Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 03-09-2016, 02:49 PM

Quite some time ago I posted a thread about slide topper awning supports. After using them all this time I want to suggest a modification.

I put 1/2" EMT conduit inside the long pipes for support. I have found that the EMT should be put inside the PVC end brackets also. I have had a couple of fittings and one PVC pipe split from the stress!

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

Lv2Roam2 · 03-09-2016, 04:40 PM

Joe
That is one of the slickest 'fixes' I've seen in my many years...keep 'em coming! Thanks...

MSHappyCampers · 03-10-2016, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lv2Roam2

Joe
That is one of the slickest 'fixes' I've seen in my many years...keep 'em coming! Thanks...

Thanks Steve! As I said, I can't take credit for the idea, but I'm happy to pass it on!

mojoracing · 03-10-2016, 09:32 PM

I have had one of my slide out awnings sag due to heavy rains but the other always seems to weather the storm so to speak. Could it be or can one induce more tension in an awning to keep it from sagging? I'm thinking there must be an adjustment for spring tension or perhaps its a matter of replacing worn springs to keep the awnings taught. Your idea is wonderful and you did a masterful job assembling your supports. Just wondering if the sagging some of us experience can't be corrected with the factory units.

MSHappyCampers · 03-11-2016, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojoracing

I have had one of my slide out awnings sag due to heavy rains but the other always seems to weather the storm so to speak. Could it be or can one induce more tension in an awning to keep it from sagging? I'm thinking there must be an adjustment for spring tension or perhaps its a matter of replacing worn springs to keep the awnings taught. Your idea is wonderful and you did a masterful job assembling your supports. Just wondering if the sagging some of us experience can't be corrected with the factory units.

Yup, sometimes the springs need to be tightened! It's a little different for different manufacturers, so I would call the company with your awning model number and have them send you the correct info.

If you'll post your info on IRV2 there will be lots of folks who can give you the correct procedure also!

With the larger slide toppers, even though tightened to factory specs, it seems you will sometimes have trouble with water puddling in the middle!

hondavalk · 03-11-2016, 08:53 AM

Or just let it sag on top of the slide. Keeps it from flapping during the storm, water will run off when you bring in the slide, and you don't have to worry about forgetting it's up there when you do bring in the slide.

MSHappyCampers · 03-11-2016, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondavalk

Or just let it sag on top of the slide. Keeps it from flapping during the storm, water will run off when you bring in the slide, and you don't have to worry about forgetting it's up there when you do bring in the slide.

That might be OK if you're only gonna be there a day or so, but it's not good for the fabric to have water stay there a long time.

CampDaven · 03-11-2016, 06:46 PM

I really like your device, Joe, and will work the old word-of-mouth to spread the great idea. I may do that for when we are in a rainy place. Back in PA I need to dump-cycle the slides.
This rig came with double woven linen toppers and awnings. They will hold water, but in dry climates the water soon evaporates. The linen stretches when wet and shrinks as it dries. No, it ain't cheap to buy. I had all 4 toppers replaced last year. No regrets.
Happy Trails to both of you

Dave and Nola, RV Mutants

jerichorick · 03-23-2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Quite some time ago I posted a thread about slide topper awning supports. After using them all this time I want to suggest a modification.

I put 1/2" EMT conduit inside the long pipes for support. I have found that the EMT should be put inside the PVC end brackets also. I have had a couple of fittings and one PVC pipe split from the stress!

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

Nice suggestion. Big thing is to remember to remove this thing before you close up. Must to be willing to get wet if you are leaving in the rain.

Happy trails,
Rick Y

MSHappyCampers · 03-24-2016, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerichorick

Nice suggestion. Big thing is to remember to remove this thing before you close up. Must to be willing to get wet if you are leaving in the rain.

Happy trails,
Rick Y

Yup, already did that! Broke one of the end supports!

veraken · 06-24-2016, 05:50 PM

Joe,

Really like your slide topper support idea! My slide is 14' long and I would like to know if you would suggest using 2 ea. 7' supports or one 14'? If only one, where do you store the 14' lengths of piping and emt?

MSHappyCampers · 06-24-2016, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veraken

Joe,

Really like your slide topper support idea! My slide is 14' long and I would like to know if you would suggest using 2 ea. 7' supports or one 14'? If only one, where do you store the 14' lengths of piping and emt?

I would definitely go with two 7' supports!

Make the total length of the two supports about 6" shorter than the top of the slideout!

lonfu · 05-11-2018, 09:42 AM

My problem is the wind. the long slide flaps all night long in the wind. I've tightened up the spring by by rolling it tighter, pinning the roller, then re-install on the mounting brackets. It calmed it down but still flaps when the winds get to 25 mph. I"m wondering if I can tighten it even tighter with out affecting the slide out function. any one with any experience doing this?

Betr2Trvl · 05-11-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonfu

My problem is the wind. the long slide flaps all night long in the wind. I've tightened up the spring by by rolling it tighter, pinning the roller, then re-install on the mounting brackets. It calmed it down but still flaps when the winds get to 25 mph. I"m wondering if I can tighten it even tighter with out affecting the slide out function. any one with any experience doing this?

I've seen folks throw a rope over the topper, then hook the ends of the rope together under the slide with a bungee cord to stop the topper flapping.....but we haven't found it to be that big of a problem.

But, every now and then, it's just time to suck it up, and bring the slide in. I think we've done it 2 or 3 times the last 3 years, but it's been more like 35-40+mph winds when we've said enough is enough.