Community Forums

8ptspike · 08-07-2016, 02:54 AM

Okay. Yesterday was my first day looking at TTs. I'm a newbie so this will be my first TT. Have not decided on anything. Still in "research mode".
Do I get a slide topper or not? I've read up on pros and cons and am looking for more input from you all.
Salesman says about 25% of people get them.
My thoughts, here in PA we have a lot of trees and water. But..... I'd rather not camp here. Heck I see enough of PA. Plan on winter trips to Florida and summer out west. A few shorter trips/weekends close.
If they were so important why doesn't the manufacturer add them on as standard? (Money) If they aren't important why are they even made? (Money) Ugh!!!!
It seems like one more thing that could be a problem or it can save a problem. Ugh!!!!

rkresge · 08-07-2016, 04:54 AM

Do it, you'll be glad you did.

parkerbill · 08-07-2016, 06:31 AM

Yes

raineman · 08-07-2016, 06:53 AM

I wish they would explanation why to get them..... answers not helpful so far

Oregon · 08-07-2016, 07:19 AM

Have always had them on trailer, 5th wheel, and motorhome. They keep out of your interior (when you bring the slide in) all the leaves, water, bugs and whatever else drops out of the trees or sky while you are parked.
Especially if it's been raining. You bring the slide in and it comes in dry while the water runs off the topper and stays outside.

Try to see the top of the slide on a unit that has been parked for a couple of days and you'll see what I mean.

davendeb · 08-07-2016, 07:22 AM

Yes

Triker56 · 08-07-2016, 07:23 AM

They keep leaves, limbs, snow, rain, sun(make shade)(lessens work for AC) off of the thin insulated slide out roof.

But you don't need one if you carry a ladder & broom with you to clean it off before sliding it in.

Water standing on it can get past some seals.

YC1 · 08-07-2016, 07:23 AM

Florida? You will love the toppers. It is shade even though just a small one and it will really help keep the slides clean. Bring slides in slow and stop if it has been raining so the water can run off.

Big Vic · 08-07-2016, 08:16 AM

No...especially on a large slide. Stuff gets blown underneath the topper and it will eventually stretch and pool water in rain and make noise blowing in the wind. Then you will have to put a beach ball or pool noodles underneath it to compensate.

It is not that hard to brush or blow off any debris which accumulates on the slide roof. Takes a few minutes.

dustyone · 08-07-2016, 01:38 PM

I own a little 210 Fun Finder X. It has one slide. It was equipped with a slide topper. I'm glad I've got mine I do live in Pennsylvania and I like to run around some of the PA spots. Park under a pine tree just once and you'll be glad you had your topper. I have also noticed that the roof does not get very hot in the slide out and I do believe it is because the topper does shade it. I have back problems. Also had a stroke while back so you got it the doctor insisted no more ladders. I do think that they are a great investment. Keep the leaves and bugs and stuff off of the roof that will be sliding in. Also they do help with the insulating it from the day's Heat.

powderman · 08-07-2016, 01:46 PM

I don't have them, so I carry a folding ladder. The guy next to me in Florida was glad I had it as the squirrels thought the space under the topper was a great place to build a nest.

davendeb · 08-07-2016, 04:44 PM

Had them on all 3 of my units. 6 toppers all together. Never had squirrels or wind flapping. One did pool in a heavy downpour but all it did was sag down to the top of the slide and flow off the sides as the pool filled. All poured off when I closed the slide, no harm done.
It is good for shading the slide top so that heat doesn't radiate down into slide.

Duoglide1 · 08-08-2016, 09:11 PM

It depends. Walk in unit that's sitting in the sun and see if the slide room is warmer than the rest of the unit. Ours has good insulation and rubber roof on the slides. It does not have toppers and I would never put them on. They do solve some problems and cause others. On my Country Coach they pooled water badly and I had to stuff pool noodles under them. On my Monaco I had to remove all four and have them all restitched as the thread rots. Both units made noise in high winds and in the Big Bend NP the wind hit so hard it completely unrolled two of them and they promptly wadded up in a mess. I did carry a small leaf blower to blow pine needles and acorns off the room under the toppers. There are pluses and minuses. Just make the best choice you can. They are easier to add later than remove later.

2012 NuWay HitchHiker 363RSBDA, 2016 Ford F-350 Dually 6.7

montgomeryAL · 08-09-2016, 09:32 AM

Yes, just be sure the installer puts it on correctly. Our topper started to come off going down the highway. When we got to the campground it had shifted about 10 inches and the arm had scratched and dented the side of our new trailer, and the fabric was torn. The dealership's installer had only put ONE screw in each bracket holding the topper roll arms in place. Each backet is designed for THREE screws.