the slide?
I am thinking about retracting the slide when it is wet from rain or few.
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:28 PM   #2
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I had slide covers installed over all my slides. Made a big difference. You should consider it.
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:37 PM   #3
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Main purpose for a slide out topper is so you don't have to go on top of RV to sweep off the sticks and leaves on top of the slide before pulling slides in, which will damage your upper slide seals.

Highly recommended.
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:48 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thom View Post
Main purpose for a slide out topper is so you don't have to go on top of RV to sweep off the sticks and leaves on top of the slide before pulling slides in, which will damage your upper slide seals.

Highly recommended.
Also keeps the slide area cooler, and helps keep any wind driven rain from entering into the slide seals
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:49 PM   #5
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I had slide covers installed over all my slides. Made a big difference. You should consider it.
I will, thanks.
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:50 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thom View Post
Main purpose for a slide out topper is so you don't have to go on top of RV to sweep off the sticks and leaves on top of the slide before pulling slides in, which will damage your upper slide seals.

Highly recommended.
Did not think of this. Thanks.
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Old 10-23-2020, 10:51 PM   #7
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Also keeps the slide area cooler, and helps keep any wind driven rain from entering into the slide seals
Ok, makes sense. Thanks.
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Old 10-28-2020, 08:51 PM   #8
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All the above! Bought a new trailer with 4 slides that had the prep package, but no awnings. Sitting outside in the sun and heat, the AC's were cranking to maintain 74*. An infrared thermometer showed the ceilings on the slides were 88*, where the roof was 82*. After installing the awnings, the AC's were able to keep it cooler with less run time and the ceiling temps on the slides were 10* cooler. Big difference. Only thing to be watchful for are very windy days, close the slides, and after heavy rains close and reopen to drain the water off because it will pool.
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Old 10-28-2020, 09:44 PM   #9
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All of the above

All of the advantages mentioned above are valid. For me not having to clean the top of the slide before retracting was the big one. Less heat in the summer was a bonus. The top of the slides really don’t have much insulation, so it does help with keeping it cooler inside. Also our slide roof is a rubber membrane, so less wear there too. The seals along the top edge will last longer too. I installed mine myself, so saved on the cost there. Installation is pretty straightforward. Instructions were good. I got mine on sale for less that $250 from the main online Rv parts suppliers. I went with the Solera model. It is one of the best upgrades I have done.
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Old 10-28-2020, 10:17 PM   #10
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One more thought. Wind is not a problem with slides less that 24”. We just went through a wind even here in N CA with gusts up to 40 mph, no problem. Same with rain if you mount the wall rail with a slope. If that’s not possible, awning pillows you inflate to give support are available online. Our slides are only 20” deep.
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Old 10-28-2020, 10:55 PM   #11
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That sounds like my application.
Thanks everyone for the input.
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Old 10-29-2020, 04:16 PM   #12
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foam pipe insulation (Cheap and Quick) under your slide out awning will help keep the sag out and also keep them from flapping in the breeze.
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Old 10-29-2020, 04:21 PM   #13
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Good tip! Thanks!
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Old 10-30-2020, 01:53 PM   #14
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I found Walmart was selling the larger "floaties". Tied six of them together and put them under the larger side. had an issue with flapping (just on the one) and it worked good to stop it. Also, gave a little extra support to the slide topper when it snowed and an ice storm. CLosing the slide was another issue with 4" of snow. Took me over an hour with a hose to melt most of the snow so I could close the slide because of the ice layer.
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