Jcolgrave
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Joined: 03/31/2003
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I live in Southern Ontario, we get lots of snow in the winter and of course it gets cold. This is the first year that we have had a tailer with a slide. In previous years after parking and winterizing our non-slide equiped trailers we sometimes use the trailer. In fact we are in and out quite a bit. With our new trailer I don't plan on leaving the slide out all winter because of the snow accumulation that will occur. I might however be temped sometimes to open the slide during a clear warm period if perhaps some friends stop by and we want to sit in the trailer and play cards and perhaps have a beverage. Assuming the slide mechanics are lubed OK do these slides operate OK at tempartures well below freezing? How do the rubber seals work in the cold? If it's a bad idea I simply won't do it till spring, but I'd like to hear if others have had any problems both immediate and long term with operating their slides in cold weather. Thanks.
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dezolen
Ontario
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Joined: 01/01/2008
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Personally I would be inclided to not use it at all. You will create lots of extra condensation in the trailer and be asking for trouble. I opened our slide only once last winter only because I was lucky enough to sell it in February. No ill effects but seals could get damaged if frozen to walls when opened up.
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houtrz
Lake Jackson Texas
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I have a 39' five slide Cedar Creek and I lived in it in Monroe Michigan last winter. I DID NOT skirt the trailer and I was in -20 during the night and -10 or so during the day for nearly three weeks. For nearly a month it never got above zero. I slide my slides in and out a couple of times to knock the snow off (I have the awning slides). I didn't have any problems and will do it again this winter. I probably had as much as ten to twelve inches of snow on before I would slide the slide in to knock it off. Hope this helps.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I use my trailer all winter with no problems. There are no lube points on my side and I have a topper. If yours doesn't have a slide topper then you'd need to clear any ice or snow off of the roof before retracting it but other than that probably no issues. Might be worth looking at the slide seal before extending to make sure it wasn't frozen to the side of the trailer and brake it loose before just pushing the button. Good luck / Skip
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The Weekenders
Harvey, North Dakota
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skipnchar wrote:I use my trailer all winter with no problems. There are no lube points on my side and I have a topper. If yours doesn't have a slide topper then you'd need to clear any ice or snow off of the roof before retracting it but other than that probably no issues. Might be worth looking at the slide seal before extending to make sure it wasn't frozen to the side of the trailer and brake it loose before just pushing the button. Good luck / Skip
Skip makes some good points about snow and ice on top if no toppers and the slide seal. I do it in North Dakota a lot. Parked in the front yard and on a weekend day if the temps are in the 20's , I'll put out the slides, fire up the furnace and the satetllite and watch TV and wish for spring to come.  I have never had an issue with the slides. JMO
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abc40kids
Dale City,Virginia
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I leave mine open all thru the winter,we don't get alot of snow but when it does I get on a ladder and take a broom to get the snow off.No problem with the slides except if ice on the toppers then I won't move them.If they are forcasting a big storm I'll pull them in ahead of time and back out when the storm clears,I'm the same way I'm in and out of my 5er all winter.
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robertbick
Upstate NY
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Just play cards and have a beverage in the house! That's what I do. 
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You can't take the Fisherman out of this Camper
Ontario, Canada
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I don't think you'll have a problem if you do it on days when it warms up a bit. It will help if the slide is facing the sunny side so that any snow/ice that may be stuck to the seals at the top or sides is melted before you push the slide out button. I use silicone seal conditioner (the spray on type) available at Canadian Tire stores two or three times a year to keep the seals soft and they do not stick to the walls when opening the slides. I would suggest you do this before closing it in the fall. That should keep the seals from absorbing water and sticking.
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UNYboater
1000 Islands, NY, USA
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Checking the seals & keeping them lubed is a good idea anyway. And clearing snow/ice if you don't have a topper is key. With those things in mind, there really isn't a lot to worry about. We have used the RV several times in the winter (& it gets cold here!) as a 'guest house' or spare bedroom. No water but I do have a portapotty from a boat that serves as an option vs running through the cold in the middle of the night!
The slide being out just makes being in there more comfortable. And it does help get through the winter!
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bradyk
Calgary, Alberta
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We are in the great white north as well. We go out in Alberta all year long. We have a slide cover but put it out, turn on the heat, the tv, have a pop or 2 and enjoy. We have never had problems with slides etc. due to freezing or sticking.
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