Slide Topper Awning Color

[Kev&Gin]

We've ordered our 303RLS which will have slide toppers installed by the dealer when it arrives. They said that they typically install the hardware and fabric that matches the awning color installed at the factory. Has anyone installed a color other than black or white? Is there a color that closely matches the side walls?

Thanks,

 

[Dave and Monica]

I think you'd want to match the existing awning which is black.

Dave

 

[Mr Lucky]

Mine are black on our 303. Only color I would of wanted. I think it blends in good with the Reflection colors.

 

[2hams]

Yeah, our dealer didn't ask and had not yet had a Reflection on the lot. Our toppers are white. I'd prefer black.

 

[Lingerlonger]

I would be interested to hear from folks who have black toppers and use the RV in hot, sunny weather.
I would think there would be more heat generated on top of the slideouts.
I was thinking that if I get toppers, I would try to get a beige color for my Reflection 337.

I didn't like the black awning at first, but I guess I'm getting used to it.

 

[Retread68]

Like Ken, I had serious concerns about black slide toppers radiating heat; therefore, I put white toppers on mine. For folks in the northern part of the country this may not be a concern.

 

[luckeyd1]

I have all three slides with toppers, black ones. This summer, in Tennessee and Virginia temps in upper 90's, I did not notice any difference in heat infiltration into trailer compared to previous trailer with slide topper white. I also have two A/C units, both were on the entire time and trailer was very cool inside.

 

[huntr70]

Slide toppers come in 2 fabric colors, white and black.

The factory installs black to match the hardware already on the rest of the coach.

 

[Kev&Gin]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Like Ken I was concerned about added heat due to the dark color and thinking a beige would reflect more. Thanks again.

 

[Lingerlonger]

I'm pretty confident you could find a beige fabric if that's what you decide. You may have to go with a different supplier.
I haven't decided yet whether to put toppers on mine. I am getting by so far with one AC.

There was also an issue with where to mount the hardware on the slideout that has the fridge on one of the Reflection models. I think it was the 337. The top fridge vent gets in the way of where the bracket would normally go. I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere with a final recommendation from the Tech Spt folks at GD on how to mount the bracket in that location. If your dealer is installing them, presumably he would know.

 

[Retread68]

I am not proposing to support one mfg vs another - - Carefree of Colorado makes slide toppers with numerous colors and materials available. They also have a "hidden mounting bracket" that takes care of the refrigerator vent problem. My Reflection 303RLS had the same issue so I called C-of-C and purchased the hidden mounting brackets. They advised that most of their dealers are unaware of these brackets; thus they sold them to me directly. The brackets mount to the lower area of the trim rail and the finished job is very clean. Although their normal arrangement calls for only 2 brackets for slides less than 191-inches, I used 3 on the one that is 175" and glad I did.

If anyone wants/needs the bracket number I will be glad to find it.

 

[RobandKatToms]

I would be interested in knowing the people here that have had slide toppers installed- where were they mounted? Our dealer mounted the brackets on the top corner of the fascia or 'edging' of the slide when ordinarlily they are suppose to be mounted on each top corner of the slide wall. They said it is because the fascia is so wide that mounting the hardware lower would cause the fabric to rub or touch the edge of the fascia & any water accumulating from rain would make it rub or hit worse... The slide with the fridge vent stops the proper method of mounting so again, they mounted it on the fascia corners. Don't know if the fascia's have the same strength as the slide wall? Don't know if we have been hood-winked by dealer error... They are saying now that they can add a rail above the oem topper rail, in black, so that the toppers have more of an angle for better water run off... Some put beach balls or inner tubes under the toppers so we will try that. I don't want a second rail installed and not sure if i want them to correct what they did with replacing new fascia's or leave it all alone... Any recommendations or suggestions? Thanks...

 

[huntr70]

Leave it alone. It is fine.

GD has spec'd the fascias to hold the slide toppers. It is an accepted way to mount them.

 

[Retread68]

What is done is done. If the slide cover brackets are mounted to the top of the trim rail just pay attention over time to trim rail possibly pulling loose from the slideout wall. IMO - if it starts pulling away then more screws or rivets may be necessary to secure the trim rail. Depending on slide-out cover brand some may require high bracket mounting. C-of-C does not and was a major factor in my decision to use them, they have short, long, and hidden mounting brackets. The hidden mounting bracket takes care of the refrigerator vent perfectly with no rubbing of the vinyl and gives proper slope for water runoff.

 

[SkiSmuggs]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Like Ken I was concerned about added heat due to the dark color and thinking a beige would reflect more. Thanks again.

I don't have slide toppers on my fiver. While I've never minded cleaning the slide roof prior to retraction, it can get pretty hot in the trailer with sun on the slide roofs. I think a black topper would still be way ahead of no topper for keeping the trailer cool.

 

[Kev&Gin]

I don't have slide toppers on my fiver. While I've never minded cleaning the slide roof prior to retraction, it can get pretty hot in the trailer with sun on the slide roofs. I think a black topper would still be way ahead of no topper for keeping the trailer cool.

I feel the same way. We went with the black toppers and just took delivery. I must say they look great.

 

[Bamaman]

On the door slider, there's little room between the slider and the door. You've actually got to order an awning that's one side smaller than would be generally used on such a fifth wheel. The black would look great.

Unfortunately, my dealer wanted $600 per slider--$2400. That's a little rich for my pocketbook.

 

[apulido]

the slide toppers will keep out the water from getting in while you are retracting the sliders.