Clearing off branches from slides

[TheMcLellans]

Has anyone explored a ground based system for “dragging” a brush system over the top of the slides to clear them prior to retraction?

[ncitro]

No ground based system, we carry a DeWalt leaf blower and use that from the roof.

[Don Coy]

I ran across a device a while back that works with a broom that has a removable head to turn it into a broom that will sweep off a slide room roof. The device was called RV Slideout Sweep.

https://www.rvslideoutsweep.com/

As I recall, it wasn't very expensive. I don't have one so I can't speak to how it works, but it looks like it would work. Like ncitro, I use a Dewalt leaf blower,

[ncitro]

If roof access is an issue, slide toppers greatly help this problem as well.

[TheMcLellans]

Toppers would be good however my 303RLS has awnings already attached and combined with our sloped roof would appears to create a flat or reverse tilt (towards the rig) to a topper.

[Jlawles2]

I carry a battery operated blower and a broom. Every time I camp under trees I get on the roof and verify there are no limbs or leaves on the slides before retracting, and run a quick inspection to see if any limbs have fallen and poked a hole in the membrane.

Odd as it may seem, I did have a roof leak from a puncture created by a falling limb on a previous TT. Falling limb SPEARED the slide roof (thankfully the slide) and it woke me sometime after midnight with the dripping water falling into a pool on the table. I was fortunate enough to be able to retract the damaged slide after going out in the rain to remove the pine needles and offending limb. I spent several hours the next morning gathering supplies and making the repair. So I have become a bit on the over protective side on inspecting there roof for damage even when traveling.

[Country Campers]

I have slide toppers and really recommend them, however when camping in areas with trees I do a roof inspection before leaving which also includes the slide toppers.

Brian

[markandkim]

No ground based system, we carry a DeWalt leaf blower and use that from the roof.

That's what I do.

If you camp out west a lot, you'll re-think slide toppers.

[Beachcamper]

We put our phone on video and use a monopod to video each slide top. Then if there is any kind of branch, etc will get on roof with a broom to sweep off. Or use a leaf blower if not too early in the morning.

[howson]

We make it a point to put our phone on video and use a monopod to video each slide top. Then if there is any kind of branch, etc will get on roof with a broom to sweep off.

What a simple and brilliant idea, Vivian!

[Beachcamper]

What a simple and brilliant idea, Vivian!

It’s also good for quick inspections and not expensive

https://amzn.to/3Xtgcuu

[Lonestar]

I built a long selfie stick, and while it works to view, obviously does nothing to get debris off top of slide. I then built a 7' piece of 3/4" PVC and put a nozzle at the top end, and a fitting for a water hose on the bottom. I also added a quarter turn valve on the bottom so I could control the water flow once connected to the water hose.

I simply hook up to water and wash off the top of the slide from the ground. Even though I can't see the top of the slide, I start at one end and pressure wash everything to the other end. It works great, the only disadvantage being the top of the slide is wet when you retract the slide.

While at Yellowstone last year, I was at a campsite with no water. I used a cheap tarp from Harbor Freight cut to the exact size of the top of the slide. On each end was a piece of PVC pipe with a rope attached. At the end of the stay we just pulled the tarp off one end of the slide bringing off all the small branches and pine needles that had accumulated on top of it.

I'm getting too old to climb on ladders and get on top of the trailer after each campsite.

[Jeff Barta]

So if any of you remember the Red Green show where his line was, "If the women don't find you hansom, I hope they find you handy". My friend wanted a way to clean his gutters without using a ladder. I built him a PVC tube that hooks on his leaf blower and cleans them (built like a Shepards hook).

Well guess what i use for my slides? Yes i look like Red Green with this tube hooked to my leaf blower, but i dont have to get on the roof. I clean my slides and gutters on my 5th wheel every two weeks.

[SATA Adventures]

So if any of you remember the Red Green show where his line was, "If the women don't find you hansom, I hope they find you handy". My friend wanted a way to clean his gutters without using a ladder. I built him a PVC tube that hooks on his leaf blower and cleans them (built like a Shepards hook).

Well guess what i use for my slides? Yes i look like Red Green with this tube hooked to my leaf blower, but i dont have to get on the roof. I clean my slides and gutters on my 5th wheel every two weeks.

Could you post a picture of this handy fitti g?

[50ST8R]

We put our phone on video and use a monopod to video each slide top. Then if there is any kind of branch, etc will get on roof with a broom to sweep off. Or use a leaf blower if not too early in the morning.

that is a great idea and one I am putting on my checklist for future use. Thanks