Why would the dealer/manufacturer walk on the slides?

[flaggonzo]

I just picked up my first trailer this past weekend. I intend to write a review later. After the inside and outside of the PDI was complete, I climbed up on the roof to inspect it. I saw footsteps all over the roof and on both slides. I have the Rockwood 2707WS which has opposing slides in the living area. I did a search on the Forum and found a thread in which someone asked if it's ok to walk on the slideouts to clean them. Most of the forum members that replied suggested not to walk on the roof of the slides.

I asked the tech doing the PDI and he did not know. He then stated he does not recall seeing a new trailer delivered that did not have footsteps on the slides.

Later as I was finishing up, I saw the manager and asked him the same question. He said the same thing, had not seen one show up to the dealership from the factory without footsteps.

I am glad they both worked when we did our initial overnight camp but It seemed odd to me that I would have several footsteps on both slide outs.

[Bama Rambler]

When the factory guys are installing the rooftop items (A/C, skylights, vents, antenna, etc.), even the membrane itself, they walk all over the roof. Even installing the seals and roof of the slides, they walk on the roofs.

[MainelyUS]

Originally Posted by flaggonzo

I just picked up my first trailer this past weekend. I intend to write a review later. After the inside and outside of the PDI was complete, I climbed up on the roof to inspect it. I saw footsteps all over the roof and on both slides. I have the Rockwood 2707WS which has opposing slides in the living area. I did a search on the Forum and found a thread in which someone asked if it's ok to walk on the slideouts to clean them. Most of the forum members that replied suggested not to walk on the roof of the slides.



I asked the tech doing the PDI and he did not know. He then stated he does not recall seeing a new trailer delivered that did not have footsteps on the slides.



Later as I was finishing up, I saw the manager and asked him the same question. He said the same thing, had not seen one show up to the dealership from the factory without footsteps.



I am glad they both worked when we did our initial overnight camp but It seemed odd to me that I would have several footsteps on both slide outs.

I was visiting Webb's RV in Bangor, ME earlier this summer and watched a worker standing on the top of the slide while washing it...why, don't have a clue. But as DW commented the weight of the worker whether on the roof or sitting in the lounge chair shouldn't affect the integrity of the slide.
Who knows....but workers do it.

[stephndudb]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

When the factory guys are installing the rooftop items (A/C, skylights, vents, antenna, etc.), even the membrane itself, they walk all over the roof. Even installing the seals and roof of the slides, they walk on the roofs.

We've been to the FR factories twice and never saw them walk on the slides. The slides were installed AFTER the roof work was done.

[Crusadernoob]

I walk on ours all the time, never had a problem with the roofs or slides, now watch, next trip, whammy, none of them will work.

[flaggonzo]

Originally Posted by stephndudb

We've been to the FR factories twice and never saw them walk on the slides. The slides were installed AFTER the roof work was done.

Thanks for the bit of info. I did find it odd and was a little concerned but now that I have heard from folks who have walked on theirs makes me feel like it will be alright.

[Palinduff]

I personally wouldn't walk on mine (I'm nervous walking on the roof), but one person shouldn't hurt. If you have 4 or 5 people sitting at the table and on the couch, I'm sure the slide can take the weight.

[JohnD10]

I walk on my slides all the time...

But I don't weigh 300 pounds, either.

[Flybob]

In some cases dealers may find questionable spots that they feel need a little extra sealant during their inspection. I had two spots on mine where the sealant was a slightly different color. When I asked, they told me that is what they did.

[gordonsick]

You'll need to walk on your slides if you decide to install a slide topper. It's pretty hard to figure out any other way of installing a slide topper safely.

–Gordon

[stantyszka]

Originally Posted by gordonsick

You'll need to walk on your slides if you decide to install a slide topper. It's pretty hard to figure out any other way of installing a slide topper safely.

–Gordon

I disagree with this. I installed a slide topper this summer using a ladder. Nowhere in the instructions did it mention stepping on your slide roof to install. I installed mine safely 😉

[dbarr]

Probably had the roof material rolled out on the floor, cutting to size, before they installed it.
I don’t see a concern.

[Wishbone]

Originally Posted by gordonsick

You'll need to walk on your slides if you decide to install a slide topper. It's pretty hard to figure out any other way of installing a slide topper safely.

–Gordon

No, sorry, there's no reason to walk on a slide out while installing a topper awning.

[Wishbone]

Originally Posted by dbarr

Probably had the roof material rolled out on the floor, cutting to size, before they installed it.
I don’t see a concern.

I toured the Rockwood plant and the material is never stepped on while building the slides.

[wabakami]

The dealer told me it was perfectly safe to walk on my Rockwood 8310SS rear superslide. Second trip out with it I went out on it to sweep off pine needles, it was springy in the middle up against the side of the main body of the TT. This was the first and last time I ever walked on my slides.

Sure, 6 or 8 heavyweight persons could sit in the slide (keyword is "IN"), that's not the same as one person walking on the thin roof structure with no support in it's 13' length.

Just my thoughts,
Geoff
.

[JohnD10]

Most slides are walkable...just as most RV roofs are walkable.

I use mine to get up on the roof from the 6-foot step ladder I carry when on the road.

I'll bet if you call Forest River with your Vin# handy they can give you the downlow on your slides...and anything else you want to know about your specific trailer or motorhome.

[Comanchecreek]

You sit in the slide, (sometimes 2, 3, or 4 people), so why would walking on it be any different. As with any roof work you need to be careful and tread lightly. Don't twist your shoes while in contact with the roof membrane, and obviously don't jump up and down, but the slide itself should be capable of holding your weight, (within reason of course), and doing maintenance up there should not be detrimental to the slide operation or the roof integrity. If you plan to dance up there then the consequences are your own.

[gordonsick]

Originally Posted by Wishbone

No, sorry, there's no reason to walk on a slide out while installing a topper awning.

Indeed, it is possible to install a slide topper with ladders. But, if you have a 16 slide, you have to keep shifting the ladder along while you move the bead in place. Or lie on your belly while you hang over the edge. In practice, it is pretty common to open the slide and use it as a platform while installing the bead on the motorhome.

–Gordon

[BeckyMax]

At some point someone stepped on our slide. Must've been a bit heavier than the TT liked because it caused a dip in the roof. This has resulted in water getting under the slide seal because it no longer seals completely. I had to do some repairs and build up the roof in that area with some Eternabond. I also intend to install a slide topper to keep water off it as much as possible. We bought it used March to have the leak appear in May during our first trip in the rain. Next time I buy used I will make them run a sprinkler for a bit and check for leaks.

[dcheatwood]

Maybe the prints are from when it was a sheet if slide roof material laying on the ground. It was later cut and mounted on the slide out with tracks already there. ??