Slide cover

[tbird2000]

I have a full wall slide that the metal support that holds the canvas up when the slide is open has broken. The middle support arms have come lose and would not let me close the slide. I was able to move the arms out of the way of the room so I could close. My question, has anyone tried to do this repair themselves or is it best left to a service center. Thanks

[94-Newmar]

A picture of where it's failed would certainly help. I assume it's a Girard awning? Are the articulating joints (between the aluminum arms) plastic? It is not uncommon to have those fail/crack, most generally from excessive weight on the canvas from either snow or rain, and quite often excessive wind. Not a hard job to tackle but seeing where it failed would help determine how complex the repair is going to be.

[tbird2000]

No it's not the Girard, it is the awning that covers the full room slide when extended to keep water etc.. from sitting on top of slide. There is a metal support that runs the length of the slide that helps to support the awning. I believe the fix would be straight forward if I could get to the parts that are broken. But not sure shat would be the best way to remove the awning in order to get the parts that will be needed to be replaced. The part that has failed is in the center of the awning and cannot be reached without removing. The awning is held in place to the body of the coach by a rail that runs the length of the awning and has a plastic rod that keeps it in place. I believe if I can release the tension on the awning, I could pull this rod out to give me access to the failed parts. Just not familiar with how those awnings are put under tension. If anyone has worked with either replacing or repairing your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. The closest repair center for American coach is end of January before they can look at it. Puts me out of commission longer than I would like, reason I would like to attempt myself with help of course. :-)

[94-Newmar]

Ok, it's referred to as a slide topper. Which brand/model is it? Depending upon which brand you have will make a huge difference in how to tackle repairing it, and how to hold the tension.

[palehorse89]

A phone to American Coach (Fleetwood) would be my first move to see about getting the parts needed shipped to me, second while on the phone (service dept.) ask for someone to explain the procedure for repairing this and replacing the broken parts. From what I have read on here they will be more than accommodating to your problems and needs. I would suspect that at the very least you will need someone to help you that has the ability to aid you(without you getting frustrated with them) and your repair will go a lot better. I would say that the topper will have to come off, one end or the other or completely to make the repairs , then reinstalled. Study up and do a search on here for "setting tension on slide topper" or refer to mfg. instructions that you might have on the topper installation and repair. Be careful of the tension on it and understand exactly what you have to do before starting the job.(don't want you to get hurt)

[tbird2000]

I did talk to American coach last week, and they suggested taking to dealer, and that's when I found out how long it would take to get me in for service. I think it is a good idea to talk to someone in service that may be able to give me some on hands advice to see if this is something I want to attempt myself. And you are correct they are always very helpful in helping those of us who are inclined to be DIY types.

[Bfmorgan]

YouTube has a lot of good how-to videos. I had to take my slide topper apart this summer. The videos had a lot of good tricks for removal and installation.

[tbird2000]

I have called and talked to care free and they no longer produce the lift mechanism for the full room slide topper. Does anyone know of a aftermarket source for a lift system or do I just remove and not replace. Thanks