Jay, (Blue Ridge, TX)
Jay, I am not a proponent of leaving the slide rooms out during storage. Perhaps many of the units you’ve seen belong to owners who are actually using the RV while at home? I recommend that each slide be brought in during any extended period of non-use. When left out, dirt, leaves, debris, etc., can all gather on the roof sections creating a mess and inviting water intrusion. Plus rubber slide seals can dry out and become cracked. Even if the room is equipped with a topper awning; why subject it to the elements when not necessary? Additionally, depending on the type of slide mechanism, exposure during non-use can corrode moving components. I suggest keeping them in the travel position during storage.