Cleaning debris from top of slide-outs

lescarp2 · 02-03-2011, 07:22 PM

Looking for suggestions on the best way to clean pine cones, branches, or any other debris that may have gotten onto the top of the slideouts while camping to ensure debris does not get caught as the slideouts are closed. I'd rather not bring along a ladder to get up high enough to check. Has anyone come up with a clever tool to brush off the tops of the slideouts prior to closing or have a method that works well?

Maxzd · 02-03-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lescarp2

Looking for suggestions on the best way to clean pine cones, branches, or any other debris that may have gotten onto the top of the slideouts while camping to ensure debris does not get caught as the slideouts are closed. I'd rather not bring along a ladder to get up high enough to check. Has anyone come up with a clever tool to brush off the tops of the slideouts prior to closing or have a method that works well?

My last trailer before I bought a 5th wheel had a small couch slide without an awning. I was forever trying to come up with ways to clean it outside before sliding back in. I dealt with the same problems never found a solution.. New Unit, one of the first things I did was put a slide covers on. I know they're not exactly cheap, but I think well worth the money.. No more pulling in the slide after or during rain and having to towel dry the top once inside.. My recommendation is to consider installing one or having one installed. Long run you'll be very happy you did..

cdevill · 02-04-2011, 09:32 AM

I have a nice fold up ladder but as far as cleaning I've used my leaf blower and worked super. even good for getting the water off of it if there is any sitting up there then I dried it off with a beach towel before running it in. The ladder is one of those adjustable height that's a step ladder and also folds out to a 17' as well so I use it at home and in the rv.

Festus2 · 02-04-2011, 09:47 AM

I have to agree with Maxzd. If your pocketbook allows you to, go out and buy a slide cover(s). It not only helps prevent debris from getting caught up in your slide but also to reduce the chances of water/rain from finding its way inside.

IMO, a slide topper is one of those "gotta have" upgrades.

You should still make a visual check of the slide topper for small branches, etc that may have blown onto it.
Having a small or collapsible ladder is still a good thing to bring along if you have the room to store it. There is always something you can't quite reach!

campingcpl · 02-04-2011, 11:45 AM

I usually just back the truck up next to the slide and stand on the bed and use a broom to brush off any leaves or branches.

ftwildernessguy · 02-19-2011, 02:45 PM

I carry a small stepladder which fits in the front storage area of the Outback. I use a snow brush with an adjustable handle and a rubber squeegee on one side to clear the slideout roof. Takes about 2 minutes.

**hankpage** · 02-19-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campingcpl

I usually just back the truck up next to the slide and stand on the bed and use a broom to brush off any leaves or branches.

I do the same with the truck but I use a cordless leaf-blower ... very quiet and works good to keep leaves off a patio if we have one at the site.
JM2¢, Hank

Snoopdog · 02-19-2011, 07:25 PM

whats a snowbrush.....lol

Flyguy · 02-20-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopdog

whats a snowbrush.....lol

I think it's a tool or something for that white stuff or maybe it's for dandruff.

**hankpage** · 02-20-2011, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopdog

whats a snowbrush.....lol

Cruel ...... very cruel!

....

[IMG]

[/IMG]

chuck&gail · 03-06-2011, 07:33 PM

We carry a stepladder that folds up to about 5" x 5" x 6 feet. That way I can see up there. To clean stuff off I bought a brush made to wash RV's with that has an extendable handle, works perfect.

DTJ9610 · 03-13-2011, 08:37 PM

Never thought about the snow brushes. Now I can use them year round...

DEW · 03-17-2011, 05:26 PM

I agree the slide topper is a great addition. I had it on my last TT and made sure the dealership threw it in when I made the offer on my 2011 Laredo I ordered a month ago.

They are to install it before I pick it up.
Sounds like I need to go to Costco though and by a collapsable step ladder. Everyon here seems to find use for it...

Wing-in-it · 03-19-2011, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxzd

My last trailer before I bought a 5th wheel had a small couch slide without an awning. I was forever trying to come up with ways to clean it outside before sliding back in. I dealt with the same problems never found a solution.. New Unit, one of the first things I did was put a slide covers on. I know they're not exactly cheap, but I think well worth the money.. No more pulling in the slide after or during rain and having to towel dry the top once inside.. My recommendation is to consider installing one or having one installed. Long run you'll be very happy you did..

I would love to have a slide cover.....however after calling Keystone they said there is no support for a slide cover on my unit & would void my warranty if installed. Just an FYI for all! Check before you make the purchase!

Mark

Retired_Jim · 03-19-2011, 10:07 AM

Mark, this info seems strange and unbelievable coming from Keystone. Are you sure they were talking about the awning covers and not something like using "slide out supports" or "slide out locks"? I for one and many "thousands" of others are using slide out awnings with great success.

Wing-in-it · 04-04-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired_Jim

Mark, this info seems strange and unbelievable coming from Keystone. Are you sure they were talking about the awning covers and not something like using "slide out supports" or "slide out locks"? I for one and many "thousands" of others are using slide out awnings with great success.

Yes Jim I'm sure...I called them myself....I also asked about a ladder for the back & they said the same thing...No ladder substrate either. The Keystone rep even noted that there was a place for the awning on the curb side but nothing to screw into on the street side for the slide cover. I thought it was odd myself.....maybe I got a dummy on the phone from Keystone????

So for now it's a ladder, a broom & beach towel to clean off the slide.

Mark

Springdale 298 · 04-04-2011, 05:13 PM

I've found that most campgrounds have a maintenance shed. I've asked on a couple of occassions to use a ladder owned by the campground to sweep of any debris. This was only in a wooded site of course when we had a little wind that left some debris on the slide. Just my 2 cents. Find that carrying a ladder just takes too much room.

woodsters · 04-11-2011, 10:55 PM

We use a broom or a leaf blower. We have a ladder we keep in the outside storage...I've thought about the toppers, but never have the extra money laying around for that. Especially since stuff can get underneat them and you still need to get up there and check. Might as well take the broom with when I am checking and save the money...

Mighty Ming · 02-20-2012, 11:08 PM

Is it wrong to climb up the factory mounted ladder to clean the slide? Thought most had mounted ladders. I realize the less one treads on the roof the better. I don't make it a habit to crawl around up there, but if I have to sweep the slide I do. Am I wrong to do this? Thanks and Good Times!

Festus2 · 02-21-2012, 07:44 AM

No, you are not wrong to do this as the roof is designed to take the weight. Some people place a cushioned piece of plywood underneath when working or walking on the roof so as to distribute the weight more evenly but this isn't absolutely necessary. I'd make sure that my shoes are clean and grip well and, of course, exercise care and common sense while up there.

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