Slide Awnings / Toppers?

[Automobilist]

Looking at used fifth-wheel trailers, I've noticed most do not have retractable covers over the slideouts. Every motorhome we've owned has had a cover over each slideout.
We plan on living in whichever trailer we get, for a year or so in wet western Washington. Are the units without the toppers sealed up enough around the slides not to leak when the slides are out? I suppose I could simply add the covers, but kind of a hassle.

[Mr_Fixit]

I think the covers add a level of protection against water penetration for which slide-outs are a prime candidate. You could add them yourself or have them added. Technically they are not necessary, but I sure see a lot of slide-outs with rotted out floors.

Steve

[IC2]

When we were looking last year, I found that none of the 5ers had silde toppers though most had the rail installed as ours has. The dealer quoted us a set of four but 2500 bucks seemed too dear when I had found them on the 'net for quite a bit less.

Yes, they are a great option

[Mr_Fixit]

When slide take in water, the most common point of water penetration is at the bottom of the slide sidewalls where the caulking breaks down at the top edge of the aluminum trim at the bottom. Often a great deal of damage is done before owners even notice. Toppers flow a good bit of water away from this area so toppers, along with good maintenance, can almost completely eliminate this problem child.

Steve

[easdsa]

Interesting point. We're also talking about possibly switching to a 5'er, so I took a quick look at the brand we're talking about in our price range (8-12 years old). Some had toppers, some did not. Should we decide to go this direction I think that will be something we'll have to ask about. I'll also have to ask whether they might have been an option (or a delete option).

[Cummins12V98]

One 5er had toppers next two did not would never have them again!

[schrod]

I will never buy a trailer without slide toppers. Toppers serve more than one purpose. Keeping excess water off is one. Keeping debris off is 2. Keeping the slide cooler in the summer is 3. There could be more. Oh, yeah! How about keeping the resale value higher.

[Mr_Fixit]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

One 5er had toppers next two did not would never have them again!

Why not? Can you expand?

Steve

[powderman]

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

Why not? Can you expand?

Steve

I can give a few reasons.

1 if the slideout is long, many times they droop and fill with water.

2 I have personal experience with squirrels using the gap between the topper and roof to build nests if you stay for extended periods.

3 if they don't droop they direct a lot more water toward the ends so there is a lot more water flowing down the slidout sides onto the most leak prone area, the floor.

[Mr_Fixit]

I always put them on, but run them in every couple of days, as you are right, they sag. I am not so sure they dump more water down the sides, but totally agree that the bottom of the sides is the weak area (though if the caulking is maintained, it is not much of a problem). I have also seen folks come up with a number of ways to keep them from sagging, but they all look like more work than simply running the slides in.

I have never had any squirrels take up residence.

Steve

[336muffin]

If you camp close to a tree you will definitely want them! Acorns, pine needles, sticks and junk will be squeezed into the seals when you retract the slide.

[schrod]

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

I always put them on, but run them in every couple of days, as you are right, they sag. I am not so sure they dump more water down the sides, but totally agree that the bottom of the sides is the weak area (though if the caulking is maintained, it is not much of a problem). I have also seen folks come up with a number of ways to keep them from sagging, but they all look like more work than simply running the slides in.
Steve

I have never had a problem with them sagging. Maybe your roller tension needs to be adjusted.

[schrod]

Originally Posted by powderman

I can give a few reasons.

1 if the slideout is long, many times they droop and fill with water.

2 I have personal experience with squirrels using the gap between the topper and roof to build nests if you stay for extended periods.

3 if they don't droop they direct a lot more water toward the ends so there is a lot more water flowing down the slidout sides onto the most leak prone area, the floor.

If you have this problem then your toppers are too short

[Mr_Fixit]

Originally Posted by schrod

I have never had a problem with them sagging. Maybe your roller tension needs to be adjusted.

Possibly but, the biggest variable I have found in sagging is how long they are extended.