Avalanche Slide Toppers Install

[Jwaits]

I just purchased a 320rs avalanche I plan to install slide toppers any advice would be appreciated. Brand pictures etc.

 

[busterbrown]

Congrats on the purchase of your new coach. Unfortunately, I can't give you any advice on the installation process of slide toppers as my dealer installed mine during my walk-through. I think it took 2 installers a total of 30 minutes tops to get two of them mounted and sealed up. One of the moderators on here is a certified RV tech and may chime in with a wealth of information for you. All in all, well worth the $400 I spent on each as there is one less thing to worry about when I retract my slides. They saved my seals a few times from fallen acorns, twigs, and pine cones.

 

[chuckster57]

Lots of options, lots of brands. We regularly install Dometic brand with vinyl fabric. You can get the Dometic with a heavy vinyl (I think that's what it is) wrap that keeps the sun off the fabric when retracted. There is a brand that has a whole metal housing that the fabric retracts into when you close the slide.
YOU need to decide what features you want and how much your willing to spend.

Installation can be a DIY project with the proper tools, and some mechanical aptitude. If the fabric rails are already on the sidewall you only need to install the brackets. Measuring for proper placement of the rail can get tricky with a long slide. Don't rush into any choices because you can't undo the holes from installing brackets and rails. The fabric does wear out so make sure replacement fabric is available.

 

[Jwaits]

Thanks for the info. My concern is mounting the brackets, if there is support behind the fiberglass.

 

[chuckster57]

When we install Dometic brand, the brackets will use 6 self tapping screws and at least 3 hit frame. We also use Sikaflex behind them as it seals the screw holes and has strong adhesive qualities to help hold the brackets.

 

[Yaroslow]

............ We also use Sikaflex behind them as it seals the screw holes and has strong adhesive qualities to help hold the brackets.

What version (#) of Sikaflex do you use?

 

[Jwaits]

Do you mount the brackets on the slide wall below flange?

 

[chuckster57]

Dometic makes 2 styles of bracket kits-short and tall. We use the tall as they will clear the top flange easily. Sikaflex 221.

We mount them to the slidewall in the upper corners inside the flange

 

[Jwaits]

That's what the directions show, just unsure if there is anything behind fiberglass

 

[chuckster57]

If I remember correct, the top three screws will hit frame.

 

[eds451]

Attach the bracket ABOVE the gutter. I put mine under and there is no slope on the topper. Rain puddles in the middle.

 

[chuckster57]

Some gutters have a built in rail for an awning/topper. We have removed gutters and mounted the rail over the original screw holes.

 

[captcolour-5TH]

Not to hijack the thread, but what's the pros and cons of slide toppers? Are they a must have or nice to have or really not needed? Thanks

 

[Javi]

Not to hijack the thread, but what's the pros and cons of slide toppers? Are they a must have or nice to have or really not needed? Thanks

I wouldn't own another trailer without them...

 

[Frank G-KEY]

Before delivery of the new 325RL we had the dealer install Slide Toppers. We're to old to be crawling up on the roof before closing up the slide outs. The dealer installed "CareFree" toppers using the existing drip channels. I'll let you know in 5 years weather they are any good.

 

[busterbrown]

You'll find pros and cons on toppers. Generally, I think the consensus leans towards "benifical" (if you have a few extra bucks in your pocket). I'm glad I installed them on my Bullet on delivery day as it saved my seals a few times. An acorn can be very destructive if not removed prior to retracting the slide. With toppers, it just gives you one less worry when parking under a park's canopy. Some people say it keeps the rig cooler too.