Question about slide awnings and wind

[chilibean]

Hi,

We were staying in Lake Havasu City this last week and the wind was ferocious. DH clocked one gust at 35mph, and there were some much higher. During this, the slide awning was billowing up like a wagon top, then relaxing. The rollers were moving with it. We actually brought the slide in because of this, and the noise level. We got tired of listening to it bang around. This is our first experience with slides, so we are unsure if this is normal behavior. If not, what can we do about it? Our neighbor also had a Georgetown and it was doing the same, although looked a bit worse for wear. There were no other MH's with slide awnings around for us to compare, only fivers without awnings. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Sharon

[donn]

On my long slide the last time at the coast I simply tied a piece of rope over the slide awning and around the slide out. Stopped it cold. Any strap of some sort that can be snugged up will do the trick. That is probably the only down side I have had with slide toppers. But in 7 years they have been on the trailer I have only had two occasions of concern. Both times at the coast and both times at the same RV park.

[Jim_Pat]

Notices something - not new but new to me.
called a slideout boot - still a cover but hides insdie when close, and wrapps 3 sides.

wondering if anyone else has heard of that item

[crocus]

We haven't had any issues, as we usually camp in the trees. But I can see where it could happen, as the slide toppers don't seem to have much tension on them.
I wonder if the toppers could be would a bit tighter?

[chilibean]

Sounds like strapping it down is the way to go. Not sure how without a ladder, though. I guess we will figure it out.

Thanks,

Sharon

[jsutherl]

Originally Posted by chilibean

Not sure how without a ladder, though.

I carry one of those telescoping aluminum tubular ladders. Great for stuff like this and it fits easily in most of the outside bays.

Unfortunately they're pretty expensive if you just go buy one. But they can be found much cheaper if you keep your eyes open. I got mine on a christmas-day on-line sale for $129

Still these coaches are so tall that there are a lot of things you can't do without a ladder or at least a good step stool. Which I also carry. A folding, one step stool. That stays inside. Great for getting to the back of one of those tall, deep, cabinets.

[crocus]

I carry an inexpensive 6-foot folding ladder, and store it up against the front wall of the basement. It only takes up about 6 inches of room, and is one of the most useful things I carry.
I was considering tightening up the slide awnings, but realised that would only allow more water to be held on the awning, and probably cause it to stretch in the middle. then it wouldn't roll up properly.
I think what I will do is figure out some way to strap it down, but not so crude as tying a rope around the whole slideout!

[newby]

I just bought a 12'4 xtend ladder that folds up, but its not an A frame which I thought we bought.Its a straight ladder. Will it harm the sides of our trailer when we brush off our debri and wash the slide out?

[2Susan]

You should carry a ladder anyway.