Community Forums

Tamie22 · 04-29-2017, 10:09 AM

Hi Everyone! We just ordered a new Outdoors RV, 24RKS, Titanium Series, yesterday! It is still at the factory and can still add the Slide Topper Awning and the 12 V Heat Pad if we hurry but wanted to reach out and see if you think they are worth the purchase? Do they make much of a difference? Pros and cons? I would appreciate any thoughts or advice you have on these two items. Thank you!

parkerbill · 04-29-2017, 10:35 AM

I would definitely get the slide topper. It keeps a lot of debris off the top of the slide (and prevents it from damaging your seals).

Tuquala · 04-29-2017, 10:41 AM

Slide topper is highly recommended by most that have installed them. More pros than cons in my opinion. As to the tank pads, they will use lots of 12V when not connected to city power like in the woods!! Keep that in mind. The main lp heater will keep the underbelly warmed when being used.

If you have the factory do a topper, consider asking if they would install the SOKIII instead of the SOK. Better unit, has wind deflector to keep from billowing when towing. BUT, is more money, and the factory does keep the SOK in stock.

flywithcoop · 04-29-2017, 10:53 AM

Slide topper awnings keep the slide clean. Remember what ever lands on top of the slide when it is out comes inside when you close the slide. Had a friend bring a Florida Frog to Ohio.

J Birder · 04-29-2017, 11:56 AM

After doing a lot of reading, I concluded that they save a little work very frequently, at the cost of a lot of work and expense, very occasionally. I opted to do without.

Joel

IdahoBob · 04-29-2017, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamie22

We just purchased an ORV 24 RKS yesterday and are trying to decide if we need a slide topper added while at the Factory - we still have time! We live in California and wondering if you all think it's a necessity? Pros and cons? Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

It depends where you intend to park the trailer with the slide out. If you will get debris on the slide top, like tree leaves or pine needles, I'd get the topper. That was my issue and I disliked having to clean off the slide top before putting the slide back in. Especially in the rain. Or snow.

I've made that decision twice in the past 7 years and have never regretted it.

Bob

Rickeoni · 04-29-2017, 03:39 PM

We camp in the rain & in the forest, wouldn't be without them.

infowars · 04-29-2017, 03:48 PM

How much extra does ORV want for the slide topper? I've been thinking of getting one installed on our 23BHS.

BTW, congrats on your new rig!

Reevesfamily · 04-29-2017, 05:16 PM

Lots of discussion on both sides of the slide topper question on this forum and others. If you camp in windy conditions (beach) you'll rue the day you put them on and will bring your slide(s) in if possible. I see a lot of toppers that are broken and rotted so if you put them on plan on replacement in a couple years. I'm not putting them on mine, can't justify the $1000+ cost to the DW, and even with them on stuff blows in there. Creates a false sense of clean, I'd rather go up there and hand clean it before it goes in. I carry an 8' ladder that makes the job easy. I just blow or wipe the top of both of them down before I slide in. If weather is bad we just stay a bit longer.

gfarmcafe · 04-29-2017, 06:49 PM

The slide topper will hold a lot of rain water and will shed it once you roll it in. Before that, we try to push one side up with a broom handle to get the water off. You'd be surprised how much it holds.

Blackbelle · 04-29-2017, 10:24 PM

I have the slide towers on my Windriver and the fresh water heating pad. I am glad I have both. I just camped in Bend and Prineville a month ago. Temps got down into the low twenties and high teens. Nice to flick a switch that heats the fresh water to high thirties or forty. FYI I was told by ORV that it only will turn on when your water gets colder that that. Plus it's on a switch you can always just turn it off. My toppers were installed after market, but when it's really coming down they are nice to have.

Sabre · 04-30-2017, 12:47 PM

I would definately go with the slide topper. You won't regret it, it keeps all the debris out and rain water out too. As for keeping the awning from having a big pool of water in the middle of the awning, you can build awning support with pvc to keep the rain water from pooling in the middle. This is only good if you are staying in one place for a few days or weeks. Or you can use a beach ball inflated half way and put it in the middle of the slide topper that works too.

Here's a picture of the slide topper mod

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/slide...rt-189399.html

Winemaker2 · 04-30-2017, 04:52 PM

Yes they do retain some of the rainwater and it spills off when retracting.
My thoughts - If the slide-outs are flat top the rain water is likely to pond more on the slide-out top. If seals aren't perfect you get same leakage inside...I'd rather try to keep as much out as possible.

Our Winnie is 14 yrs old - replaced bed room topper myself once - living area topper still OK and had dealer put on a new awning a year ago.

If its windy and topper is flopp'in put a small beach ball (or two) under them to help minimize it.
In extreme conditions I have pulled in a slide temporarily (1-2 in ~10 yrs)

I'm sure others won't agree - just my thoughts.