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Old 02-22-2013, 07:18 PM   #1
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Slides and cold weather

We are still in some cold weather here in Michigan but we want to start packing our new camper up and getting it ready for a nice weekend if we ever get it.
My question is Is it better to leave the slides open or close them up in 20 to 30 degree weather. We will probably only work on packing during the weekends.

Thanks
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Old 02-22-2013, 08:03 PM   #2
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I would be concern about leaving slides out in winter. A couple of thoughts, and I may be way off base, but:
1. Snow loading and a cantilever effect if you got a major snow fall
2. Exposure of seals to dry, cold weather with UV exposure

I am sure more people with more knowledge and experience will chime in.
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Old 02-23-2013, 03:13 PM   #3
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I keep mine closed all winter, don't want the snow and ice build up on them. But I wouldn't have a problem opening them up to load stuff in there and then put them back in when finished. I would just make sure the seals are dry and that there isn't a possibility that the seals could be frozen and stuck together.
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Old 02-24-2013, 12:40 PM   #4
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Silicone spray, WD40 and even Armor All work well on keeping the seals moist and soft.
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Old 02-24-2013, 01:02 PM   #5
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Mine and others here in the cg have our slides open all winter. The only time we have brought ours in have been during the high winds other than that open.
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Old 02-24-2013, 01:24 PM   #6
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That question is different depending on your location. Given you are in a high snow area like us I'd retract them to ensure you don't get snow on them. Also, be very careful, when it's real cold any material can get less pliable and more prone to tearing. Be careful!
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Old 02-24-2013, 01:44 PM   #7
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Heard of an incident where the TT was not leveled, slide was open in the driveway to do maintenance, and left open for a period. Water accumulated and ran into the TT. Agee with others that the opportunity to get snow build up, and/or water freezing and preventing the slide from closing properly would also be a concern.
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Old 02-24-2013, 01:51 PM   #8
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I will definitely keep this in mind. I have them open right now but i plan on closing them on Monday before the weather hets bad
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Old 03-15-2013, 04:19 AM   #9
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What would be the reason to keep them open? Think of it that way.
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Old 03-15-2013, 10:39 AM   #10
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The main reason I was asking we were loading it up to get ready for camping. I didn't want to have the slides going in and out when it 30 degrees out. We ended up leaving them open a few days while the weather was good, then closed them up before it snowed.
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Old 03-15-2013, 11:30 AM   #11
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Repeat, lubricate those seals.
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Old 03-15-2013, 01:01 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kc8lvy View Post
The main reason I was asking we were loading it up to get ready for camping. I didn't want to have the slides going in and out when it 30 degrees out. We ended up leaving them open a few days while the weather was good, then closed them up before it snowed.
Best approach. The real downfall is possible load on the slide mechanism from snow while out. You might run some risk to the mechanism and the wiring underneeth to deploy in very cold weather, say below 20 degrees. Wiring gets very hard and brittle when you close in on 0.
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