Could/Should you duct tape the slide to the camper

[buckeyefan]

So my neighbor and I had been discussing the pros and cons for full covers for an RV. After we both decided that RV covers might not be the best choice (rubbing, mildew, roof damage, etc) we started talking about the "gap" between the slide and the side of the camper and how best to protect it.

Slide covers would be the best choice, but neither of us have them.
He brought up the idea of using duct tape to cover the the top of the slide to form a barrier to help keep rain/snow/ice/pine needles, etc from getting in between the rubber seals/slide and preventing any water to pool or freeze if the seal should fail during the winter. I think his slides are 6' and 12' in length.

Other than possible cleanup of the tape in the spring, I didn't have a good response if this was a good idea or a stupid one...

So what are your thoughts?

[trudinator]

Our TT has sat outside now full time, 24/7/365 since May of 2011. We don't cover it, and it has endured rain, wind, snow, sleet, hail, etc. I don't see a need for the duct tape or a cover, IMHO. If your seal isn't damaged before winter storage, I think its a safe bet that it will endure the winter. I wouldn't be putting any type of duct tape on the paint job/decals. You may have a big (and very expensive) mess on your hands when you want to remove it in spring.

[ependydad]

I agree with Trudinator- that would have to be a heck of a mess to clean up!

[Acableguy06]

Duct tape does not weather well. It would make one heck of a mess to clean up come spring. I think your best bet is to just leave it as is.

[Triguy]

I have both covered and not covered. I've not had a problem with rain/snow/ice/pine needles, etc from getting in between the rubber seals and slide (and we live in a pine forest in the frozen tundra of WI ).

It seems to me that the residue left over from duct tape would require additional work on your part. Not a huge mess, I imagine, but just something to think about. I'd expect we would have a new thread in the spring about the best way to remove the residue.

[buckeyefan]

Agree on the mess. I pointed that out to him about cleanup in the spring.
He is more worried about any leaks from water than the cleanup. Guess he has used WD-40 and Goo Gone in the past on other campers to clean up his duct tape patches.

I haven't heard anyone say that his idea just won't work, just that it's messy.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by buckeyefan

I haven't heard anyone say that his idea just won't work, just that it's messy.

Fair 'nuff. I don't see why it wouldn't work, but I really don't see the need to do it.