Community Forums

Donskiman · 08-19-2021, 04:46 PM

The slide topper on our bedroom slide does not roll up tight when the slide is retracted. Is there a way to adjust it to prevent it from catching wind while driving? My wife was driving our car behind the coach and noticed it starting to flap a little. We've had the slide in and out a few times since then and it does not roll up tight.

Ok, when I watched it the spool only turned a couple times when bringing in the slide. Then it stopped turning and the fabric was getting bunched up and partially getting pulled under the top of the slide. I did it again only manually turning the spool as the slide retracted and got the topper back in. What's causing this? Broken spring? How can it be fixed? I can stand on a ladder and manually turn it for now, but that's not a good solution.

groveln · 08-19-2021, 06:03 PM

It definitely sounds like the spring has broke inside the roller..been there last year. They get rusty inside the roller then snap! Find the brand & model it is & order one accordingly. Mine was a Carefree of Colorado. DIY myself on a 14 footer.

Donskiman · 08-19-2021, 08:32 PM

As far as I can tell this is a Solera Slide Topper Awning by Lippert. I can't find any information about replacement springs.

groveln · 08-19-2021, 08:58 PM

Boy your right Donskiman..I've been all over Lipperts/Solara site looking for replacement parts but nowhere to be found...so it looks like you'll have to make a call to them with all your Topper info...if you want you can take a look on Carefree Of Colorado's site & you'll easily find the replacement parts for toppers & a photo of what the spring looks like.

Donskiman · 08-20-2021, 09:50 AM

I'm trying to contact Lippert to see if they can help or provide more info. I found a manual online. It says to check the tension on the springs, but doesn't say how to do it.

groveln · 08-20-2021, 04:09 PM

From what you described of the topper material getting bunched up it isn't a tension issue that spring is broke..Go to YouTube & you'll see a Solera slide topper install form the beginning to see how it's done & the spring tightening.
Installing Solera RV Slide Toppers on YouTube

Donskiman · 08-22-2021, 09:38 PM

Hmmm, ran it out and back in today, and it rolled back up just like it should.

Now I think maybe the problem was caused when we brought the slides in during a thunderstorm because the wind gusts were really strong. Maybe doing that caused the tension to get released and when I helped roll it back in manually it went back to normal. Even though we put the slide back out after the storm was over it may the topper may have got misaligned. Didn't notice until our next trip a few weeks later. We'll keep checking it to see if this happens again.