I just signed on the dotted line for a new camper.It has one slide out and the dealer wanted to sell me a "topper" for about $800 installed (or so, if I remember correctly). Also 3 rain covers for the hatches. I think they were $130 each, installed.I said no the topper as the unit will be closed 60% of the time (or more) and when open, I won't be near trees. I heard they make noise in the wind. On the rain covers for the hatches, I didn't want the reduced air flow that might occur. With both these items, I could install them myself if they are really needed. So price aside, are these things important to have? If so, why don't the manufactures install them?

surfs-up-today wrote:I just signed on the dotted line for a new camper.It has one slide out and the dealer wanted to sell me a "topper" for about $800 installed (or so, if I remember correctly). Also 3 rain covers for the hatches. I think they were $130 each, installed.I said no the topper as the unit will be closed 60% of the time (or more) and when open, I won't be near trees. I heard they make noise in the wind. On the rain covers for the hatches, I didn't want the reduced air flow that might occur. With both these items, I could install them myself if they are really needed. So price aside, are these things important to have? If so, why don't the manufactures install them?I never installed a topper on my Coachmen because as a shallow sofa slide I felt it an unnecessary expense. However, I then did have to carry a 3-step ladder so I could reach the top of the slide before retracting it. It worked fine but if I were to ever buy another travel trailer that had a deep slide I would have a topper installed so I wouldn't have to fool with cleaning the slide top. For me personally I'd have the dealer do the installation.As far as vent covers are concerned I'd never own any trailer without them because once installed the vent(s) can be left open 24/7 for ventilation despite what the weather may be outside. Installing them yourself is a one beer job - too easy. :) Install an Ultrabreeze vent cover by Fan-tastic Vent and you shouldn't experience restricted air flow - YouTube video proof is here.

X2 on adding the topper. Every time you break camp you will be glad you did.

Both installed on ours and wouldn't be without them. The $130 for vent covers is way too high. Tell the dealer to install them at no charge or the deals off.

Absolutely yes on the toppers. Even if you don't camp near trees they do a wonderful job of helping keep the trailer cool by keeping the sun off the top of the slide. The price seems a little high. We had one installed on our big living room slide later and it was about $600. The dealer installed two smaller slide toppers for about the same price. We've never noticed any noise from the toppers on ours. If you frequently camp where it's very windy, like the beach, then it could possibly be a issue if they aren't taut enough.We don't use the vents much so can't really say about the covers. But I would have to agree that they don't look that hard to DIY.

I personally would have gone for both although would have negotiated a better price. Have always installed vent covers over roof vents, have never regretted the extra protection they offer. Remember, water intrusion is your biggest enemy..

Topper and Vent Options Offered By Dealer for New Purchase

67 Replies

jplante4
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2018
I guess that's enough on (and off) this topic.

CLOSED
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ralph Cramden wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.

Chill? LOL.........I certainly have not lost any sleep over your choice of vent covers.

"then we have one that comes along as usual and bashes a product to promote what he has for some insane reason ."

No doubt you were referring to me. So please explain to everyone what I was "bashing".

What? Huh? Did I miss something?

drsteve wrote:
surfs-up-today wrote:
So why on earth don't these new trailers just come with these two features, rain vent covers and toppers for the slide outs, if everyone likes them so much? They wouldn't cost much if sourced by the mfg and installed on the assembly line, so it shouldn't be the cost. What am I missing?

It makes the MSRP cheaper, and gives the dealer an opportunity to make money by selling accessories and charging lots of labor to install them.

Rockwood / Flagstaff offers bot as options for a rediculously low price. I think two Maxxair fans with covers were like $150.00 and a Dometic topper on our 13' slide was $262.00 installed when built.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2018
SoundGuy wrote:

Which begs the obvious question - WHY? :h Declaring so without providing any explanation as to why you've come to this conclusion is useless to the OP or anyone else reading this thread who may also be considering a slide topper. :R

In the interest of offering suggestions that could actually help the OP he might want to alternately consider a Slide Out Sweep. I've never personally owned or tried one but it seems like a possible solution to having to climb up on a ladder in order to sweep the slide top clear of debris and certainly is less costly than a topper.
Not to burst your bubble - but this product would be great if it were actually available for sale. A little more reading on the website produces this:

website wrote:

Looking for domestic production.
Overseas production fell through. Excitement is still there, with hundreds of responses!
Please email: info@slideoutsweep.com
if you are interested or know source for production.
drsteve
Explorer
Sep 21, 2018
surfs-up-today wrote:
So why on earth don't these new trailers just come with these two features, rain vent covers and toppers for the slide outs, if everyone likes them so much? They wouldn't cost much if sourced by the mfg and installed on the assembly line, so it shouldn't be the cost. What am I missing?

It makes the MSRP cheaper, and gives the dealer an opportunity to make money by selling accessories and charging lots of labor to install them.
cummins2014
Explorer
Sep 21, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ralph Cramden wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.

Chill? LOL.........I certainly have not lost any sleep over your choice of vent covers.

"then we have one that comes along as usual and bashes a product to promote what he has for some insane reason ."

No doubt you were referring to me. So please explain to everyone what I was "bashing".

Total nonsense on your part, air restriction claims, screw coming loose ,as said bashing a product to promote what you have, for whatever insane reason.

Again the MaxxAir bolts the brackets to the vent frame . Bolt, nut, and LOCK WASHER, no they do not come LOOSE. Claiming they do is bashing a product, or in very least ,not having any idea what are talking about. Actually a lot of both ,bashing, and having no idea.

Did your previous MaxxAir come loose, or did you just grab that one out of the air.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Sep 21, 2018
This is the Maxx cover I am comparing to, no mention of airflow restriction. Maxxair 503.15 (00-933066) White Vent Cover $30.35

They also sell I assume a newer version that claims 5% reduction in air flow. Sounds like someone copied someone. Maxxair 00-955002 Black Fanmate Cover with Ez Clip Hardware $58.92

The FV vent cover I have used in hot climates for 3 years Fan-Tastic Vent U1500BL Ultra Breeze Vent Cover $52.78

Can't claim FV is more expensive now.

Prices from AMAZON
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Sep 21, 2018
Ralph Cramden wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.

Chill? LOL.........I certainly have not lost any sleep over your choice of vent covers.

"then we have one that comes along as usual and bashes a product to promote what he has for some insane reason ."

No doubt you were referring to me. So please explain to everyone what I was "bashing".
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.

Chill? LOL.........I certainly have not lost any sleep over your choice of vent covers.
cummins2014
Explorer
Sep 21, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.

Great response, good for you. At least you didn't continue with misleading , and false information, its a start. :C
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Sep 20, 2018
Chill Ralph!

You like what you have, I like what I have. I have owned BOTH.