Forum Discussion

clubacoustic's avatar
clubacoustic
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013

Slide-toppers Replacement-Carefree of Colorado or Other

Need to replace slide-out toppers on 2007 Beaver Contessa. Should I go with original vendor Carefree of Colorado or are there any better options out there?
  • I took mine off and took them to Tent and Canvas shop and they made duplicates of the original using the existing beading and same type material. Cost about $275 and fit perfect.
  • When I replaced my slide toppers I ordered from Tough Tops on the web.

    It was easy to measure. I just followed their on-line instructions.

    And install took me about 3 hours. My wife helped some but she cannot climb a ladder so I had her hold up the top material with a broom while I slid it into place. Tough Tops also has good installation instructions. If you have another helper that can climb a ladder installation would be even faster.

    Safe Travels

    JD
  • If you're going to do this yourself, you can take the old ones off and cut 6" off of them. I did this on mine when they were five years old and got another three years out of them. There is about 18" of excess material on the rollers. Cut off the 6" and have a local shop sew the edge back on. This cost me $100.00 for three.

    If you want new ones, have an upholstery shop make them or this place that uses Sunbrella http://www.klohoker.com/toppers/rvslideouttopperfabric.html
  • Our fairly new Carefree awnings (3 years old) stitching failed also. We will get Sunbrella and marine stitching next time!
    PS: We are sorry we didn't get Zipdee awnings even if they are more expensive. They come with Sunbrella fabric.
  • Go to any upholstery shop with the dimensions and select the Sunbrella color that you would like to have sewn.

    Then, have a mobile RV tech install, unless you think you and a partner are up to the task.

    If you are near a boating area, get a marine upholstery shop to fabricate the topper. They will use acrylic thread that will stand up to the environment.

    Sunbrella will definitely stand up to the environment, but if sewn with cotton thread it's useful life will be cut short.

    Sunbrella is 100% acrylic, will not mildew .

    Chose from the marine selection providing you can get a color match.

    www.sunbrella.com


    My 15 year old coach has all Sunbrella awnings used by Carefree in the manufacture of the awnings , but they used cotton thread which eventually failed.