Billowing Slide Topper

[KSCRUDE]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

When the dealer installed toppers on our 5er, the bed-slide topper would flap loudly. I returned to the dealer and had them tighten the spring. A few days later I noticed campfire smoke in the bedroom. Investigation found the slide roof would not seal when extended, allowing the neighbors smoke to enter. returned to the dealer and paid them to re-tension the spring back to the original setting. No more smoke problem.

They knew what they were doing after all.

If we ever buy another RV of any type, there will be no slide toppers and probably no awning. We bought our 94 Jayco fiver and it worked great for the 14 years we owned it without toppers. Our 13 Newmar has toppers and they did just like the OPs on our first windy trip. We had them tightened up and it seems to have fixed the problem for the most part. I don't like to park under or near trees and the winds blow so hard in Kansas that nothing is going to stay on the slide roofs anyway. Trees are few and far between here also. Also it rains sideways here and the toppers do nothing to keep water off the slides. Have already had my rude cold water down the neck and back when heading out in the morning. And after having a business now for 21 years right on I70 we have had countless RVs pull in with awnings that are coming apart as the side winds here can be burtel. We try to get them secure so they can be on there way. They are usually trashed by this point. Have seen many whole awnings in the medians and ditches on I70. And a new shinny MH looks so much cleaner and streamlined without awnings and slide toppers hanging all over it. And it won't have that crappy clear bra junk that Newmar is so proud of on it either. It turns yellow in less then a year and our rig sets inside all the time in a climate controlled shop, unless we are using it.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

When the dealer installed toppers on our 5er, the bed-slide topper would flap loudly. I returned to the dealer and had them tighten the spring. A few days later I noticed campfire smoke in the bedroom. ...

Ray...I was certainly thinking about that while deciding what I wanted done. LOL So far, no new drafts (to cold and wet for campfires lately) and less noise from the toppers.

If I start smelling campfires...I will back off the tension. But for now, I like the difference in that big slide. Before the work there was a small but noticeable sag that would get "saggier" with any rain. I don't see that now.