Slideout Topper - Rain Puddling

[MLiljen]

It seems like rain puddling up on slide-out toppers is a common problem. Mine was installed with almost no slope when the slide is extended.

I've seen people recommend "the air wedge" in other threads, but it appears they are no longer in business or being manufactured.

I'm considering:

1. DIY PVC support that I push under the topper and then pull out prior to retracting the slide.

2. I've looked for an inflatable tube, without much luck.

I've tried using a yoga "foam roller" but the diameter isn't large enough. I retract the slide every so often, and how often depends on how hard it is raining.

Seems like this is a common problem, without a good commercial solution that looks good and doesn't require a ladder.

What do you do?

[bdpreece]

Cheap answer is blow up beach balls stuffed under the topper.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by bdpreece

Cheap answer is blow up beach balls stuffed under the topper.

Agreed. Or any other type of an inflatable item that is large enough to raise the angle without too much stress on your awning topper.

BUT... Leave yourself some type of a reminder to take it out before you retract your slide!!!!!!!!!!!!! While this may seem like a silly comment... If it happens only once to you... You'll thank me.

[Barlow46]

Tether ball works well as it already has a line attached. A broomstick with butter tub attached to the end pushes the ball in and to remove, just pull on the attached line.


2016 Arctic Fox 25Y. 2016 F350, 4x4, DRW, 6.7 PowerStroke.

[Neverhome]

I tried rubber balls under the toppers and they worked, but I also just let the rain fall as it is wont to do and retracted the slide when the toppers started to sag. Water runs right off and takes a lot less time than pushing the balls in. Either way, no leaks.

[Gigattime]

On previous unit, water would pool with long (all day) or heavy rain and we always just retract slides after the rain. Water runs off the sides and extend back out...No problems.

[MLiljen]

Alright, thank you for the info. I'm going to borrow two of your ideas.

I'm using an inflatable, it is protected by a canvas bag. Attaching two lengths of pvc to it. 1st section is just under half the length of the slide out. A pivot. Then the last section will be long enough to reach from ground. The inflatable has a 10' price of tubing attached with a valve. I can deflate and inflate from ground.

Will see how this does pretty quick...heavy rains forecast for next week.

Mike

[wa8yxm]

I Studied my slide out, Found out the slide out is sealed against rain even without the slide topper, though there is some danger of blow past without the topper.

So I identified the low spot on the topper and installed a grommet

It now drains onto the top of the slide and from there to the ground.

NOTE: this might not be a good idea depending on the design of your slide

As for the blow by (Wind blowing rain past the gaskets) the topper still stops the wind (Save for a bout a quarter inch diamater hole) and thus no problems there either.. This is on my main slide, the bedroom and wardrobe do not have that problem.

Air wedges.. A few blow up pool toys can do the job.

[tmw188]

Less heat gain on the slide roof in the summer.


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[tmw188]

Originally Posted by tmw188

Less heat gain on the slide roof in the summer with a topper.


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[MSHappyCampers]

I happened to see your post in the "Recent discussions" box and wanted to show you what I did to solve the puddling problem. Since I don't normally follow the TT discussions, you can PM me if you have any questions.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/slide...rt-189399.html

[MLiljen]

That is a really nice looking, inexpensive solution!

[rbleau6885]

Doesnt have much of a pitch to run off I had camping world install mine part of the deal on the top damn hacks are what they are mines even to side of camper so water puddles I always still had to go up to remove any water before bringing it in now I don't bother it comes off as the slide comes in

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by rbleau6885

Doesnt have much of a pitch to run off I had camping world install mine part of the deal on the top damn hacks are what they are mines even to side of camper so water puddles I always still had to go up to remove any water before bringing it in now I don't bother it comes off as the slide comes in

Can you please rephrase that?


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