Opinion on Slide Covers

[paflyfisher]

What is your opinion on installing slide covers over your slideouts. I have a 2010 G2 31BHDS that is/will be on a permanent site. Still debating if I want to have them installed. What are the advantages or disadvantages? Thanks

[RR Conductor]

The advantages of a cover over the slide is it keeps leaves, twigs, small limbs, etc from landing on top and staying only to get hung up and preventing you from closing the slide. You obviously have to climb on top of the trailer to remove whatever is up there so the slide will close smoothly. A disadvantage is if you don’t have it attached to the trailer wall high enough to make the angle it’s on when the slide is open steep enough it will fill with water during a hard, or long, rain unless you put a beach ball or something under it to keep water from pooling. A comment... as you get older having to climb on the roof to work or clean anything close to the edge is a disadvantage.

Having said all that and considering you’ll be on a permanent site I’m not totally sure covers would be right for you as you won't be opening and closing the slides on a regular basis. Myself I’d probably have them installed but like an awning, you’ll want to keep them clean and protected from the ravages of weather. Give this thread a few days and see what others post before making up your mind.

Hope this helps a little

[usmc616]

I am having slide out awnings installed on my TT. I do not leave it on a permanent site, but if I did I would have them installed. If concerned about water laying on them and stretching the material I would bring the slides in when leaving for a few days.

[edatlanta]

Mine, which were factory installed, do pool water but that just means I bring the slides in slowly after the rain. Just takes a few minutes and isn't a big deal. I do bring the slides in when I'm going to be gone for a few days.

[Spike99]

Personally, I feel that slides (especially large slides) need covers. A cover to better protect it from leaves, from tree stains and from rain. Without a cover, one's slide (especially at seasonal camp site), looks like: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...e/100_0353.jpg

If a mobile (traveling) TT, I highly recommend a spring loaded soft cover slide. Typical spring loaded cover that goes in / out - when slide is moved in/out. Within my area, these "soft top" slide covers are very expensive. But, it parked in "dirty" environment or one cannot resolve a persistent slide covers are are worth it.

If TT is at a seasonal site (or permanent site), perhaps installing a less expensive "hard top" slide cover would be better. If wondering, I park my Jay 29FBS at a seasonal site (even during winter months). Currently, I'm in the midst of creating a hard top cover for over my TT's large slide. It will be connected to the side of the TT (near roof top) using hinges (to allow some movement) and its outer slide end will be held up using telescopic steel poles. Thus, no weight (from this hard top) on the edge of the slide cover. So far, I created its light weight steel frame, have its telescopic 3 x vertical steel posts, created its hinges and currently saving my limited dollars for roof plastic. Plan to complete and install it this spring. To me, a light weight "hard top" slide cover (in 3 x sections) that can be easily removed (via removing its horizontal pins from its hinges) should work great.

Regardless if soft top (for traveling trailers) or "custom made" hard top method, I fell a slide cover on large slides is mandatory. Without a slide cover, its top appears like: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...e/100_0358.jpg

For more details on "soft top" slide cover, surf: http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/07/10/rv-slide-topper

Hope this helps in your research....

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