Every time I close our slides I climb on the roof and inspect/sweep them before closing. I'm not thrilled with the walking on the roof, but haven't yet splurged on a telescoping ladder. Anyway, I was talking with someone last week about this, and he responded 'hmm...I should probably do that.' It blew my mind that he had never consider clearing his slides before closing. Am I missing something here?

I don't check mine. But I have slide toppers. However, things can still get under the slide toppers. So far never closed anything in them that I know of.

Sounds like you're missing slide toppers.

Mine has a topper and I wouldn’t be without it…

Although I have a slide topper, I'll climb the ladder and give the top a quick peek.WoodGlue

With slide toppers you will have few problems,just do not stand under them if it has been raining lately. I am more concerned that I have everything cleared on the inside when bringing in a slide. Also that no hatch doors are open with door in the up position that could get smashed. I crushed a full sized vacuum cleaner the first time I put in a slide, because I failed to check that all was clear. No damage to the slide, that hydraulic system is powerful.

Do you always check your slides before closing?

h2guy
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
Well, if you had a CarriLite, its slide roofs are sloped with no lip on the front edge.

And with the double seals, theres never a problem whenever you want to close them.
WandaLust2
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
DH gets on the ladder and checks the top of the slide for debris before we bring it in. At one CG it was full of acorns and tiny twigs mixed with cedar tree needles.
goducks10
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
Always check mine. And I have no problem getting on the roof. Roof top inspections should be done a couple times a year anyway. However I use a short step ladder to check the slide even though I have a ladder on the rear.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
Yes, we check ours every time. We camp under trees a lot. I like the idea of the mirror. But if there is crud up there from trees or whatever I still need a way to get at it. A slide is new for us, I usually carry an old milk crate to stand on if I need to get up high, but its not enough to get at the top of the slide. I'm going to take a step ladder with us this weekend.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2013
Your wiper/sweep seal on top of the slide should sweep the water off the top as you close it. There shouldn't be a lot of water sitting on top to spray you once the slide has been retracted. At least ours sweeps the water off.
jnharley
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
We also use a convex mirror we purchased at a truck stop and mounted it on an adjustable pole. That way we can check to see if the slides need attention before we bring them in. We check every time.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2013
I stay the heck off my roof. That is no place to be wandering around on. I do not check the tops of the slides unless I suspect that something has fallen on them.

Haven't had a problem since I don't know when.

I would mount a mirror on a telescoping pole if I was really into checking the tops of the slides.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2013
If I didn't have the slide toppers I would use a ladder to check the slides. Seems to me that most roofs aren't the sturdiest thing around and the less stress you put on them the better. JMO of course. All it would take is one sharp object embedded in the sole of your shoe to ruin your day.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
skipnchar wrote:
People who walk on their roof for no particular reason usually end up with roof problems. Calking gets cracked or pulled loose and water intrudes into the RV. It's ALWAYS best to stay off of the roof. What exactly are you checking about your slides?

I'm checking for debris. Without toppers, I am very concerned about damaging the slides and seals, and I can't see the top of the slide from the ground. The only way to make sure it is clear to close is to get up there and check.
rk911
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
Every time I close our slides I climb on the roof and inspect/sweep them before closing. I'm not thrilled with the walking on the roof, but haven't yet splurged on a telescoping ladder.

Anyway, I was talking with someone last week about this, and he responded 'hmm...I should probably do that.' It blew my mind that he had never consider clearing his slides before closing. Am I missing something here?

we've got slide toppers so no, I don't climb up on the roof to check them. if you want to clean them get yourself an articulated broom to sweep them before closing.