I've recently downsized to a one slideout 5th wheel. When camping I've always used a ladder to clean off the leaves and small branches before retracting the slides. I usually just climb up on the ladder and use the hose to wash everything off.After a couple of falls from ladders, I'm looking for a creative way to eliminate the ladder and do everything from the ground. I do not want an awning on the slide for several reasons.I figure there must be some way to effectively sweep all the stuff off the slideout and would appreciate any creative ideas.

Leaf blower with a gutter cleaning attachment.

beemerphile1 wrote:Leaf blower with a gutter cleaning attachment.X2

High power, 4 prop, drone w/cameras.

I'm curious as to your dislike of slide toppers? I would no longer have a slide without one. Takes care of leaves and snow and makes leaks less likely.

Can you walk on your roof. I just climb up the rear RV ladder with a rubberized broom and sweep off the slides before I bring them in. If they have dew or water on them, squeegee them off. If you can not walk on your roof, the only other option would be a tall collapsible "A" frame ladder.

Cleaning top of slideout | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2019
Edd505 wrote:
beemerphile1 wrote:
Leaf blower with a gutter cleaning attachment.

X2

What if it has just rained???
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2019
garyemunson wrote:
I'm curious as to your dislike of slide toppers? I would no longer have a slide without one. Takes care of leaves and snow and makes leaks less likely.

If it's wet the needles and leaves roll right up.

Owned a RV with toppers and two since without. NEVER again.

I spend a lot of time where the wind blows. I hear "oh my I need to get to the RV and being the slides in with this wind"
dryfly
Explorer
Dec 11, 2019
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Edd505 wrote:
beemerphile1 wrote:
Leaf blower with a gutter cleaning attachment.

X2

What if it has just rained???

A definite possibility. In that case being able to wash it off would be an advantage.
JKJavelin
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2019
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200585749_200585749?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Snow%20%2B%20Ice%20Removal%20%3E%20Roof%20Rakes&utm_campaign=BIGRIGRAKE&utm_content=31788&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpcr9x6uu5gIVj8DACh3RuQRTEAQYBSABEgLtaPD_BwE

Expensive, but maybe you could remove the head and attach a broom head.
JK
dougrainer
Nomad
Dec 12, 2019
1. ALL slide toppers will accumulate rain and then you have to bring the slide in to remove the water. Don't do this and your slide material will stretch and make the problem worse
2. Slide Toppers also need to be cleaned/blown off of leaves and debris. Just retracting will not shed any debris. Pine Needles are the worst. They will retract inside the roller tube when you have a metal exterior cover and jam up the spring and not roll all the way tight
3. Slide covers are great for keeping water from getting inside the slide seals and coming in the RV. Granted the slide seal system SHOULD keep water out but why tempt fate on older rigs. Doug
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 12, 2019
Toppers will mold when retracted wet and not extended soon after to dry.
wnjj
Explorer II
Dec 12, 2019
dryfly wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Edd505 wrote:
beemerphile1 wrote:
Leaf blower with a gutter cleaning attachment.

X2

What if it has just rained???

A definite possibility. In that case being able to wash it off would be an advantage.

Build a PVC spray wand with a 90 degree elbow built in. You will have to be careful not to blast under the seals. Stand back far enough and angle the pole so that the spray aims slightly down.
dougrainer
Nomad
Dec 12, 2019
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Toppers will mold when retracted wet and not extended soon after to dry.

When I stated to retract, you do this to REMOVE the accumulated water and then extend after it sheds the water. Doug
CaLBaR
Explorer
Dec 12, 2019
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Toppers will mold when retracted wet and not extended soon after to dry.

So do the awnings and even when you close them up dried they still wick in moisture. Mine get rolled up dry every time and next time I open them after it rains they are wet and I get dripped on.

Rob
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Dec 12, 2019
dougrainer wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Toppers will mold when retracted wet and not extended soon after to dry.

When I stated to retract, you do this to REMOVE the accumulated water and then extend after it sheds the water. Doug
It's a moot point, the OP has already stated he isn't interested in slide toppers. No sense arguing about it. And they get moldy, so what.