Has anyone removed their slide toppers and regretted it?

Question

I have a 2011 Arctic Fox 27.5L fifth wheel that I've owned since 2016. It came with slide toppers (presumably from the factory). The awning material on the toppers needs replacing. I am considering either replacing the fabric or just removing the toppers altogether. My previous 5th wheel had no slide toppers and my brother has an Alpenlite with no slide toppers - neither of us ever considered adding them. I realize they prevent debris from accumulating on top of the slideouts. But, they're horribly noisy in the wind (enough that, on multiple occasions, I've had to close the slides to sleep). Obviously, it would be less expensive to remove them than to replace the fabric.

Has anyone removed their toppers and regretted it after? Or, has anyone removed them and were glad they did?

njmurvin · Answer

Thanks.&nbsp; If I decide to replace them, I'll have them check the tension.

stircrazy · Answer

I wouldn't think of removing them if they were mind.&nbsp; as for noise in the wind, they are either not tensioned properly or something.&nbsp; I have had three rv's now with slide toppers, and my latest 5th wheel it is a huge one and none have ever made any noise in the wind.&nbsp; I would replace the fabric, and check to see how tight it is when they are extended, the material should be fairly tight and ridged along the edges.&nbsp; if you are getting a shop to replace the material maybe ask them to check the tension and tell them its because the constantly make noise in the wind.&nbsp;&nbsp;

stircrazy · Answer

ya I personally just think there are to many benefits to having them.&nbsp; keeps debris off the top of the slide, so you don't have to get up there with a broom before you close them if you camp in forested area.&nbsp; &nbsp;Keeps the rain off minimizing the potential for water leaking in around the seals.&nbsp; Keeps the sun off the slide top reducing some heat inside.&nbsp; Keeps pine cones from landing on the fiberglass roof of your slide and making a horrible noise 😆 And, if you are like me and camp when it could snow, it makes for easy snow removal also 😀

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Has anyone removed their slide toppers and regretted it?

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