Side out Part 2 Question

[Jarnae]

I've read that after camping you should clear off the top of the side outs before bringing them in.. getting leaves and sticks off of them they may have fell. I wanted to ask how everybody goes about doing that? How strong is the roof, I'm 300 pounds and I have no problem getting up that ladder but it doesn't seem very strong and I'm not sure that it's very good for my 5th wheel to be walking around the roof.

Are you using a ladder and if so what brand/size? Using my home ladder it looks like I need to be 5 ft off the ground which means a 8ft ladder to be safe.. but a 8 ft ladder wont fit under the RV.. are their special ladders people are using?

Thanks!

[Paintinfool3]

I have a folding ladder that folds to 4 foot length and with an 8 foot when folded out you could use a portable leaf blower and never have to get on the roof

[spoon059]

I have a $25 electric leaf blower I got on Amazon. I usually climb on a chair or drag the picnic table over and stand on that. If I have plenty of room, I'll back the truck up to it and climb in the bed of the truck and blow everything off.

Last case scenario is climbing on the roof. I prefer not to do that. I'm fairly certain that your Jayco can hold your weight though.

[The Logans]

We had the same issue, and are getting to the point where climbing is something that we really don't want to do anymore... (sigh). Finally broke down and got slide toppers on this latest unit. Wasn't as painful when added into the initial purchase.

Before that (must have been quite a sight), we put a 4 foot step ladder on the picnic table, and used a telescoping handle push broom to clean off the slides... sure hope nobody got any photos of me doing that! Geesch!

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Jarnae

I've read that after camping you should clear off the top of the side outs before bringing them in.. getting leaves and sticks off of them they may have fell. I wanted to ask how everybody goes about doing that? How strong is the roof, I'm 300 pounds and I have no problem getting up that ladder but it doesn't seem very strong and I'm not sure that it's very good for my 5th wheel to be walking around the roof.

Are you using a ladder and if so what brand/size? Using my home ladder it looks like I need to be 5 ft off the ground which means a 8ft ladder to be safe.. but a 8 ft ladder wont fit under the RV.. are their special ladders people are using?

Thanks!

YES! Cleaning the top of the slide before bringing it in is important.

We have a 6' step ladder in the back of our pickup. I put it securely on the ground in the corner between the trailer side and the slide so I have something on two sides. I climb the ladder with a 'dollar store' 4' broom and then push/pull the debris either off the slide or toward the middle. I then move the ladder to the other side of the slide and repeat the process.

Jayco touts the strength of their roof structure. I've been on my roof once (on hands and knees) and it felt OK under my 230lbs.

[Camping Grandpa]

First 5er didn't have toppers and I got real tired af climbing up to sweep the slide especially if the roof was already wet. Next one had a topper and I loved it. We ordered our new be with all three toppers. I'll never be without them again.

To your question though, yes the roof will support you but I like the idea of a leaf blower. Bests the heck out of a broom. Quicker and easier I should think but do yourself a favor and consider having toppers added. They're not that expensive and they do a much better job than the broom or blower and eliminate any chance of a rooftop or ladder mishap. Life is too short.

Happy camping!

[Jarnae]

Any recommendations for toppers for a 321RSTS? Is this something Jayco sells or is it an aftermarket item?

[BuddyRay]

I'm trying a trick with a blower - but full disclosure here - I've put it all together but haven't actually tested it with the RV - which is on the storage lot. I'll test it next time we go camping.

I own a Ryobi 18v cordless blower.
I realized that if I take the nozzle off this blower it is exactly the same size as a 2.5 inch shop vac wand.
I ordered a "gutter cleaning" kit from Amazon - it consists of 2 sections of lightweight 2.5 inch pipe, a 90+ degree bend and a nozzle.
It's all lightweight and breaks down to manageable pieces.

I'm hoping I can blow off my slides without a ladder or climbing on anything.

Here's the links:
http://www.amazon.com/18-Volt-Lithiu...1VO/ref=sr_1_2

WORKSHOP Wet Dry Vacuum Gutter Cleaning Kit WS25051A 2-1/2-Inch Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Accessories Designed For Gutter Cleaning - Casters - Amazon.com

I got the idea from another forum where a member swore it works.
Much cheaper than slide toppers.

[3'senough]

The roof will flex for sure. There is something out there called the slide out sweep. Not sure where you can buy it though.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Jarnae

Any recommendations for toppers for a 321RSTS? Is this something Jayco sells or is it an aftermarket item?

Bot They can be ordered with them or dealer installed.

[rsday75]

I got 4 toppers for our 355MBQS when we ordered it. Jayco installed. $700 for all 4 was the installed cost addition to our purchase price. Totally worth it.

[Jopopsy]

I had my dealer install them prior to purchase. I love not having to worry about whats on my slideouts, and it also gives a measure of water protection as well.