Slide out covers

[Whirlybird]

I have a Springdale with a 14ft slideout without a cover. I was wondering if anyone has put a cover on a slideout. If so,is it much work?

[Festus2]

Do you mean a slide topper or a slide cover?

[twstdpear]

Assuming you're talking about a slide topper, our sales person recommended against one for two reasons:

1) they put added stress on the power slide mechanism, and you may experience issues with the slide mechanism
2) the springs weaken and the awning material stretches unevenly over time causing other issues (e.g., pooling water, flapping).

I'm not 100% sure I agree with his view, but we had one installed on our previous HTT and I can say that we did experience the water pooling.

We also had almost all of the lag bolts work loose and had some fall out on the power slide mechanism causing issues with extending and retracting the slide. I can't positively attribute it to the slide topper or not. I will say they only put in about half of the bolts and smaller ones than I would have put in, though, so either the lack of bolts and/or the extra tension was to blame.

That said, to your actual question, they don't look too difficult to add if you have good automotive and mechanical skills.

Given some of the issues I had on the last camper, I decided not to get one this time. The only issue so far is that I need to get up and make sure it's brushed off before retracting it.

[cathcartww]

There are several good videos on youtube on how to install a slide topper. Watch a few to get an idea whether or not you think your skills are up to the task. Doesn't look too hard if you have the correct ladders and a good assistant.

[Whirlybird]

Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like there are pros and cons either way. I'll probably just keep go without slider toppers and keep the step ladder and broom handy

[rheltzel]

Our Vantage FLS 32 also lacks a cover on the slide out. The dealer told us we couldn't install a cover because the slide out includes the refrigerator, which, of course, includes the gas exhaust vent, which could cause a heat issue with the cover. Don't know if that's true, since our last trailer had the refrigerator vent right under the main awning and it never caused a problem. Nevertheless, we decided to go without. The dealer did say it was important to keep the top of the slide out clean of leaves, needles, etc. I tried using a broom as you plan, but found that was a hassle...instead, I bought a cheapo $29 leaf blower and it works like a charm.

[mhs4771]

Rheltzel, think you better find a new dealer. If your fridge is in the slide out both intake and output are on the side. Think about it, if it were on the roof of the slide, how would you run your fridge while on the road? Leave your slide out?? I don't think so. Our fridge is in the slide and we have a slide topper on without any problems. So of the issues may have to do with the slide mechanism it's self. Ours will push over a small tree if you're parked too close. Maybe those with the cable operation are more subject to issue with the slightly additional load of a topper.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Rheltzel, think you better find a new dealer. If your fridge is in the slide out both intake and output are on the side. Think about it, if it were on the roof of the slide, how would you run your fridge while on the road? Leave your slide out?? I don't think so. Our fridge is in the slide and we have a slide topper on without any problems.

Ditto!

Keystones with the fridge in the slide usually have a fan just below the upper vent opening to help move air up through the cooling vanes and out the vent. Since the vent is on the side of the slide and the topper is on the top, it's pretty much impossible for the topper to interfere with the fridge venting air flow.

Another dealer doozie to add to the list!

[rheltzel]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Rheltzel, think you better find a new dealer. If your fridge is in the slide out both intake and output are on the side. Think about it, if it were on the roof of the slide, how would you run your fridge while on the road? Leave your slide out?? I don't think so. Our fridge is in the slide and we have a slide topper on without any problems. So of the issues may have to do with the slide mechanism it's self. Ours will push over a small tree if you're parked too close. Maybe those with the cable operation are more subject to issue with the slightly additional load of a topper.

Our fridge vents are on the side of the slide out. I didn't pursue it with the dealer because I wanted to see if experience would indicate a need for the slide out cover. So far, after weathering several downpours, no need, although I suppose as the seals age, it might not prove as waterproof as it has been.

As to our dealer, they have been excellent on after-the-sale warranty issues. I have nothing bad to say about them, although I share your scepticism about the advice on installing the cover.

[kimrb266]

We just purchased our Springdale also with a large slide. I asked if we should get a slide cover and they told me that we don't need it. They said that the rubber on top of the slide won't allow debris to enter the trailer and would act like a squeegy.

I had concerns about the debris collected on top of the slide because our previous trailer allowed leaves and other debris into the trailer. With my sons' asthma, this was a concern.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by kimrb266

We just purchased our Springdale also with a large slide. I asked if we should get a slide cover and they told me that we don't need it. They said that the rubber on top of the slide won't allow debris to enter the trailer and would act like a squeegy.

I had concerns about the debris collected on top of the slide because our previous trailer allowed leaves and other debris into the trailer. With my sons' asthma, this was a concern.

I have a Springdale with a large slide and a rubber roof/rubber seals. Let me tell you, the dealer has never camped in a unit like this if he says the seals "squeegee" the debris off the roof. That ain't happenin' You will also see, when you look at the outside edge of the slide, a 4" lip on the slide. No seal will push debris up and over that lip, so any twig, branch, heavy leaf, bug, etc is going to be pushed into and/or under the slide seal when the slide moves in.

You may want to carry a broom, blower or some other device to clean stuff off the roof of the slide before pulling it in.

I've found that I can back the truck up next to the slide at most campgrounds and stand in the bed or on the tailgate to clear the slide roof. I use a broom and it has worked well so far. But DON'T believe the slide seals will clean the roof, they don't.

[Festus2]

To add to what JRTJH mentions about debris, etc., on the slide roof, a slide topper also collects that same debris much like your regular awning does. The topper still has to be checked and cleaned before it is retracted into its roller. In this sense, it doesn't really save you from having to perform that chore - it just moves the location from one area to another.

[Tri Tip]

I am super mechanically inclined and have replaced a complete awning with ease. I just purchased our second TT new. It doesn’t have a slide topper/awning and I simply don’t see any advantage to getting one. I’ve camped in 2 days of pouring rain and had 0 issues. The roof of the slide is the same as the roof of the TT. I clean and condition the roof of the TT and the slide with a special cleaner and then a UV conditioner/protectant regularly. A slide topper would prevent me from doing this process to the slide roof. We live in So Cal and Camp monthly Therefore my slide is open about 40 days out of 365. So basically 89% of the time my slide is inside the trailer. It takes less than 5 minutes to climb on top of the trailer and sweep the slide and this is only when we camp under trees. My slide roof will only be exposed to the elements 11% of the life of the trailer. I’d rather spend my money on something more useful for my travel trailer, like our high quality cover and tire covers, which will protect my TT the other 89% of the time it’s not in use, keeping clean, shiny and looking new.

[KJcachers]

Get a collapsible ladder and a little wisk broom and go up and sweep it off before closing it. That's what I do and no issues.


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