Jayco 213EXP rear slide topper
I have a 2009 Jayco 213EXP with the rear slide. I've read a few posts on various forums from folks inquiring about a slide topper for the rear slide of this model and other similar model travel trailers with rear slides. Such slides extend further than the 42" that standard slide toppers accommodate.
I solved the issue quite easily. Thought I'd post what I did since I've never read anyone else being able to resolve the challenge elegantly.
I simply purchased a standard slide topper (Carefree brand) of the appropriate width for my slide which is standard practice. However I also ordered a custom length replacement fabric for the topper (many suppliers on the Internet). My slide extends 50" and the replacement fabric I ordered is 56" long. That is 8" longer than the OEM fabric that came on the roller.
My 213EXP has an aluminum extrusion that acts as a gutter above the slide. I riveted the topper's rail to that gutter which had about a 1/2" flat flange. I used 1/8" aluminum rivets and mounted the topper rail upside down. The reason I mounted the rail upside down was because I would not have had enough clearance between the bottom of the rail and my slide otherwise.
The stock roller spring easily accommodates the added few inches of the custom length topper fabric and I suspect it would accommodate much more. In fact, I actually relieved the roller spring tension two complete turns because it seemed excessive out of the box. The rest of the installation was the same as if the slide topper were being used on any standard slide.
The custom replacement fabric cost me about $80 though that was nearly four years ago. The slide topper has served me well for those four years and I expect many more years of service.
I solved the issue quite easily. Thought I'd post what I did since I've never read anyone else being able to resolve the challenge elegantly.
I simply purchased a standard slide topper (Carefree brand) of the appropriate width for my slide which is standard practice. However I also ordered a custom length replacement fabric for the topper (many suppliers on the Internet). My slide extends 50" and the replacement fabric I ordered is 56" long. That is 8" longer than the OEM fabric that came on the roller.
My 213EXP has an aluminum extrusion that acts as a gutter above the slide. I riveted the topper's rail to that gutter which had about a 1/2" flat flange. I used 1/8" aluminum rivets and mounted the topper rail upside down. The reason I mounted the rail upside down was because I would not have had enough clearance between the bottom of the rail and my slide otherwise.
The stock roller spring easily accommodates the added few inches of the custom length topper fabric and I suspect it would accommodate much more. In fact, I actually relieved the roller spring tension two complete turns because it seemed excessive out of the box. The rest of the installation was the same as if the slide topper were being used on any standard slide.
The custom replacement fabric cost me about $80 though that was nearly four years ago. The slide topper has served me well for those four years and I expect many more years of service.
