Community Forums

M&S Norrell · 06-25-2007, 03:55 PM

We are considering slide toppers, but don't know if I like the Carefree models as the have the hardware bolting to the slides exposed. I have seen some nice toppers on some motorhomes that have an aluminum cover and hardware on the slide part is not exposed, but can't recall the brand. Any ideas? Also, what are the cons of having slide toppers?

M&S Norrell · 06-25-2007, 03:55 PM

We are considering slide toppers, but don't know if I like the Carefree models as the have the hardware bolting to the slides exposed. I have seen some nice toppers on some motorhomes that have an aluminum cover and hardware on the slide part is not exposed, but can't recall the brand. Any ideas? Also, what are the cons of having slide toppers?

MakinSmoke · 06-26-2007, 02:52 AM

We don't have slide toppers...mostly because they just didn't come on the Excel we bought. IMO, the pros are that they keep some heat off the top of the slides. I think the cons are that they flap in the wind, you may still have to remove some debris from under the topper and they will eventually need replacing.

ChiefJohn · 06-26-2007, 12:45 PM

PI does not recommend the use of slide toppers on their 5th wheels. You may wish to check with Jack on any possible warranty related issues.

LindaH · 06-27-2007, 05:21 AM

We have friends with slide toppers, and whenever the wind blows hard enough, they have to bring their slides in to keep the wind from tearing up the toppers. While I can see some benefit from slide toppers in certain situations, this alone is reason enough for us not to get them.

RustyJC · 06-27-2007, 06:13 AM

We had slide toppers on a previous 5th wheel and didn't get them on our current one. Something I don't see mentioned much is the problem after years of having to roll them in wet. Eventually, the mildew buildup under the lower surface of the slide topper is substantial, and there's no easy way to get to this surface to clean them. The whipping and popping in the wind is another reason that we passed on them this time, despite the benefits they admittedly do offer.

Rusty

ChiefJohn · 06-27-2007, 09:40 AM

Good point Rusty -- we've also had the slide toppers on a previous RV and experienced a similar problem with mildew. IMO, your money can be better spent on other RV enhancements.

Travelor · 07-02-2007, 07:01 AM

I agree the slide toppers are a pain. Can't keep them clean and I doubt we will install them on any new rig we purchase.

Bill Cramer, 35 MKO, 05 Silverado 4 wd.

LindaH · 07-03-2007, 09:57 AM

For those of you who are Good Sam members, the July 2007 issues of Highways has an article about awnings.

Under the section on slide-out awnings, it says, in part:

"The other type [of slide-out awnings] uses full-length vertical support arms that attach to the walls beyond the ends of the slide-outs. This allows the canopy to be extended or retracted when the slide-out is in either position. This comes in very handy for retracting it during heavy winds without also having to close the slide-out."

If we were going to spend the money for slide-out awnings (which we aren't), these would be the type we'd get.

d.duin · 07-10-2007, 01:17 PM

In addition to all that others have posted, I have experienced birds building nests under the awning, snow sagging the center down and freezing the awning cloth to the slide so it wouldn't roll up and tree twigs catching in the rolling awning holding the slide from retracting. Who needs them?
Ace