I used to just leave the bedroom slide inverted but have used the awning hook to pull the wiper to the outside sometimes. I thought it had to be out to seal it in the rain/wind. Glad that's not the case because it is tight getting it to the outside.
For the tread tape, is that the stuff that is rough but still slick or is it the kind that is like a heavy grit sandpaper? AND where should I put it on the slide if I decide to use it? I would think close to the end of the slide travel as opposed to when it first starts moving but it may not make any difference.
I have waxed the sides on my slides and I understand that talcum powder is what is used to treat them.