Topper fabric problem

[RWeigant]

The front leading edge topper fabric, of our 2011 Knight, has started to fall apart. I think it's getting hit buy the wind, even though it's rolled up as far as it can go. Small tears about 1.5 inch are slowly creeping toward the rear. I think I could tape the leading edge some way. Not sure what to do about it.

[HicksRA]

The small tear is probably just the beginning of the whole awning going bad.
Any fix will probably only be temporary. The best solution is to replace it.
This link might be helpful to you:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/slid...ts-225605.html

[RWeigant]

On mine it has a metal cover that covers it completely when rolled it. Still some of it is exposed while driving.

[Dynasty_09]

I had the same problem and just removed the topper, clean it and turned it 180 degree... It was a two hour job just by myself!

[H. Miller]

A special tape is made for "topper" material but consider a short piece of EternaBond. 2 years and still holding for us...

[RWeigant]

Thanks you guys. Good ideas.

[super_rep]

Get new toppers from Stone Vos Inc. They have the best material. Qua;it is the best on the market and prices are reasonable.

[danes-on-tour]

Originally Posted by Cayman09

I had the same problem and just removed the topper, clean it and turned it 180 degree... It was a two hour job just by myself!

Turning the topper is, in my view, the best solution for extending the life of them. However, within the foreseeable future, you will probably have to replace them all together. On our 2007 Diplomat we are getting there fast.

We think that we are looking at something like $900 for 4 new toppers (materials only), and will probably ask Stone Vos in Florida to make them.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by H. Miller

A special tape is made for "topper" material but consider a short piece of EternaBond. 2 years and still holding for us...

Forget the awning tape. Doesn't stick very well to Sunbrella fabric, which is what Carefree uses.

[Dutch Star Don]

I took my toppers off, cut off 6" and had the end sewn, recreating the slot for the plastic bead. There is about 12"-18" of extra material. I got three redone for a $100.00. They lasted about another 2 years.

[CrazyKnight]

Mine are doing the exact same thing. 2011 Monaco Knight with 35000 miles. That little bit that is showing and it bing exposed to the road driving wind and constant sun, small 1/2" tears starting on 2 out of 3 slides.

I am going to flip mine 180, like above posted, there is a roll or two of "extra" fabric on the roller and I will put that side out for the next few years....if they last that long :-) Then Stone Vos time. From all the reading I have done Stone Vos has a great product and does top notch work.

I am not looking forward to doing the full wall slide but the other 2 slides should be easy.

[Dynasty_09]

Originally Posted by CrazyKnight

I am not looking forward to doing the full wall slide but the other 2 slides should be easy.

Craig, do you intent to remove the roll in order to get the topper off? If so, yes, the long slide would be hard. What I did is unroll the topper, lock it in place then remove the centre screw of the roll and move the roll up to lock it in place on the top hole of the bracket. It is easy at that time to remove and re-insert the topper.

Here's a pic.

[CrazyKnight]

Cayman09

A picture is worth a bunch of post. I agree with you, taking the roller up or off as shown would be easier.
I have some free time today and it finally warmed up so I will go take a look.

Thanks for the photo.

Craig

[Drifter]

Pin the right side of the roller before taking out the left side center screw. I use a 1/8" allen to pin the tube.