Trash on top of slides? How do you manage?

[ncebeemer]

Not to jump over OP but I would like to know if the slide topper cuts down the sound of rain. We have been getting rained on here in Montana for three nights and the rain hitting the top of the slide is noisy and obnoxious all night long. If the rain drop noise is dampened by the topper I would want to get them. Thanks

[Bob2019]

Noise: I believe they cut down noise as you cut down the direct contact to slide roofs. I highly recommend toppers. My latest rig came with toppers on 2 slides. If they did not, they would be one of the first things I would add.

[DouglasReid]

We camp a lot in several State RV parks that have lots of full growth trees, so there is always something falling onto the slidouts.

I just get up on the roof and sweep them off.

I have seen the wind blow debris under the toppers. That becomes a PITA to get it out from under them, so I dont' want them. Easier to just sweep off the slides.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by ncebeemer

Not to jump over OP but I would like to know if the slide topper cuts down the sound of rain. We have been getting rained on here in Montana for three nights and the rain hitting the top of the slide is noisy and obnoxious all night long. If the rain drop noise is dampened by the topper I would want to get them. Thanks

They do slightly dampen the sound of the rain directly hitting the top of the slide.
But then the toppers more than make up for that noise by creating even more flapping noise of their own in the wind.
The flapping noise is the main reason we got rid of ours. The second reason was having to replace four awning fabrics instead of one, due to sun rot.

[rlh1957]

Slide toppers can cut some sound of rain... but the sound of rain transferred through the roof will make the slide toppers vs no slide topper not that noticeable. IMO
I wouldn't have a unit without slide toppers now. They do give some extra shade and protection from debris collecting on top of slide. We still brush off toppers before bringing in slide. In high winds sometimes the toppers will flap and you hear that. You can price what the add on option price is at dealer to compare what buying slide topper and installing yourself. If you're moderate tool handy it's not bad at all to install. Need two people to put it up.

[sherman12]

Can't picture having an RV without toppers. This is especially true in the Northeast during the fall. If its raining and depending on where we are camping and the kind of trees around us I'll go up on to the roof to sweep off wet leaves from the roof, awning and toppers. To me, it's preventative maintenance.

[Mad_River]

An extendable inspection mirror can allow you to look up there before closing. If sticks or pinecones are up there you will at least know.

[rjshiflet]

Originally Posted by bikendan

We had a slide topper installed and never had to sweep again.
And it kept the slide seals cleaner.

Ditto for us on our last fifth wheel which we owned 6 years and on our current one. I’ll never be without them.

[ncebeemer]

Thanks for all of the input. Now to decide.

[ronheater70]

I live in the middle of the woods, trees everywhere. I get tired of getting on the roof. which I must doo every single time we take the camper out if we have left the slides out for more than a day or two..They just get covere din little twigs and pine needles, leaves etc.. and I dont want that backing up under my seals. I had looked at getting slide toppers, but with 4 slides it would be kinda expensive and Id still have to clean them out fairly often as well.

[W5CI]

If you don't want the slide toppers just carry a ladder and a broom and climb up and sweep the slide each time you retract your slide, that is way to much for me I will keep my toppers

[Jim in Florida]

We have a 2019 Cedar Creek Silverback 33IK. When we bought it, I liked the idea that 2 of the 3 slides have 'cathedral' ceilings/roofs. We really like it from the inside.

Before retracting, I blow off what I can. If there was a way to have the slide topper work on those pitched roofs, I would probably put one on.

Jim

[aloffsite]

Yep, I climb up the ladder before leaving with a collapsible broom. But I like the idea of toppers, so that is on my radar when I start camping more - after retirement.

[Mizterusa]

Originally Posted by KrazyKim

Just curious how everyone manages the leaves and stuff that gets on top of the slide outs? Don’t want to purchase the awnings so.....do you sweep them off every time you bring them in? Use a leaf blower or just don’t worry about it? Thanks in advance [emoji3]

Towel with some rope tied to each end. Jus toss it over and start flossing... [emoji16]

[sherman12]

Mitzerusa, great suggestion. Often during fall camping to get the leaves off of the slide toppers and most of the awning I'll pull a towel corner through the hook hole of the kitchen broom. Almost like casting a fishing line I'll toss the towel up on the toppers or awning and using a left to right motion swish away the leaves.

If it had rained while camping I'll have my wife slowly pull in the electric awning and slides starting and stopping while I'll clear the wet leaves. Late season, end of October or so at times I will still have to go up on the roof to sweep clean.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by KrazyKim

Just curious how everyone manages the leaves and stuff that gets on top of the slide outs? Don’t want to purchase the awnings so.....do you sweep them off every time you bring them in? Use a leaf blower or just don’t worry about it? Thanks in advance [emoji3]

WORX cordless blower for my wife. Lightweight and easy to handle. Also bought her an aluminum ladder. We are not interested in slide toppers. After a while they start to sag, water collects in them,etc., and just aren't worth the money, for us anyway.

[rlh1957]

Sort of like leaves and desbris on your tent, garage, house. Spray them off or sweep them off or wait till something happens.

[MainelyUS]

How to stop topper sag and allow the rain to run off

[mulher]

I carry a 12ft telescopic ladder and a squeegee on a broom handle works great ladder stoves easily.

[Mizterusa]

Towel with ropes at each end.