Water leak from slide-out

[stampartiste]

We just brought our new 2012 Crusader 260RLD home a couple of days ago and parked it in the driveway with the A/C running (it is 100 degrees plus here, so it's running almost constantly) while my husband detailed it. This morning, when we closed the slide-outs to bring the camper into our enclosed camper shed and opened the main slide-out again, we found water all over the kitchen floor...apparently coming from the roof of the slide-out.

What needs to be done to fix this problem? Apparently some of the water from the A/C on top of the camper is running onto the slide-out (additionally, we caught 5 gallons of water in a bucket placed under the rear downspout on the opposite side of the slide-out) and draining into the camper when closed.

Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

[08flagvlite]

That AC unit is doing what it is supposed to do- remove the humidity from the air. Unfortunately, that turns into water, and it needs a place to drain off of the roof. Since there isn't a drain hose or channel for this, your answer would be to level the camper with a slight angle to the high side where the slides are, so it will run off of the roof on the other side. You can also adjust front to rear, to make it go there.It just needs a SLIGHT amount; gravity will take care of the rest. Remember the fridge must be close to level for it to operate correctly. The AC always will need a way to drain off of that roof, as long as it is operating. Randy

[stampartiste]

Thanks for the rapid response, Randy. That makes sense. Will do that.

Your answer brought one more question to mind, though. If we camp and it rains on us, will we need to sweep the rain off the slide-out before closing it? Do you think the seals around the slide-out are working properly?

Thanks again!

[brianb]

Originally Posted by stampartiste

Thanks for the rapid response, Randy. That makes sense. Will do that.

Your answer brought one more question to mind, though. If we camp and it rains on us, will we need to sweep the rain off the slide-out before closing it? Do you think the seals around the slide-out are working properly?

Thanks again!

If it's raining/wet I need to go over the top and sides with a towel after retraction. Nothing crazy a quick wipe gets the bulk of the water. When the slide is out i have no leaks into the cabin. I think some lingering water after retraction is normal.

[stampartiste]

Thank you, Brian. We'll do that. We've had two previous 5th wheels with slide-outs -- a Sunnybrook Mobile Scout and a Crossroads Paradise Point -- and had never noticed this before. Maybe the floor was getting wet, but it had time to dry before the next destination.

We're looking forward to camping with this beautiful, smaller camper. We wanted to downsize from our BIG 32 footer and were so glad we didn't have to sacrifice looks and quality.

[crocus]

Your problem is the number one reason why we put slide awnings on our camper when we ordered it. They're worth every penny!

[Terier]

Originally Posted by crocus

Your problem is the number one reason why we put slide awnings on our camper when we ordered it. They're worth every penny!

Could you post a picture of the slide awnings?

[VTX Al]

Originally Posted by Terier

Could you post a picture of the slide awnings?

They're also known as "slide toppers" - google that and you will get a ton of info.

...VTX-AL

[Terier]

Great idea to Goggle it. I couldn't tell by the small picture but is the topper mounted higher than the slide? Therefore, the top of the slide will not get wet?

[VTX Al]

Originally Posted by Terier

Great idea to Goggle it. I couldn't tell by the small picture but is the topper mounted higher than the slide? Therefore, the top of the slide will not get wet?

The fixed end of the topper(s) is mounted directly above the slide on the trailer sidewall. The roller end is attached to the upper edge of the slide. When the slide is extended the topper "unrolls" and provides an "umbrella" over the slideout, and retracts under spring tension when the slide is brought in.
...VTX-AL