Snow and Ice on Slide out tops problem?

Slide-out awning.

You probably won’t like my remedy! This is something that we experience a few times a year... we winter camp in Wyoming. The method is “not” fun and is dangerous, I sweep off the tops of the slides soon after the snowfall, before it melts and then re-freezes. The experience can take years off of your life just from the stress....more if you fall off ?? !

Slide tops are usually the same EPDM or TPO materials that are used for the roof of most fifth wheels. Be VERY careful of what chemicals you put up there - and how hot the water is. You could end up with some very expensive repairs. We've had the same problem once or twice and used warm water - not hot. The best cure is prevention. Slide toppers, tarps or rubber mats all work.

Rob

time2roll wrote:

Consider adding a slide awning to just keep the snow off.

Don't they all HAVE awnings already ??

And I know it is not always possible but wouldn't closing the slides while the show is happening be a good idea......if practical ??

I ended up melting mine once with hot water near boiling on the stove. Took some time but worked well.

Now I have a hose bib on the hot low point drain. I plan to connect my water hose and just melt it off. Have not had the opportunity to try it yet.

Consider adding a slide awning to just keep the snow off.

Not sure you can "anti ice" the slide outs but for sure you could find products to de-ice what's already up there. At first thought aircraft use types of ethylene glycol similar to our rv antifreeze but one would have to research if it might damage the rubber membrane on the slide top. Perhaps the frost buster stuff that folks use on iced up windshields. Again check contents as glass and metal is a lot more robust than rubber roof.