I am struggling with the decision to purchase/install slide toppers. While I see the benefits, I also see issues with sagging, standing water, wind tearing the thing apart, and the cost. I need three toppers and it looks like a decent quality product will set me back around $1000. I read many of the forums on this subject but they seem a bit dated. I am wondering if things have changed in today's world of slide toppers.

I have em' and all they do for me is keep the debris off the slide roofs which helps when retracting the slides and a bit of the rain and I suppose an argument could be made that they shade the sun helping cooling but mine need replacing as well and since I've already got them I'll end up doing it but I don't think I'd put them on a new trailer though.Red Green: When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

Been on my fiver since day one. Thats like since 2005. Last fall I replaced the material on all three for less than 500 dollars. IMHO they are one of the best investments for an RV possible. Mo water, debris coming in and cooler interior on hot days. We spend one winter in the Columbia river gorge, known for high winds. To stop worry about them I bought three 4 inch wide tow straps, over the toppers and secured them with 1 inch ratchet straps. No fuss and they held up just fine.

I'm with you jbrack. I'd like to have toppers also but hesitate because for my 4 slides, it would be quite expensive. For now, I'll just clean them off with my battery powered leaf blower when we go camping.

We have them for two reasons.First, we camp under trees a lot and it keeps all the needles and debris out of the seals. Secondly, they're a big help with heat coming through the roof of the S/O.I suspect the problems with sagging in rain is the result of the super cheapo units some factory units get (like Northwood). These are units that aren't even available for sale to the general public. Only a manufacturer can buy this lousy of a product. I am certain I will have to replace them some day.I installed the cheapest Carefree on our last RV and never had any sagging issues even during torrential rains.After having it both ways, I would absolutely install them again.A suggestion; Install the awnings so they have the most possible pitch.

I have had slide toppers on almost all of my units. Yes, I would do it again.If they stretch, they do flap..bad. But, if you get the water off after a rain, they hold up for a long time. I used to take a long handled paint roller and just walk down the side of my motorhome and the water came off. My next door neighbor brings his slides in after each rain and the water dumps off. His unit is at least 4 years old and they look great.

Slide Toppers | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
Mont G&J wrote:
I have them and I don't regret it. When those west Texas winds blow, I fill an empty gallon milk jug with water and throw it up on top the topper to help keep the flapping down. When I close the slide the jug just falls to the ground.

Gads!! - I thought I had been hit on the head by a TX size HAIL STONE while walking through the campground.....right after I heard somebody yell, "Duck and Cover"!!..:W

~
Mont_G_J
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
I have them and I don't regret it. When those west Texas winds blow, I fill an empty gallon milk jug with water and throw it up on top the topper to help keep the flapping down. When I close the slide the jug just falls to the ground.
Sargehut234
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
Have them now and will never be without them again.
10 yrs. old and still look and work fine.
Deraldjr
Explorer
Apr 19, 2018
I had installed after coming back from race in downpour. When we got to trailer the water was pouring in top of slide. The gasket didn't flip out right and its near impossible to see if the one on top goes out. Have to get on top and lay down and pull it out. No fun returning to a flooded trailer. Also am traveling now in southwest with little rain but lots of wind. They are annoying flapping around. 50 mph winds. Still will get on next one.
ependydad
Explorer
Apr 19, 2018
3 pages and it proves my comments in this article:
http://learntorv.com/slide-toppers-aka-awnings-definitely/
Splashers3
Explorer
Apr 19, 2018
Our 2009 CC Silverback came with Slide toppers. We just ordered our 2019 Cedar Creek WITH Slide toppers.....would never have a rig without them. Ours have held up real well, we keep them clean....very rarely have they flopped in the wind....and yes, you learn where to stand when they come in.

...and yes, I have stood under them with a long brush brushing WET pine needless off as they wound up.

Good Luck,
Mike
mekkerl
Explorer
Apr 19, 2018
What product are those of you going with that installed them on your own?
And where are you purchasing from?
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
"Well, we were in the Pacific Northwest last year and did get rained on twice: once for three days and once for 5 days."

Must have been in July.
LOL
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2018
"Well, we were in the Pacific Northwest last year and did get rained on twice: once for three days and once for 5 days."

Must have been in July.
Durb
Explorer
Apr 19, 2018
I installed mine because my slides don't have a top flange and I use them to prevent water intrusion when the slides are closed. Came to appreciate them more when they rolled off a sheet of ice at Yellowstone. The ice would have certainly slid under the slide wipers and melted inside the trailer. In my mind they are "no brainer" conveniences which are worth the effort and expense. If your headboard is inside a slide the slide topper will make it quieter inside during a hard rain. I'm keeping mine.