Slide Toppers

[Kodak86]

Hi all
We are looking to install slide toppers. Looking for some advice on which company to deal with, what products to stay away from. Installation advise. Thanks
Mark

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I can only offer my results from the Solara toppers I bought from Amazon. They went on well, and they work well. They seem to be lasting and haven't frayed, or torn. They've been on there a little over a year.

 

[geotex1]

First, we have toppers. Carefree of Colorado, BUT we do not beach camp. Toppers can be annoying and damaged in windy environments. Long toppers always collect water if you cannot install with a healthy slope as well and you'll need to deal with that in one fashion or the other. Just raising these points for your decision-making. After several years with our toppers and how I manage the rainwater issue, I can say without a doubt we'd not do traditional toppers when/if we get another RV. We would definitely go with the new tech that converts to a "sweep" setup to clear the debris off the top of the slides. We saw the conversion originally on YouTube advertisement, but recently saw them in-person when long-time friends surprised our caravan group showing up in a new Super C. They had the conversion done, painted to match and all, and they were slick and well-built!

 

[trailrydr]

We too have the Solera Toppers, and they are fairly easy to install, maintain, and hold up well as was stated in an earlier post. Ours have been on now for 4 yrs without issue.

Also as stated, they can collect some water but there are ways to mitigate the run off without alot of effort. Another plus with toppers are the sun block and heat reduction to the slide roofs. Prior to install, our inside slide ceiling would feel hot to the touch when in direct sunlight on hot summer days. By adding a topper, the temp drop is very similar to that of being under an awning maybe 10 -15 degrees F. That can be beneficial to cooling the inside of your RV.... definitely made a big difference in ours after installing.

All the above, and keeping debri/water off the slide roof(s) and not dragging it into the coach, or having to broom off the slide roof before retracting the slide made it a very good and efficient upgrade for us. Would definitely do it again and recommend.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

We have a very effective solution to the water collecting on our longest slide topper, as it is the only one with that issue(?): Evaporation. The topper doesn't leak into the trailer, and the water evaporates. Problem solved.

I'll have to admit that every time I see the "water collects on them" raised. I can't help but think "So What?". Our last trailer had slide toppers on it from day one, and they were still on there when we sold it after 10 years.

 

[kb0zke]

We bought our 315 RLTS new and had the dealer install toppers on all three slides. I believe they are Solara brand. The one over the recliners is the only one that collects water. We've not seen any problems with any of them so far. When it is time to pack up I'm outside and Jo Ann is inside pushing the buttons to retract the slides. I have learned not to stand right by a slide when it is coming in. <grin>

 

[geotex1]

We have a very effective solution to the water collecting on our longest slide topper, as it is the only one with that issue(?): Evaporation. The topper doesn't leak into the trailer, and the water evaporates. Problem solved.

I'll have to admit that every time I see the "water collects on them" raised. I can't help but think "So What?". Our last trailer had slide toppers on it from day one, and they were still on there when we sold it after 10 years.

The so what for me is what happens to the aluminum tube when the topper is filled with water. Will cause damage and by the rubbing of the deformed tube to both the slide and the fabric. Also stresses the stitch line since none of the makers reinforce them anymore. On deep slide boxes, there can be only a partial wrap left on the roll, and filled with water it'll cause the fabric to tear or pop out of the track, depending on what is weaker.

We have had them on several of our campers, but not only were they built better then (heavier wall thickness tube and heavier fabric with reinforced stitching) they slide boxes were not as tall so it was easy to have a good slope on them. With tall slide boxes like GD uses, the toppers are nearly flat.

 

[Calbar]

We have Solera toppers on our Solitude 378MBS and so far so good after 2 years. Had them on our Reflection 297RSTS for 3 years and no issues. Very easy to install. I used 3M UV-4200 sealant on the rail before installation. It seals the screws from wicking water, seals the rail and is a fairly strong adhesive as well to help prevent the rail from pulling the screws out like has happened to some people. Measure the height difference accurately to the maximum on the installation instructions and even a long topper should just shed water. I have not had any pooling.

Would not have a trailer without them.

