Forum Discussion

JohnnyCW's avatar
JohnnyCW
Explorer
Oct 26, 2013

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.

4 Replies

  • The gutter is below the clearance lights and probably at least 4-5 inches below the roof level. I doubt there is any significant interaction between the slide topper and the wind when going down the road. I've followed behind in my wife's car as she towed the trailer down the interstate and there isn't any sort of flapping from the slide topper fabric.

    The gutter on my trailer is very rigidly mounted to the trailer. I tried flexing it up and down with much more force than the slide topper would ever put on it and it felt more than secure enough for the purpose. The slide topper has been in place for about four years now completely trouble free.

    The slide topper keeps all the leaves, sticks, and rain off the slide's roof. Debris simply fall away off the back as the slide is retracted just like on any other application where a slide topper is installed. It was the whole point of installing the slide topper to begin with. I don't have to worry about sweeping debris off the slide's roof when packing up or worry about water dripping inside the trailer if there had been rain the night before I'm leaving the campground.

  • could you post a picture? My first reaction is that the cover would act more as a spoiler, but if you riveted it to the aluminum flange, then sure, it's below the top of the trailer. I just wouldn't think that piece would be strong enough to support the weight.

    My next question is how well does that keep leaves, etc. off the top? Because if it doesn't, it's hard enough to get up there and clear off stuff before closing it up without carrying along a ladder (which I don't).