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Chris T · 12-17-2018, 08:25 PM

I have been extremely busy lately so am sorry I am late answering this. I have a completely different technique for adding tension to a slide topper. It is used regardless of the Carefree model you have. My method is the safer way of doing it without risking loosing all tension on a spring and breaking it.

1.) Determine the model assembly you have - Omega I, Omega II, SOK I, SOK II, SOKIII, Ascent, Alpine. The spring is located either on the left or right depending on the model. Some models are double sprung meaning they have springs at both ends _ Summit XL's for example.

2.) Once you determine which side the spring is on, remove the cover.

3.) Drive a 1 inch # 10 self taping screw into the hole on top of the roller tube near the end where the spring is. This locks the spring in place.

4.) If you have an SOK II assembly then loosen the spring hold down bolt on the left end. If you have an SOK III assembly loosen the bolts on the right end cap and tilt it out so the cog wheel on the spring is free.

5.) Now bring your slide in 4 inches.

6.) Tighten the slack fabric on the roller tube. Now tighten the hold down bolt on the SOK II assembly or put the right end cap back on the SOK III assembly.

7. Remove the screw

8. Run your slide in and out once and then recheck the tension on the fabric.
If it is tight put the cover back on and you are done. If it is still loose then repeat this procedure.

Always remember to never get aggressive with older springs, you can break them. Every 4 inches of slide travel equals one complete wind. Always put one wind in at a time and test for proper tension. Never release all of the tension on an older spring and then retention it. Chances are they will break in the very near future.

Hope this helps all of you,

Chris T

Chris T · 12-17-2018, 08:35 PM

In regards to restitching older fabric.

The determining factor when to restitch or buy new fabric rests solely on the fabric you currently have.

# 1 - Does it fit your slide well and cover the ends of the slide roof properly ? If not then you are wasting a bunch of time restitching a fabric that will not properly keep water off the roof of your slide ( which will go directly to interior floors of your coach ).

# 2 - How old is the fabric ? If it is 5 years or less and in good shape and covers the slide roof well then restitching is fine.

# 3 - If the fabric is close to 5 yrs old then you should do a water repellency test. Spray some water on your topper then check to see if any percolates through. If it does then the fibers have seperated and the fabric should be replaced.

I am all for coach owners saving money and restitching is one good way to do that. But I have seen guys restitch toppers that were too short or beyond their life expectancy and they ended up causing leaks inside the slides and cost them 4 times the money in repairs then if they would have just replaced the fabric.

It is very hard for me to tell someone if their fabric is OK to restitch without testing it, feeling it and looking at it. After a decade of experience I am pretty much spot on when I can see it in person. But over the internet it is impossible. I am sure you can all understand.

Chris T

Bob_C · 12-17-2018, 09:48 PM

Deflappers also work great for using as handles to stretch fabric....

RustyTools · 12-18-2018, 04:19 AM

Chris T - As usual, you've come up with a clear and simple explanation of a potentially difficult (and maybe dangerous) task.

Many thanks for your insight and help!

Chris T · 12-18-2018, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyTools

Chris T - As usual, you've come up with a clear and simple explanation of a potentially difficult (and maybe dangerous) task.

Many thanks for your insight and help!

You are very welcome sir. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !!

Chris T