Rob

 

[Hoopy Frood]

The so what for me is what happens to the aluminum tube when the topper is filled with water. Will cause damage and by the rubbing of the deformed tube to both the slide and the fabric. Also stresses the stitch line since none of the makers reinforce them anymore. On deep slide boxes, there can be only a partial wrap left on the roll, and filled with water it'll cause the fabric to tear or pop out of the track, depending on what is weaker.

We have had them on several of our campers, but not only were they built better then (heavier wall thickness tube and heavier fabric with reinforced stitching) they slide boxes were not as tall so it was easy to have a good slope on them. With tall slide boxes like GD uses, the toppers are nearly flat.

Sounds thought out, but after 10 years of what you've described, we had exactly zero issues with our toppers. Maybe your concerns aren't really that valid. It's not like people with toppers have a bunch of issues resulting from what you've described.

 

[dryfly]

First, we have toppers. Carefree of Colorado, BUT we do not beach camp. Toppers can be annoying and damaged in windy environments. Long toppers always collect water if you cannot install with a healthy slope as well and you'll need to deal with that in one fashion or the other. Just raising these points for your decision-making. After several years with our toppers and how I manage the rainwater issue, I can say without a doubt we'd not do traditional toppers when/if we get another RV. We would definitely go with the new tech that converts to a "sweep" setup to clear the debris off the top of the slides. We saw the conversion originally on YouTube advertisement, but recently saw them in-person when long-time friends surprised our caravan group showing up in a new Super C. They had the conversion done, painted to match and all, and they were slick and well-built!

Please tell me more about the "sweep" setup to clear the debris off the top of the slides.

 

[trailrydr]

Maybe...... "sweep" style toppers like these:

https://www.truetopperusa.com/truetopper

They do look intetesting...... but IMO, still no added heat/UV cover and wonder if they really do get all "debri" off the topper when retracting.

 

[geotex1]

Sounds thought out, but after 10 years of what you've described, we had exactly zero issues with our toppers. Maybe your concerns aren't really that valid. It's not like people with toppers have a bunch of issues resulting from what you've described.

Perception is everything. I definitely do not hide that I have the very particular personality of an engineer. To me, having the finish rubbed off to bare metal is not acceptable, but for some I get that's OK because "it's just a camper." Carefree has replaced our longest topper 3x and paid for replacing the slide trim each time. Their own admittance, the tube wall is too thin for the length. Their solution wasn't upsizing either, but adding another spring at the former idler end. In chatting with Escapees, pretty much find dozens of full-timers that have the same experience and feelings about them. I just shared a side for consideration for the OP. Like I said, still got ours, but with a bad knee and Achilles tendonitis in both ankles ladder work is something I cannot do much of anymore. For others, let's not get into the this or that about what is maybe with my install because 1) it was verified by GD to be just as factory, 2) it was verified by Carefree's hired independent inspector to be exactly conforming to their written instructions, and 3) the second swap and slide trim replacement was done at the shop they wanted it done at, which is a well known and respected shop in Indiana, who said they see it routinely and the full body paint crowd complain the most. They added 1/2" Starboard under the end brackets to provide more gap for winding without rubbing when the tube sags but still no center cradle because Carefree didn't want that. That said, Carefree has been stand up about it, and I will let them keep throwing whatever at it on their dime.

There's nothing unusual about the slide box size. It's a common one for GD. However, it's placement in our house box in consideration of overall length of the house box and roof line allow for the topper to only be installed at the absolute minimum manufacturer's recommendation. If the wall track could physically be 1-inch higher, I'm sure the pitch would drain before collecting on that one.

 

[geotex1]

Maybe...... "sweep" style toppers like these:

https://www.truetopperusa.com/truetopper

They do look intetesting...... but IMO, still no added heat/UV cover and wonder if they really do get all "debri" off the topper when retracting.

Yes, that's them. I have the same question, but with the lid weighted and double scrape/sweep type setup in addition to the seal wiper, I think it'll get the overwhelming majority except for maybe some small like willow leaves that are wet. Seems well thought out, pretty robust, and the company isn't new. I believe I read they're going to be standard on one of the coach builders for 2025.

FWIW - TPO needs no added UV protection, especially the white they've gone too. The problem with RV TPO is the thickness. The bright roofing will reflect heat. A white topper will do the same, but dark toppers absorb it. So, can go either way.

