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chring's avatar
chring
Explorer
Apr 24, 2015

Carefree SOK III Slide Topper Owners

From time to time, when we run across a common problem with a slide topper assembly we try and disseminate this information to groups and members who own particular model coaches or manufactured parts. This post is for those of you who own Carefree SOK III slide topper assemblies.

We are finding in the field during our inspections at rallys the center bolt on the end caps are working loose. Some of our customers are reporting to us that they also are finding these bolts backed out during their own inspections. The incident rate is so high that we are taking this step to let our fellow RV'ers know by posting this problem here.

These bolts working loose creates a severe safety hazard. One of our customers just recently had his bolts work loose, the end caps then pulled out far enough for the torsion spring to unwind which allowed the fabric to unfurl. This occurred during travel and the wind caught the fabric and pulled the entire roller tube free destroying the assembly in the process. Thankfully it landed on the roof and he was able to stop before his coach or any vehicles near him were seriously damaged.

We are recommending to our customers that they check the center bolts on their end caps if they in fact have Carefree Model SOK III assemblies. If you are not sure what model Carefree assembly you have simply look at the end caps. If there are numerous bolts on the end then you have an SOK III model. If you have one screw in the center then this is the older style SOK II model. If your coach has Carefree topper assemblies and it was made during or after 2007 then you have the SOK III. For those of you with a 2006 model coach then you will need to check your end caps to see which model you have. 2006 was the transition year and some 2006 coaches made it off the lines with SOK II and some with SOK III.

Some of our customers are going to a slightly longer bolt and using BLUE Loctite on the threads. PLEASE be aware you CANNOT remove these bolts without first pinning the torsion spring in place. Failure to do so will result in the torsion spring violently unloading and possibly breaking.

We hope this info helps several of you and prevents any accidents and injuries. As always we will try and answer any questions you may have and assist you with any problems.

We wish you safe travels and may you all have an enjoyable spring/summer traveling season.

Chris T
Stone Vos LLC
www.stonevos.com
Class A
  • chring's avatar
    chring
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2015
    Thank you sir. I do everything I can for RV'ers because so many have assisted me with my own coach when I had mechanical issues.:)

    I really do not know what more to say about Carefree. I do not like bashing any company but their customer service has always suffered. I believe this is why I am so busy fielding calls during the week with coach owners having problems with their toppers / awnings. I am not part of the Carefree dealer network but many members here have found out I have expertise in the slide topper area so they call me directly. Some have already tried calling Carefree with no luck or got bad advice.

    My assistant spent 45 minutes on hold waiting for a customer service rep at Carefree just to get a part number. We have left messages before and it took them 2 days to call us back. It is frustrating so I understand why my phone rings alot.

    I just wanted to post this problem because I knew Carefree wont bring it to the owners attention. From time to time I post helpful hints for Carefree assemblies as well as DIY fixes. I just need to be careful here as I walk a fine line between fellow RV'er and supplier. :)

    Thanks for the kind words Gary. Hope your doing well.

    Chris
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Chris, thanks for this heads up. You not only make great toppers but provide a valuable service to all of us.

    FYI, I recently ordered a new Carefree window awning to add to my coach (thru a local independent RV repair shop). When I unpacked the awning to prepare for install, it was apparent they had assembled it with two left hand spring assemblies. After repeated calls to them by both me and the selling dealer (along with both of us sending photos since they refused to believe they made it wrong), they finally sent the proper right hand spring assembly.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 24, 2015
    I had one of the springs break on my main Carefree awning. When I took the spring out I saw that it un-coated and was all rusty. I purchased both springs and covered them in grease when I installed them. The awning seems to work smoother and hopefully I will not have another one break in the future.
  • chring's avatar
    chring
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Stuart, I agree. I could write a book. We make 100's of slide toppers each year and we cannot keep Carefree torsion springs in stock. They seem to break constantly. I just had two customers order new springs for their coaches this week. One was a 2013 and the other a 2011. Very sad to be experiencing these problems so early in a coaches life.

    We have had a difficult time keeping springs in stock. They come in the front door and go right out the back to a waiting customer.

    Blasterman: The effected year/model range is 2006 to the current model years.

    Please be advised that some 2006 model coaches were manufactured with the older SOK II model assemblies. 2006 was the transition year for Carefree.

    If you own a 2006 coach you will need to look at your end caps. If it is plastic and has one single screw near the center then it is the older styled SOK II. If it steel and has numerous bolts on the end then it is the effected model which is the SOK III.

    If anyone has any questions I will try and answer them for you.

    Chris
  • Blaster_Man's avatar
    Blaster_Man
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Is there any kind of a date range for this issue...those made prior to a certain date?

    I have three Carefree toppers and two powered awnings. Had serious problems with all of them except the small awning over the door. All three toppers had to be replaced and the motor replaced on the main awning. The only good thing was that all failed while under warranty.
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Thank you....it is pathetic when a manufacturer does not step up...ie the GM key thing...until it is too late.
  • chring's avatar
    chring
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Stuart:

    I am sure it has been reported. I would not be looking for a Carefree recall anytime soon. :(

    I do not think they have passed this info on to their dealers either which is why I wanted to alert people through this post.

    Chris T
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2015
    Has this issue been reported to Carefree?...are they issuing a recall so that the issue can be inspected and corrected by Carefree or their authorized dealer...?..

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