Community Forums

McRod · 08-01-2015, 10:39 AM

Most of the fifth wheels we have been looking at do not come standard with slide toppers. I know you can order them and have the dealer put them on for an option.

However, I was looking for opinions on just getting without and buying directly from Carefree Colorado or A&E and doing a self install. Has anyone done that before? What challenges did you have?

Plenty of info out there on replacing existing slide topper fabric, but didn't find much on installing a completely brand new one.

Cummins12V98 · 08-01-2015, 10:46 AM

Had toppers on one RV then next two did not have them. Don't miss them at all!

suiteowner · 08-01-2015, 11:58 AM

I have them on my current 5th wheel and its my 1st 5th wheel with them...I would never order a 5th wheel without them...I did not like have to clime on the roof of my previous 5th wheels and brush off debris every time I closed the slide...The slide toppers totally eliminate that problem for me...

Cummins12V98 · 08-01-2015, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suiteowner

I have them on my current 5th wheel and its my 1st 5th wheel with them...I would never order a 5th wheel without them...I did not like have to clime on the roof of my previous 5th wheels and brush off debris every time I closed the slide...The slide toppers totally eliminate that problem for me...

Well when it's raining and there are needles and leaves on your toppers you will be rolling them up when retracting the slides unless you get up there and clean them off.

When I had them I felt the same way until I realized you will need to clean them off at times no matter. So after two rigs since having toppers it's not worth it to me. Eventually they will get torn that happened also.

tuffr2 · 08-01-2015, 02:01 PM

If you need a tally I give slide toppers a thumbs up.

jimcumminsw · 08-01-2015, 02:13 PM

We are on our third 5er and all three have had slide toppers. I would not buy a 5er without them. In fact that is one of the reasons I passed on the Cedar Creek Silverback model and went with the higher price Cedar Creek model. The Silverback cannot have slide toppers installed do to the slide design. The Cedar Creek will allow you to have factory installed slide toppers with a metal cover when rolled up for added protection and to prevent fading similar to the awning.

When cleaning the slide topper when wet I will stand on the ground with a long handle broom and sweep off the wet needles and leaves where needed. Otherwise they are self-cleaning when dry.

They also provide a little heat relief from the sun since they trap an air layer between the slide roof and the bottom of the slide topper.

Jim

schrod · 08-01-2015, 02:39 PM

I am also in agreement. Even though I do not presently own a 5th wheel, we have had 4 TT and all slides have always had the toppers. Has saved me many times having to climb the ladder and sweep off the slides. Also like has been said it blocks the sun and helps keep the slide interior cooler albeit maybe only a small amount but any help for the A/C is welcome!

rskeans · 08-01-2015, 04:28 PM

Mostly slide toppers are OK, especially in the summer. However, if you should get snow I've had the snow push down on the topper to the slide and prevent retraction of the slide. Now that is really a PITA! You didn't specify your RV. But if you should have a Cameo, or LIfestyle, the slides do not have a flange. They have a heavy rubber scrapper that just pushes any debri over the edge, including snow. The other negative is if you should have some heavy winds with the slides out. The toppers can catch the wind and make a lot of noise. Never had the wind tear one though.

So, if your usage is only summer like conditions, the toppers would be a positive.

pitcrew18 · 08-01-2015, 04:53 PM

For me it is no issue to sweep the slides if needed and their are 4 less pieces of canvas that will tear. In my opion and in talking to many camping buddies I don't see the need.

taken · 08-01-2015, 05:23 PM

I just went through this exorcise. Read threads on all the RV forums dating back years on the subject. I found about 80/20 in favor. The negatives were usually wind flapping. The first kind is from guys like a friend of mine from NC who always camps on the south east coast. Wind and storms come up in a matter of minutes where he usually camps and he's seen a ton of rigs with their toppers torn off. The second is guys who camp in less than windy areas but never tighten their toppers up after the do their initial stretch in. There is an acceptable number of turns you can give them based on model and size. Most people have them installed and figure it's a set it and forget it deal. In actuality, once they have stretched in you need to tighten them up until there is no issue with wind.

All this said, I'm installing Dometic Elite FC toppers on my three slides next week. The benefits outweigh the negatives for me. YMMV.

schrod · 08-01-2015, 07:29 PM

taken---- agree with you 100%

McRod · 08-05-2015, 09:28 PM

Has anyone done an install of their own slide toppers since most fifth wheels come without them from the manufacturer?

PhoneDude 8289 · 08-05-2015, 10:09 PM

I did remove one of the slide toppers to reglue a seal across the top of one of our slides. Installing doesn't look like a big deal but I never did a full install of a topper.

Bamaman · 08-06-2015, 11:48 AM

Slide toppers are very easy to install if you have a couple of tall ladders and even better if you have another person to help. They're available on Amazon.com, too.

We're weekend campers, and I'm going to invest in a second a/c unit first. We'll eventually get the toppers. $2K at our selling dealer is just a little too expensive (4 slides.)