Slide-out topper tear

[Ray,IN]

One of my slide-toppers is tearing right next to the channel mounted on the RV wall. Now it is about a 1" tear on the front(bow) end. Every RV service center I've contacted says the fabric must be replaced, except one. That center referred me to a awning store nearby that will remove the topper, cut off about 2" to remove the torn section, then re-sew the channel mounting "bead". I suspect both options are close to the same price. The topper is 2 1/2 years old, what would you do?
I've seen a awning fabric being replaced. Can I do this? If so; how?

[Peaceful]

I messes around with mine and it was interesting to say the least. They work the way those old spring loaded window shades worked.
With the slideout in the in position there is not as much tension on the spring. Looking into the end you can use a cotter key, a piece of coat hanger wire to put in thholes there to lolck it into position.. Don't be afraid to ask for help, I had one end come loose before I had it pinned and the arm beat my wrist like a machine gun for a few seconds. I just get the end fixed.
Peaceful

[jaycocamprs]

I see no reason why a new bead can't be sewn in. I took ours loose to work on the slide seal. I counted the number of turns to release the springs when I took it off And the wound them back that same number when reinstalling. The thing I would worry about is having enough fabric to cut off all that was exposed to the sun when the awning was rolled up.

[Ray,IN]

That is a concern George. I climbed a ladder today to do a close inspeciton of the small tear. There is a piece about 1"sq loose on the bow end, and about a foot rear of that is a place beginning to split and it appears all the thread holes are detiorating. I am leaning towards a replacement topper fabric instead of shortening- re-sewing.
I have read about topper fabric being short-lived for some time. It happened to mine.

I did find some instructions for slide-toppers at" slide-out topper repair, by "the RV guy".

[tom wilson]

have repaired a 3 inch tear on yhe edge of my slideout fabric with eternobond tape.
has held for 4 months.

[Harold G]

Another vote for eternalbond tape. That was at least 3 yrs ago and hasn't gotten any worse and have been in some strong winds since then.
Harold

[Blue74]

Plan to replace the fabric on mine as they are 5+ years old. Plan to look into the Carefree brand so they can be rolled up in high winds and not "flap". The AZ sun does a number on the fabric.

Paul