Forum Discussion

cpoo's avatar
cpoo
Explorer
Nov 20, 2014

slide topper banging in high wind

Today I was in a really strong cross wind. A good 40 mph gusts and steady 25mph. From time to time the topper (awning) on the large slide would unroll just a little and snap back and make a good noise in the coach. I adjusted my mirror and saw it. Probably no more than a 1/4 roll at the most. I think I heard of people using bungees or duck tape or other devices to secure the topper. I never had this problem with other coaches but this slide and thus topper is the largest I have owned. Any suggestions/ other than don't drive in the wind. Coach handles reasonably well in the wind considering I am a gas powered kite.
Class A
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    It is not terribly hard to tighten it up.
    Look up the make/model of the topper and download the manual for specifics, but basically:
    Put the slide all the way out.
    Pin the topper roll.
    Put the slide in (topper will not roll up)
    Loosen the spring end till you can rotate the roller, and roll up the slide
    Tighten everything back up and pull the pin.

    If it's not tight enough repeat.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Nov 20, 2014
    And if the wind is going to blow all night, simply pull the slide in on that side.

    Bill
  • J-Rooster's avatar
    J-Rooster
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    Bob in the past I've used foam mattress pad and cut it to fit and I've also use a inflatable air mattress just stuff it under the slide topper and leave a small note on the slide out switch panel to remove before extending.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 20, 2014
    Just to clarify, I believe the OP is talking about it unrolling while he is driving.
    - Ropes
    - Inflatable beds
    - etc.
    probably aren't a solution.

    Check the spring and depending on the model there may be a knob that sticks out that should catch on the side of the RV to stop it unrolling while driving.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Nov 20, 2014
    They make devices that attach to your coach to prevent the awning from unrolling. You can tighten the tension on the spring which should also help. Awning clamp
  • ronniedean1234's avatar
    ronniedean1234
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    valhalla360 wrote:
    Just to clarify, I believe the OP is talking about it unrolling while he is driving.
    - Ropes
    - Inflatable beds
    - etc.
    probably aren't a solution.

    Check the spring and depending on the model there may be a knob that sticks out that should catch on the side of the RV to stop it unrolling while driving.


    Your right, my bad, guess I did not read the OP's problem clearly, as mentioned sounds like the spring tension needs to be tightened...
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    my BIL installed some catches to prevent this. I think from an RV store.
    bumpy
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    It sounds like the slide topper anti-billow device is doing it's job.
    If you take a look at the topper you should see a little arm projecting from one of the awning roller ends. When a cross wind is strong enough to start to unfurl the awning the piece hits a small plate on the side of the motor home which prevents the awning from unfurling.

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