Recently inherited an Alumacraft 5th wheel. This is my first experience with a slide out. We're experiencing heavy rain due to a tropical depression and the slide is out. I don't see any water coming in around it, but I've noticed most slide outs have a canopy/awning over them. This one doesn't. Am I missing something? Is this unit supposed to have one?
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Recently inherited an Alumacraft 5th wheel. This is my first experience with a slide out. We're experiencing heavy rain due to a tropical depression and the slide is out. I don't see any water coming in around it, but I've noticed most slide outs have a canopy/awning over them. This one doesn't. Am I missing something? Is this unit supposed to have one?
You can add a slide topper anytime. They do help keep rain off the slide but mostly help keep leaves and other debris off the slide while you are camped so you do not have to sweep the top of the slide before closing it.
__________________ RKamperRV...(Rick)...Millersville, PA
You do not need a slide out topper to keep the inside dry- it should not leak. There are those that love slide out toppers and those that do not. We are in the do not category. They flap in the wind and I really do not want to pull in my slides so the flapping does not drive me to distraction when sleeping. And yes, people come up with all sorts of gimmicks to keep the slides from flapping but they have to be stored somewhere.
I've had both. If I could not keep the slide room cool I would add them. Other than that they have caused me more problems than benefits. I don't have them now and have no intentions of adding them. Make sure your slide seals are in good condition and that they are turned properly. If mine wad up when extended I use the awning rod to straighten them. I also use 303 Protectant to keep them from sun rot. When I did have them I used a leaf blower prior to leaving because stuff will still get on top of the rooms. Good luck and don't be in a hurry to change anything.
2012 NuWay HitchHiker 363RSBDA, 2016 Ford F-350 Dually 6.7
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2012 Nu Wa 363RSBDA
2016 Ford F-350 Dually 6.7
Florida Cooters Club Appalachian Campers Coastal Campers Carolina Campers
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Nature Coast FL
Posts: 1,726
If you're not using it during the depression/storm, I'd run the slide(s) in just to keep it a little tighter. The less exposed area during driving rain and wind, the better.
__________________ Dave & Jo Ann 2008 HitchHiker Champagne 35LKRSB | 2011 F350 Lariat 6.7PSD | Many great memories!
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