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CamJam1 · 09-15-2021, 10:15 PM

Probably a dumb question, but being from AZ we don't have much experience with using our motorhome in the rain. We're in Oregon right now, however, and got a pretty good storm the other night. More on the way this weekend too. I know the toppers catch most of the rain, but some of it gets onto the top of the slide too (especially when it's windy) and when we brought our slides back in the other morning a little water came off the top of the slides and onto the carpet.

I've heard of putting swim noodles under toppers to help them shed water, but is it normal to have to take a towel or sponge to the top of the slides before bringing them back in?

Belgian · 09-15-2021, 10:38 PM

Some water does get on top of the slide when it rains. On the front slide we bring it in about 3/4 of the way and wait while the water drains off. As you know the front slide tilts down when retracting and we use that tilt to drain water. We also put a hand towel under the front and rear corner where it contacts the carpet to absorb any water once the slide is all the way in.

On the rear slide we just bring it in and put a towel under the corners that rest on the carpet. It seems to deposit most of the water (not much) right by the bedside drawers towards the rear of the MH.

HarryStone · 09-15-2021, 10:56 PM

There is supposed to be a wiper seal that prevents water from the top of the slide from coming inside when you retract the slide. If it isn't working, then an inspection is in order.

jondrew55 · 09-16-2021, 04:31 AM

On our Discovery 40G we got a rude awakening when we pulled our slides in the first time after a heavy rain. Even though our wiper seal was fine, accumulated water came gushing into the coach when we retracted the full wall slide. It was pretty shocking when the water came into the bedroom and up front. The other problem we had was the slide topper was full of water and ended up getting rolled up under the slide seal. Fortunately, I caught it before anything was damaged. From then on, I was always careful to retract the slides 1/4 to 1/3 of the way at a time until I could see all the water drained out and the topper was not getting wrapped up.

Just another reason our new RV has no slides

maf92 · 09-16-2021, 06:35 AM

Our slides come up at an angle when retracting. I typically let the main slide in about half way then let it sit for a minute or two. I learned the hard way. After a heavy rain all night and pouring while packing, we packed up to leave, let the slides in. I sat in the driver seat, raised the jacks, pulled out the site and stopped going down hill. I got a little shower right on my head. Wasn't much. Maybe a cup or two at the most, but it happened.

Scooter · 09-16-2021, 08:13 AM

Good advice so far. Main slide will get rain water when it blows sideways. I have a mirror and flashlight and stand on the drivers seat and peek to see what's what. Sometimes dry, sometimes water is there. I bring in the main slide in 3-4 herky-jerky steps about 10-20 seconds and listen or watch for water to hit the ground. Bed slide is small and has never been a problem. I have laid a towel on top, by the driver when starting up...just in case.

astrnmrtom · 09-16-2021, 02:37 PM

That's what I like about the was Safari designed their slide tops. The top of the slide slopes away from the wall. I've never had to pull it in when it's been raining hard, but never had water dribble inside when I've pulled it in. If it's raining a lot leveling up the rig with a couple degree slope front to back has it drain right off.

Except for the expense of making a slide top like this I can't see why other manufacturers didn't adopt a similar design. No slide topper needed.

CamJam1 · 09-18-2021, 08:44 AM

Thanks for the tips everyone. Will check my wipers. It rained all night here on the south Oregon coast and we're heading to our next campsite on a couple of hours, so I'll be able to try some of the suggestions. The good news is that the Dolphin's roof has been leak-free despite the downpour!

Seems logical that all slides should have some slope to them like those on the Safari.

Martys Own · 09-24-2021, 06:59 AM

Our top cover was torn once and when I pulled the big slide in it brought the water in with it. i did not know that until I got to a stop sign and all that cold water dumped on my head and down my neck. My granddaughter thought it was the funniest thing she's ever seen. We replaced the topper after that.