Galley side slide out exterior holes??

[dandresbg]

Hello all,

My wife and I are new to RVing and have a Grand Design 2970RL. I have a question about the galley side slide out (drivers side).

Per the pictures below, at the base of the slide out, on each side, there are two openings (about 1 inch in diameter). Each has a single wire running through it. As far as I can tell, the only function of this hole is to provide access for the electrical wire.

My concern is that both holes are large enough for small mice or other bugs to enter the camper. Does anyone know if these serve any other purpose?

I'd like to simply fill each opening with a clear silicone caulk, but thought I'd ask first.

Thanks!
David

 

[huntr70]

They are also drains for the water to run into if you bring the slide in wet.

You can silicone them smaller, but I wouldn't close them up all the way.

 

[SilentService]

Steel wool pads tucked into the gaps will work for keeping mice out and still allow for drainage.
Just remember to remove them prior to putting the slide back in.

 

[dandresbg]

They are also drains for the water to run into if you bring the slide in wet.

You can silicone them smaller, but I wouldn't close them up all the way.

Thank you!

 

[dandresbg]

Steel wool pads tucked into the gaps will work for keeping mice out and still allow for drainage.
Just remember to remove them prior to putting the slide back in.

Thank you! Great idea

 

[Riverbug]

Just to add to and clarify previous responses. Inside, shove brass wool into the cavity (brass doesn't rust like steel wool if it does get wet). You do not need to remove the wool if it isn't getting in the way of the slide, so just pack it down and leave it in place; ours has been in there since day 1 without issue. Then, put a flashlight pointing down into that space from the inside, go outside and look up into the corner and you'll see the light. You can then fabricate a solution to close in the space so mice cannot get in. I used some dense foam that came in Amazon boxes, cut and contoured to fit into the space and sealed it up with Gorilla tape and silicone. The bottom of the floor slides over the top of the foam without hindering the slide movement. It's been there 1.5 years and 28,000 miles without any issue, although it will be ready for some touching up before winter now. Mice will definitely find their way into those holes if you do not seal them. While you're at it, go around the entire belly and ensure any gaps in the Coraplast are sealed up. Black silicone caulk works great for that too. Good luck!

 

[Filterman]

Steel wool pads tucked into the gaps will work for keeping mice out and still allow for drainage.
Just remember to remove them prior to putting the slide back in.

Yes to this. I used stainless pot scrubbers ( dollar store) so they don’t rust.

 

[dandresbg]

Just to add to and clarify previous responses. Inside, shove brass wool into the cavity (brass doesn't rust like steel wool if it does get wet). You do not need to remove the wool if it isn't getting in the way of the slide, so just pack it down and leave it in place; ours has been in there since day 1 without issue. Then, put a flashlight pointing down into that space from the inside, go outside and look up into the corner and you'll see the light. You can then fabricate a solution to close in the space so mice cannot get in. I used some dense foam that came in Amazon boxes, cut and contoured to fit into the space and sealed it up with Gorilla tape and silicone. The bottom of the floor slides over the top of the foam without hindering the slide movement. It's been there 1.5 years and 28,000 miles without any issue, although it will be ready for some touching up before winter now. Mice will definitely find their way into those holes if you do not seal them. While you're at it, go around the entire belly and ensure any gaps in the Coraplast are sealed up. Black silicone caulk works great for that too. Good luck!

Thanks Chad for the detailed response! Does the foam you added on top of the brass wool prevent water drainage?

 

[dandresbg]

Yes to this. I used stainless pot scrubbers ( dollar store) so they don’t rust.

Thank you!

 

[Riverbug]

Thanks Chad for the detailed response! Does the foam you added on top of the brass wool prevent water drainage?

Sorry for the delay...been out camping. The foam actually doesn't go over the brass wool. You will see the brass wool from the top (inside). The foam was used to cover the opening on the outside underneath the slide and closes in the gap that you will see from the side of that opening. So, if water were to drain down from the seals (which I've never seen a sign that it does), it would still travel through the wool and out the bottom. What you are doing is closing in the side of that same space from the outside. Once you take a look I think you'll see what I mean. I don't have a picture of mine at the moment...

 

[dandresbg]

Sorry for the delay...been out camping. The foam actually doesn't go over the brass wool. You will see the brass wool from the top (inside). The foam was used to cover the opening on the outside underneath the slide and closes in the gap that you will see from the side of that opening. So, if water were to drain down from the seals (which I've never seen a sign that it does), it would still travel through the wool and out the bottom. What you are doing is closing in the side of that same space from the outside. Once you take a look I think you'll see what I mean. I don't have a picture of mine at the moment...

Thanks Chad, that makes sense!

 

[Laura K]

We have floor gaps at the main slides when open. We never noticed any with our previous Solitude. They are about 1 1/2”x 1/2” and are at each end. They make the rv very drafty. This doesn’t seem normal.

 

[dandresbg]

We have floor gaps at the main slides when open. We never noticed any with our previous Solitude. They are about 1 1/2”x 1/2” and are at each end. They make the rv very drafty. This doesn’t seem normal.

Hi Laura. I'm no expert, but having a gap that large doesn't seem normal/correct to me. Have you discussed it with the dealer where you get your RV maintained?

 

[Laura K]

Hi Laura. I'm no expert, but having a gap that large doesn't seem normal/correct to me. Have you discussed it with the dealer where you get your RV maintained?

We have only had it a month and we are currently on our first real trip and we discovered the gaps. We will be at the Tampa RV show in a couple of days and we thought we would ask at the GD area. Otherwise we will talk to our dealer when we get home.

 

[Laura K]

All four ends of the main slides galley and table. And the gap is about the same size at all four points.

 

[dandresbg]

Yes, that seems strange. Hopefully you can find someone at the RV show who can at least provide you with a more concise opinion...