73pete Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Are slide out toppers worth the money and time to install. When ordering the topper kits , how much wider should the fabric be than the slide out. Who is the best manufacturer of Toppers .Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I researched them. There is NO middle ground on them. I found that there was more negative feedback over positive. So I opted not to install them. Quote 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I like them and please don't go by negative info on the internet. You mostly get people who have had problems with them. I have found that most people don't post about things that they are pleased with, only those issues that they have had. I have them on my 2018 Cardinal 3825 FL and my other fifth wheels that I have had in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I have the ability to make my own, and I chose Sunscreen material, NOT solid fabric. Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orca Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I put toppers on 3 of 4 slides. We spend the month of March in a park in the Texas hillcountry under some giant Live Oak trees. These trees will drop leaves for the whole month and the slides accumulate leaves to a depth of 4-6 inches so i had to climb up to sweep them out! With the toppers i no longer have to worry about that. (the 4th slide was too small to accomidate a topper) The downside to toppers is that if the wind is strong and in the right direction the toppers will flap in the breeze but there are fixes for that if it annoys you! In all the pros outweigh the cons. Quote 2004 Freightliner m2 106 2015 DRV lx450 Fullhouse 2019 Indian Springfield 2014 Yamaha 950 V-Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyA Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 (edited) 8 hours ago, rynosback said: I researched them. There is NO middle ground on them. I found that there was more negative feedback over positive. So I opted not to install them. What a shame. Here is some middle ground in favor of toppers. Unless you are in an open field with no trees near-by they are invaluable. I have had them on fivers and TT slides for 30+ years and have no complaints. Sweet Gum balls, pine cones, acorns, leaves, twigs or other falling debris left on a slide when you close it can ruin seals or keep the slide from fully closing. It is also a plus to be able to move a slide in when closing up for travel when it is raining without bringing the "wet" inside. Toppers can also reduce heat in the RV during sunny summer days and prevent top seal leakage of water into the RV. At 75 years young climbing on the roof or ladder to sweep off a slide is not an advisable option for me - nor should be for those even younger. This scenario is even worse if your departure from a campsite happens while it is raining. Personally, I have never been bothered by a properly installed topper flapping in the wind. Downside to toppers is occasional water pooling which only occurs when the RV is perfectly level and the toppers are not tight enough at the roller (slight rearward inclination that cannot be detected in the RV drains toppers). I do have a center support/roller on the tube of my longest topper (14') to keep the topper tight and prevent bowing of the cheap, thin aluminum rollers most have. Personally, I would NOT have a RV with slide-outs that did not have toppers. Edited February 25, 2022 by RandyA Quote Randy, Nancy and Oscar "The Great White" - 2004 Volvo VNL670, D12, 10-speed, converted to single axle pulling a Keystone Cambridge 5th wheel, 40', 4 slides and about 19,000# with empty tanks. ARS - WB4BZX, Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician, D.Ed., Professor Emeritus - Happily Retired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 We used slide toppers for 16 years of full-timing. Wouldn't be without them. Never had any problems. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rover Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 We wouldn’t be without them either. Even made them a condition of one of our purchases. The dealer had to include toppers and install them before we took delivery. Vicki Quote Vicki, Mark and Sadie Fulltime and having fun! 2016 Newmar Ventana LE 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KodiakJack Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I went with the negatives years ago and wish I hadn't and went ahead and installed toppers. The wind issue was the killer for me even after reading several fixes for topper flapping, consisting of various spacers to hold them tight, and provide for drainage. In the end, with covid and medical, our rig got way too much Arizona sun, resulting in UV deterioration of the slide seals requiring they be replaced. If I had this decision to make again I would install toppers (and still might). Later, J Quote 2012 Landmark, San Antonio 2013 Silverado CC, 3500HD, Duramax, DRW, 4x4 Backup, side and hitch cameras, Tireminder TPMS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 8 hours ago, ARGO said: I have the ability to make my own, and I chose Sunscreen material, NOT solid fabric. Can you please share a pic of how you attach them and how you store them for travel? Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted February 25, 2022 Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 I went with the Carefree SOK III slide awnings. I love the way they keep the sun off the slide tops and quieter in the rain. But they are a real pain in the wind from certain directions. Sometimes, the bedroom cover is so noisy that I'll sleep in my recliner in the living room. It is a love-hate relationship. Ken Quote Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms60ocb Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 9 hours ago, ARGO said: I have the ability to make my own, and I chose Sunscreen material, NOT solid fabric. I'm need of new fabric and a sunscreen material is what I looking for, Any links? 8 hours ago, RandyA said: I do have a center support/roller on the tube of my longest topper (14') to keep the topper tight and prevent bowing of the cheap, thin aluminum rollers most have. Personally, I would NOT have a RV with slide-outs that did not have toppers. Randy I agree with you 100%. Personally if I'm on top, it is crawling. 1 hour ago, TXiceman said: I went with the Carefree SOK III slide awnings. I love the way they keep the sun off the slide tops and quieter in the rain. But they are a real pain in the wind from certain directions. Sometimes, the bedroom cover is so noisy. I had three slide awning ordered to be installed by dealer over 6 years ago. I would not recommend Carefree, a center support is needed on longer toppers. My shortest topper is noisy now but the wind-up spring has never been tightened. Clay Quote Clay & Marcie Too old to play in the snow Diesel pusher and previously 2 FW and small Class C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 If you are near Baltimore, I can get it for you. If not, try Sailrite.com, it's called Pfifertex Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms60ocb Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 2 hours ago, ARGO said: If you are near Baltimore, I can get it for you. If not, try Sailrite.com, it's called Pfifertex Thanks for the link There is many choices. Clay Quote Clay & Marcie Too old to play in the snow Diesel pusher and previously 2 FW and small Class C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 Clay, I had two techs tell me to stay away from Dometic and to get Carefree. Different strokes for different folks. Ken Quote Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms60ocb Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 I have Dometic power awning and had not problem with the hardware. Dometic says the intend of the awning is purely shade not protection from rain. That is the way they built them as water comes through their stitching. Carefree hardware is my problem in that, the roll-up reel bends to allow water to accumulate in a pool. The more water that accumulates, the more the reel bends allowing more water to be stored. You can imagine what happens when something happens the causes the water to move. From the inside it sounds like a good dairy cow taking a Pee. You hoped no one was standing near by. I experienced this first hand in Mesa AZ when the air-conditionor condensate ran to the slide awning. Clay Quote Clay & Marcie Too old to play in the snow Diesel pusher and previously 2 FW and small Class C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted February 26, 2022 Report Share Posted February 26, 2022 Have had Carefree slide covers that also doubles as a window awning on our 2004 Alfa fiver that we bought new. The original Carefree material was a sunscreen material with the first 10" from the trailer being vinyl. A couple of years ago, the vinyl started to separate so I had a local outfit here in Yuma, AZ. sew up new sunscreen material to replace the original. Really like them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted February 27, 2022 Report Share Posted February 27, 2022 On 2/26/2022 at 9:40 AM, ms60ocb said: Thanks for the link There is many choices. Clay Note there are 2 grades, 80% & 90% sun reduction, I went with the 90%. Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73pete Posted February 27, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2022 Argo .. Thanks for information. I have not heard that you had a choice in the fabric about sun reduction. Who is the manufacturer of the toppers that have a choice in fabric sun reduction and were or who is the best dealer to buy from. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted February 28, 2022 Report Share Posted February 28, 2022 There are a couple, my supplier sells Pfifertex. I believe Sunbrella makes "Awntex" but have no experience. This is good stuff, meets Calif fire codes etc. 80% is like mosquito screen on steroids, 90% is much closer weave. My toppers don't flap, don't hold water (don't rust,bust,collect dust) etc. Comes in several colors too. Check out colors at Sailrite, or my supplier www.manart-hirsch.com Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted March 8, 2022 Report Share Posted March 8, 2022 Uh, I'd sure like to see a couple pics of the "whore". Was she outside? Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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