 

[RV2600RB]

Maybe...... "sweep" style toppers like these:

https://www.truetopperusa.com/truetopper

They do look intetesting...... but IMO, still no added heat/UV cover and wonder if they really do get all "debri" off the topper when retracting.

I don't see how those would work with slide outs that have a 2-3" flange around them?
Also, I don't think something constantly rubbing on the slide roof membrane would be good for it.
I see a slide topper in our future, after other priorities.
Rich

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I don't see how those would work with slide outs that have a 2-3" flange around them?
Also, I don't think something constantly rubbing on the slide roof membrane would be good for it.
I see a slide topper in our future, after other priorities.
Rich

They may cover the top of the slide with some slick material, and remove the flange. That might help explain why they are so expensive.

 

[Butcher]

Too lazy to double check, but I do not recall anyone mentioning about the drip rail that the fabric attaches too.

I purchased my '20 29RS and it came with toppers. The drip rails are staring to pull through. There are special rivets that hold the rail better. I certainly would use those before I even thought about putting a topper on. I have not fixed mine yet, but it's on my list of things to do this winter.

 

[Calbar]

Too lazy to double check, but I do not recall anyone mentioning about the drip rail that the fabric attaches too.

I purchased my '20 29RS and it came with toppers. The drip rails are staring to pull through. There are special rivets that hold the rail better. I certainly would use those before I even thought about putting a topper on. I have not fixed mine yet, but it's on my list of things to do this winter.

I put my drip rail up with 3M UV4200 to seal and adhere the rail to the wall of the trailer so I don't have issues with screws pulling out. It is very difficult to get this adhesive caulking to come off but it is not as permanent as the 5200 series which will never come off.

Rob

 

[tdginctr]

We too have the Solera Toppers, and they are fairly easy to install, maintain, and hold up well as was stated in an earlier post. Ours have been on now for 4 yrs without issue.

Also as stated, they can collect some water but there are ways to mitigate the run off without alot of effort. Another plus with toppers are the sun block and heat reduction to the slide roofs. Prior to install, our inside slide ceiling would feel hot to the touch when in direct sunlight on hot summer days. By adding a topper, the temp drop is very similar to that of being under an awning maybe 10 -15 degrees F. That can be beneficial to cooling the inside of your RV.... definitely made a big difference in ours after installing.

All the above, and keeping debri/water off the slide roof(s) and not dragging it into the coach, or having to broom off the slide roof before retracting the slide made it a very good and efficient upgrade for us. Would definitely do it again and recommend.

We have the same RV model as you and I thought I would be unable to add a topper to the front slide out because of the awning attached to the slide out. Presumably you had no problems?

 

[trailrydr]

We have the same RV model as you and I thought I would be unable to add a topper to the front slide out because of the awning attached to the slide out. Presumably you had no problems?

Our 2019 295RL model year did not come with an awning on the living room slide. I believe they added that on the 2020 or 2021 and beyond years. In any case, the Solara Toppers attach with a (approx) 3" tall x 6" wide rectangular plate just under the black metal slide trim piece on both upper slide corners. If your awning sits in that area when retracted, it might be to close to mount the topper mounting plates in the corners (keep reading on).

However, the topper mounts are fairly flat (approx 1/8" thick) steel, and you might be able to install the topper mounts between the retracted awning and the slide. Would think if you could mount the topper that way you should be able to put both out without any issue.

Would recommend calling Solara and ask that same question. If they say its will work, would mount a thin piece of rubber on the back (slide wall) side of the awning roll up covers on both ends for resting against the topper mounting plates - for rattle noise and protection.

Hope that gives you some insight.

 

[IBEW Sparky]

Hi all
We are looking to install slide toppers. Looking for some advice on which company to deal with, what products to stay away from. Installation advise. Thanks
Mark

When I purchased this RV new in 2019 the first thing I did was tell the dealership I wanted toppers on all 3 slideouts included in my out the door price. I got tired of climbing on the roof to clean everything off, pine needles are the worst as they get under the rubber sweep and always need to be picked out one by one! I'd never own another RV without having them. As far as the water collecting on them the have plenty of extra material to accommodate them laying on the slide roof. Five + years and there still working just like when new.