Water ponding on slide awning

[Stormrider151]

My trailer caught its first rain today and I noticed that water had ponded on the topper over the slide. I pushed up on one end and a bucket full of water spilled off the other side. I've seen where folks put a ball under the awning to help it drain but I was wondering what other solutions you guy's have used. Thanks a bunch.

[bubbles]

It's not going to harm anything doing that. If it doesn't dissipate by the time you are ready to fold camp the water will just roll over the side as the slide comes in. The slide top will remain dry.

[Stormrider151]

Ok, Thanks. I've never had one do this before and was a little concerned about the weight pulling the fabric loose.

[bubbles]

Mine are A & E and are very heavy duty vinyl and I have never had one with issues caused by water accumulation. Now, there will be water running down the side of your unit when bringing slide in if it is still there. Happens to me quite often, no big deal. If there is a window on that slide be sure and close it first.

[dcheatwood]

I just close the slide after rain stops and the water runs off. No harm done.

[OldCoot]

I put 5 or 6 more turns in each end on the torsion springs and eliminated the problem. Works great in the FL rains and here in NC.

[Radio]

Some thoughts:

If you are going to do the "ball under the awning" trick then get a beach ball. They are big, cheap and deflate to take up almost no space in storage.

If you are going to roll the slide in with the awning loaded with water... do it slowly, in steps, to let the water drain off. yes you CAN get water inside and wet your carpets by moving too quickly.

Another trick I have done with the 5th wheel is to run the front jacks way up and the water will run off the back end of the slide room.

If my topper is really loaded up I'll get up there and sweep it off with a broom.

[bubbles]

There are some people who spend a lot of money on slide toppers and then try to defeat the whole purpose or modify the functionality of what they are made for. Go figure.

[dalford]

Just be careful if there is a freeze. I had water accumulate and then freeze. Did not think about it early next morning when I brought the slide in and heard a big clunk. Damaged my slide cover to the point I had to replace it.

[Stormrider151]

All great advice and I appreciate it. I just won't sweat the small stuff. Now the furnace? That's a different story and a different thread

[byrdr1]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I put 5 or 6 more turns in each end on the torsion springs and eliminated the problem. Works great in the FL rains and here in NC.

Thanks for that trick. I was at myrtle last week when Ana came ashore. My awning cover was full until I closed the slide in. Nice trick on the tighter wind.

[nikita]

We bought a 2015 Sabre 5th Wheel in December and for the first time had Toppers put on all the slides. While snowbirdding in Florida the water ponded on the one slide out right at the point where I sit in my lazy boy chair inside. The squeak, squeak, squeak - like a trapped animal was squeeling up there!! DH went up to the roof and brushed the water out with a broom, no more squeak!! Our dealer told us to put styrofoam under there or the beach ball idea sounds more doable