Topper unfurling

[sehunter]

Sorry.

[Jim]

I thought it was an interesting thread and I especially liked the pictures so I could compare them to my LR topper. I had no idea (or I just never noticed) that slide toppers could billow out while driving in winds...and I've done that sort of driving numerous times in the desert in just the last few months. Never considering the slide toppers as a potential issue.

So now I'm on a quest to find out whether or not my long slide topper is susceptible to that sort of problem. I'm not even sure what the brand typically used on a '02 Winnie Journey was/is.

SeHunter: Sorry you felt the need to remove your post and all those great pictures, I found them useful. Even though I'd have probably followed the recommendations of other posters, your info was still helpful to read. Thanks!

[dougrainer]

rhagfo wrote:

sehunter wrote:
Dutch I can't believe I am having this conversation with you. That is not a solid roller for the awning there is a spring inside that will release the material with a strong enough side wind with the arm not going past the stop.

I with Duch, first the anti billow device should be installed at the front of the topper, and if a long topper it should have two.

You solution is an accident waiting to happen!

SE, your thought on how the slide topper spring and anti billow functions is wrong. With the Dometic Anti Bilow device operating correctly, the fabric and tube CANNOT unfurl no matter what type of wind. Your design will also keep it from unfurling, but the problem as I stated is, you forget to release your type and damage can happen. Don't get upset because you had a problem and fixed it by yourself and then others showed a better way and a OEM way. Repost you pic, maybe someone will want to do what you did. Doug

[Dutch_12078]

sehunter wrote:
Sorry.

And I'm sorry you felt the need to delete your posts. Your device may not have been as useful on a topper as you initially thought, but it sure could have been adapted to a full manual awning that isn't typically equipped with any anti-billowing device except the inherently weak OEM cam lock.

[GREGORYJ]

Here is a typical anti billowing arm. I've had one break off and had to replace it. If set right, it should point up when slide out is in.

[rhagfo]

sehunter wrote:
Dutch I can't believe I am having this conversation with you. That is not a solid roller for the awning there is a spring inside that will release the material with a strong enough side wind with the arm not going past the stop.

I with Duch, first the anti billow device should be installed at the front of the topper, and if a long topper it should have two.

You solution is an accident waiting to happen!

[sehunter]

Dutch

[Dutch_12078]

If the arm is not stopping it from billowing, it's not installed or adjusted properly. The arm should not be able to slip past the wall bracket.

[sehunter]

Dutch

[dougrainer]

While your lock is good, the problem remains---You FORGET to unlock you will destroy either the awning or the slide flange. ALL Dometic Slide covers come with the AUTOMATIC auto lock kit, either Black or White. I guess yours either broke off or was never installed. Doug

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-3109252-001B-Polar-Anti-Billow-Hardware/dp/B002UBZKA2

[Dutch_12078]

Dometic/A&E makes an anti-billow arm and bracket that attach to the sidewall and awning roller that requires no operator intervention. It's a simple device that stops the awning from unfurling more than a few inches while underway. They've been equipping toppers with them for years.

[Jim]

Thanks for the info: Locking device...

Another question...did you try tightening the spring?

[Jim]

So does that mean you have to exit the RV and unlatch it on the drivers side so you can extend the slide?

And where did you get that nice chrome locking device? What's it called or is there a part number you can provide?

[rgatijnet1]

Good solution. Might not work on all toppers but it looks like it works fine on yours.