The subject says it all, I've got a Dometic Slideout topper (168") ordered for my TT to cover my one slideout.Too much hassle picking all the pine needles that keep getting stuck in there each trip, even with a blower. Looking forward to keeping the inside cooler as well.I should get it delivered in 2-3 weeks. So now the question is, should I pay to get it installed by CW or some other RV place (taking quotes range from $81-$250 for 2 hours work), or should I even attempt to install it myself?I've been up on the roof to install Enternabond over seams and vents, installed a MaxxAir vent, and caulked the entire exterior and roof up to this point, but is this something best left to the pros?I'm really looking to hear from anyone who installed theirs themselves and/or those who did not and are glad they did (for whatever reason - please advise).I could go either way on this, just looking for the pros/cons from those who did the same considerations at some point.Thanks!

I would have to get someone to do it for me, but not saying that it cannot be DIY. I do urge you to find someplace other than CW to do it if you go that way.

Johno02 wrote:I would have to get someone to do it for me, but not saying that it cannot be DIY. I do urge you to find someplace other than CW to do it if you go that way.Thanks on the first note, and agreed on CW. I just got the CW quote for the 35% off (current special) baseline quote to see if anyone would match. DW has banned that as a true option given last summer's experiences there (which I won't go into).

If you know of a REALLY GOOD rv service have them do it. But you really need to KNOW they are REALLY good. Just pricing out some place and having them do it is not advised. A good RV shop will know where the behind wall studs are located, and will fasten it correctly, without stripping the screws.If you cannot find that REALLY good shop, then do it yourself. It'll take a few friends who will help you. But then you'll know when it is done right. Be sure to caulk all screws that penetrate the exterior wall.

We had 2 of ours installed at the dealer and 1 installed by a local RV shop. Both of them were done well. I had never done one before and was hesitant to do it myself. It doesn't look overly complicated but my main concern was not getting it screws in the right spots.

Watch this, then decideHow To Install RV Slide Out Topper

adding a slideout topper - let the pros install or DIY?

11 Replies

Pogoil
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
Do you really want one? Flap like hell in the wind and fill up with water and stretch out then flap more. I have seen more damaged slide toppers lately than ever. Some say they drive you crazy in the wind.

Pogoil.
Caryite
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
fj12ryder wrote:
I, for one, appreciate it when people post back on what they've done after being given tons of advice, both good and bad.

Thank you for the heads up.

You're welcome, I'll even add a picture of the finished product.

I'm very happy with how Bill Plemmons RV in NC did with the install as they charged what they quoted and was VERY easy to work with to get it done via an appointment on the same day.

I also noticed that the middle of the bar against the camper is at the highest point and each side (front and back of the bar against the camper) is angled a bit lower for the rain to exit off of either side. I noticed the topper is much more level than the top of the slideout itself, so this *should* help with proper water runoff.

Have others seen issues with excessive rain? Where does your topper of this size slide out (168 inches total) drain? I haven't had it rain here yet to observe that aspect.

Thanks!
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2013
I, for one, appreciate it when people post back on what they've done after being given tons of advice, both good and bad.

Thank you for the heads up.
Caryite
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
I read the instructions once the parts arrived and decided to get the topper installed by the pros. Thanks for the suggestions on making sure they know how to mount the screws into the wall studs and for proper mounting - that helping in narrowing my search. I'll hopefully have it done this week with my appointment set up.
Caryite
Explorer
May 30, 2013
Fulltimers wrote:
Watch this, then decide

How To Install RV Slide Out Topper

Thanks all for the suggestions. I had seen that video, and had noted that it conviently picks things up in the install process after the rail and brackets are already in. The brackets into the side is what I was mostly concerned about and that aspect isn't covered in the video. I can gather the screws they used there need to be caulked after the fact too.

I will look at the directions on that (I've printed them out) and will check around some more once the materials arrive to determine next steps.

Thanks!
chevyman486
Explorer
May 30, 2013
I just did one on my DRV Mobile suite 38TKS. I downloaded the instructions off the internet and my son and I did the work. No problems. Just be careful with the coiled spring in the tube. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Ron
Fulltimers
Explorer
May 29, 2013
Watch this, then decide

How To Install RV Slide Out Topper
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 29, 2013
We had 2 of ours installed at the dealer and 1 installed by a local RV shop. Both of them were done well.

I had never done one before and was hesitant to do it myself. It doesn't look overly complicated but my main concern was not getting it screws in the right spots.
Vulcaneer
Explorer
May 29, 2013
If you know of a REALLY GOOD rv service have them do it. But you really need to KNOW they are REALLY good. Just pricing out some place and having them do it is not advised.

A good RV shop will know where the behind wall studs are located, and will fasten it correctly, without stripping the screws.

If you cannot find that REALLY good shop, then do it yourself. It'll take a few friends who will help you. But then you'll know when it is done right. Be sure to caulk all screws that penetrate the exterior wall.
Caryite
Explorer
May 29, 2013
Johno02 wrote:
I would have to get someone to do it for me, but not saying that it cannot be DIY. I do urge you to find someplace other than CW to do it if you go that way.

Thanks on the first note, and agreed on CW. I just got the CW quote for the 35% off (current special) baseline quote to see if anyone would match. DW has banned that as a true option given last summer's experiences there (which I won't go into).