Need slideout covers on an Excel?

[Bruce and Jenna]

We have just finalized the order for our 33RSE Limited! We're trying to decide about adding slideout covers. It appears that most top of the line RV's have them but Excel doesn't offer them.

Do your slideouts leak in light or heavy rain, or does water enter the trailer when you pull the slide in? If so, how do you handle this problem?

[Lindaxtwo]

Hi Bruce and Jenna,
Welcome to the forum. You'll love your new Excel !
We are living in our 36RDO and have had hard rains, and 2 snowstorms this winter with 12" of now each time and haven't had a bit of problem with leaking and no toppers.

[LindaH]

We've never had slide toppers on any RV we've had, and have never had a problem.

On the other hand, we have friends with slide toppers who tell us when the wind blows hard, they have to bring their slides in!

[MakinSmoke]

The benefits seems to be that they reduce the amount of water on top of the slides when you have to break camp in rain or just after a rain and they keep some debris, leaves, etc. off the top of the slides. I too hear the comments about the toppers "singing" in the wind which can be resolved with "bungee" cords and also that some debris still gets underneath them.
We don't have them now and will probably not order them.

[ChiefJohn]

IMO, slide-toppers are not worth the cost. We had them on our motorhome and I didn't see any real benefit to having them--other than on hot summer days they did provide a shade barrier for the slide-out roof.

[Travelor]

Slide out covers are great if installed properly. The only problem we have had is keeping them clean. If you close up wet they tend to mildew on the underside which makes cleaning difficult. Be sure the tension is enough to prevent water from pooling - another problem we have experienced.

[glarnold]

My slides on the new Excel have no covers. So far, every time we're ready to leave, I climb up the ladder and sweep the tops of the slides with a long-handled broom. Many leaves and small branches that could damage the seal. Prevention being better than correction. On a previous motorhome, the slide awnings kept the leaves out. Just my experience.

[vblarry]

Haven't bought them yet, but haven't been swayed. In addition to the added insulation in those hot climates, visit daughter in Savannah, Ga a lot, seems like keeping the bulk of the debris off the roof is a plus.

[Money Bags]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna We have just finalized the order for our 33RSE Limited! We're trying to decide about adding slideout covers. It appears that most top of the line RV's have them but Excel doesn't offer them. Do your slideouts leak in light or heavy rain, or does water enter the trailer when you pull the slide in? If so, how do you handle this problem?

Was wondering what you decided to use. I have heard pros and cons on them and never have had them. I have often thought about using the Sun Blocker fabric on them. It seems that the rain would drain threw the little holes and one would still have something to keep leaves and twigs from piling on you’re slide outs.

[RustyJC]

Of our three 5th wheels, two haven't had slideout covers and one had them. The advantages are that the slideout covers do provide a solar barrier and keep a lot of debris off the slideout roofs. The disadvantages are whipping in a strong wind and mildew buildup on the bottom side that cannot be readily cleaned.

If I'm relying on slideout covers to prevent water leakage, I'm masking the real sealing problem. I've not had leakage problems with them or without them.

Our present 5th wheel doesn't have 'em, and I really don't miss 'em.

Rusty

[ChiefJohn]

Thanks Rusty -- pros and cons of having and not having, you have to decide on what best suits your needs. I will add that Peterson Industries does not offer or recommend slide-out toppers.
John

[rockintom]

I did a deep dive on analyzing the slide toppers when we considered them and came to the conclusion that the cons and cost outweigh the pros. Some folks swear by them and others at them! As with many options, different strokes for different folks. The only option we got that I wouldn't get again way back in '05, was the camper jacket (bra). To me, what a waste of money and a big pain in the a... to open the basement door with it installed, etc., to others, a Godsend. So there ya go!! If you have good mudflaps on your tug that will protect the front of your rig pretty good. Ours is brand new and folded nicely under our bed. Anyone need one?

As Chief said, unless something has changed recently, the folks at PI don't condone the slide toppers. rockin'

[evan0810]

We have never had slide covers and in my opinion, leaves and debris are still going to get in there (though not as many) and the toppers would make it more difficult to get them out. It's like anything else, if you want them, get them.
Ed

[Money Bags]

Will like I had said I have never had them, but would have them done with the Sun Blocker fabric if I ever had the urge. I just thought that maybe the folks in the sun belt might have them to give them some more shade on their slide outs and to protect the rubber roof from the sun’s rays.