Community Forums

Sky_Boss · 05-17-2013, 10:21 AM

OK...I did a bit of a search and there are several threads that kinda cover this but I thought I would start one and maybe get some action and consolidated comments specific to weather more related to summer like Tstorms and such.

so...

1. Do slide toppers affect your decision on whether to bring slides in or not?

2. Is there a reasonable argument for bringing any or all slides in during extremely hot weather to reduce space for the AC to work in?

3. Regardless of toppers or not, are there wind speeds that make it reasonable to bring slides in just to avoid damage to them.

4. Any other reasons to bring slides in besides driving down the road or storage?

TANX!

Skip426 · 05-17-2013, 10:56 AM

If there is a posibility of rain pooling on the topper and freezing overnight, bring in the slide before it freezes. Don't ask!

Snow, if you think you'll want to leave your site for travel before it has a chance to melt ; bring in the slide. Again don't ask.
I've had to put de-flappers on my slide toppers for winds in excess of 35mph, but was in the site for a month long stay , so it was worth it , overnighting I'd have pulled the slide in.
A/C, most units will have adequate cooling to handle the floor area, of the whole RV with slides out. Window awnings are the biggest help in this case.
I've always looked for floor plans that are usable with the slides in, mostly because I tend to be traveling in marginal weather, and don't want to be rolling out the slide, just to sleep if the conditions are questionable.
Worst floor plan I ever saw, quad slide 5er, single slide control, no access to the fridge with the slide in, bathroom access by a 5 year old only.

Stop for groceries , roll out all 4 slides to load the fridge, road side potty stop for DW. Same thing.

Just re-read your post , you said summer ..sorry. Substitute, hail for snow.

450Donn · 05-17-2013, 11:03 AM

Bring them in when the wind exceeds 50 MPH and your getting worried. That's the only time I did anyhow.

bluepill · 05-17-2013, 11:09 AM

On my first time out west (Montana), an afternoon rain storm kicked up at my unprotected campground. I only had the bedroom slide extended, but after a few minutes of rocking and rolling I brought it in. That was my lesson. Since then, I listen to weather radio, and leave the slides in if windy/stormy weather is forecast.

Sky_Boss · 05-17-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

...
A/C, most units will have adequate cooling to handle the floor area, of the whole RV with slides out. Window awnings are the biggest help in this case....

Good point...Side bar?

Do window awnings do better with wind than slide toppers? In other words, do folks leave them out even when they would retract the main awning to a fairly great extent?

Wayne M · 05-17-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sky_Boss

OK...I did a bit of a search and there are several threads that kinda cover this but I thought I would start one and maybe get some action and consolidated comments specific to weather more related to summer like Tstorms and such.

so...

1. Do slide toppers affect your decision on whether to bring slides in or not?

Yes and it depends on the wind, side it is coming from, and my (your) peace of mind factor.

2. Is there a reasonable argument for bringing any or all slides in during extremely hot weather to reduce space for the AC to work in?

I don't believe so. It may even be a hinderance of cool air distribution. In my case some of the vents would be directly above the slide top. Even though there are several inches between, the flow would not be directed down and give an even distribution and yes, I know that the air would still flow around - it's just my opinion.

3. Regardless of toppers or not, are there wind speeds that make it reasonable to bring slides in just to avoid damage to them.

Personally it depends, as I stated, on the direction and how much of a beating the toppers are getting. Typically at 45 mph and quartering from a slide side I pull in the slide. DW's hearing is acute and for her to be able to sleep the topper cannot be banging, and banging, and banging around. I have had the slides with toppers out at 52 mph but just as the wind started to shift I pulled it in.

4. Any other reasons to bring slides in besides driving down the road or storage?

It is as others have stated and what you are willing to put up with, and especially with consideration of any potential damage. It gets to a point where decisions have to be made as to what is not only good for the RV, but for your sanity as well.

TANX!

Happy trails.