Slidder Topper suggestions help needed

[Gaffer222]

We will be picking up our new Outback terrain 250TRS in a couple weeks. Anyone have input/suggestions on brand etc of slide topper. The TT trim is all black so I assume black topper is the way to go. Dealer says they usually use Carefree Toppers. I tried to research but not sure and would like some info from anyone with experience.

Here is a picture of the slide.

[Crawfordville]

We have a Keystone Premier and went with a black topper as well. CW had to order it. Ours is similarly colored as yours. We thought the white one would stick out and would also show dirt. I realize no one would really pay any attention to it, but I would...

Karen

[wpredock]

Gaffer222 wrote:

wmoses wrote:

Gaffer222 wrote:
We will be picking up our new Outback terrain 250TRS in a couple weeks. Anyone have input/suggestions on brand etc of slide topper. The TT trim is all black so I assume black topper is the way to go.

I think that you will be happier with the appearance of the black topper. Take a look at my trailer and you see why. The heat-reflection that white would provide is largely insignificant on a slide topper. The sun will beat down on whatever you have and from all sides. I believe I have Dometic slide toppers which came from the factory with the trailer.

So I think I'm going black and white. Going to make a decision tomorrow. I think I'm going with the Carefree SlideOut Kover III. Black hardware, black protective cover and white vinyl. Here is a link/picture from the Carefree website.

Carefree SideOut Kover III

i just installed my carefree topper two weeks ago. heres some tips. get the white vinyl for sure, the sun heat will deteriorate the black. i have the kover III. it is the best one. it includes all the hardware. the aluminum cover on the top is not included and is very expensive. if you want the cover be sure the dealer orders it or you won't get it. it is optional. it is easy to install if your handy. it took me about 1 1/2 hours. it will take 2 people to slide the awning in the track. i made a wire fork stuck in the end of a pvc pipe and my wife supported the end from the ground while i slid the other end in the track on a ladder. piece of cake. remember the aluminum cover is an option. my dealer screwed up and did'nt order it with my awning. i priced it the other day and it was $266.00 plus shipping for an 80" one. make sure you measure the total width from out side edge of each flange to figure the size. your material needs to be at least that wide. hope this helps

[Gaffer222]

wmoses wrote:

Gaffer222 wrote:
We will be picking up our new Outback terrain 250TRS in a couple weeks. Anyone have input/suggestions on brand etc of slide topper. The TT trim is all black so I assume black topper is the way to go.

I think that you will be happier with the appearance of the black topper. Take a look at my trailer and you see why. The heat-reflection that white would provide is largely insignificant on a slide topper. The sun will beat down on whatever you have and from all sides. I believe I have Dometic slide toppers which came from the factory with the trailer.

So I think I'm going black and white. Going to make a decision tomorrow. I think I'm going with the Carefree SlideOut Kover III. Black hardware, black protective cover and white vinyl. Here is a link/picture from the Carefree website.

Carefree SideOut Kover III

[Gaffer222]

wmoses wrote:

Gaffer222 wrote:
We will be picking up our new Outback terrain 250TRS in a couple weeks. Anyone have input/suggestions on brand etc of slide topper. The TT trim is all black so I assume black topper is the way to go.

I think that you will be happier with the appearance of the black topper. Take a look at my trailer and you see why. The heat-reflection that white would provide is largely insignificant on a slide topper. The sun will beat down on whatever you have and from all sides. I believe I have Dometic slide toppers which came from the factory with the trailer.

The black matches and looks great. I think white would stick out like a sore thumb even though it's up high. I was condiering going with black hardware and white or tan material. The roof is tan so it may look ok. Only reason I am shying away from black material is I assume the sun will deteriorate the black material much faster than white ot tan. Anyone have a black material that has been through a few summers. How does it hold up?

[wmoses]

Gaffer222 wrote:
We will be picking up our new Outback terrain 250TRS in a couple weeks. Anyone have input/suggestions on brand etc of slide topper. The TT trim is all black so I assume black topper is the way to go.

I think that you will be happier with the appearance of the black topper. Take a look at my trailer and you see why. The heat-reflection that white would provide is largely insignificant on a slide topper. The sun will beat down on whatever you have and from all sides. I believe I have Dometic slide toppers which came from the factory with the trailer.

[ScottG]

tkcas01 wrote:
I agree, you really don't notice the fabric so much as it up high.

I will offer another piece of unsolicited advise. If possible, have them install the unit so that the fabric will slope down from the side of the rig. Many get installed so the fabric is horizontal when the slide is extended and that allows water to pool on top of the topper. There is also a model that has some kind of peaking mechanism for the same reason - not sure how much extra that costs.

Good advice, unfortunately from the look of the OP's trailer it looks like the awning will be nearly flat. In that case make sure they keep the material as tight as possible. It takes effort but an extra turn of the awning before installing it on the slide helps a lot.
I would also strongly suggest you get white instead of black material. One of the great things these do is keep the sun and heat off the top of the slide and black may not do such a good job and won't last as long.

[tkcas01]

I agree, you really don't notice the fabric so much as it up high.

I will offer another piece of unsolicited advise. If possible, have them install the unit so that the fabric will slope down from the side of the rig. Many get installed so the fabric is horizontal when the slide is extended and that allows water to pool on top of the topper. There is also a model that has some kind of peaking mechanism for the same reason - not sure how much extra that costs.

[downtheroad]

Suggestion...pay the few extra bucks and get the topper(s) that have the roll-up metal sheath that protects the material when the slide is in.
It will save you from getting rips and scuffs if you happen to rub against tree branches when pulling into tight sites or over hanging trees along the way.

[Atlee]

I added a Care Free slide topper. While my trailer is largely black trimmed, the topper & trim are white. It works fine. The topper itself isn't seen since it's so high.

Gaffer222 wrote:

dadmomh wrote:
Suggest if you haven't already, check price with your dealer vs other. You may be time and money ahead to just have them do it and be done. Might also check CW online. Nice unit!

I was not very clear in my post but I am planning on the dealer installing it. I was looking for suggestions on topper manufacturer and how the color works as far as matching it to the slide trim etc. Thanks

[Gaffer222]

dadmomh wrote:
Suggest if you haven't already, check price with your dealer vs other. You may be time and money ahead to just have them do it and be done. Might also check CW online. Nice unit!

I was not very clear in my post but I am planning on the dealer installing it. I was looking for suggestions on topper manufacturer and how the color works as far as matching it to the slide trim etc. Thanks

[dadmomh]

Suggest if you haven't already, check price with your dealer vs other. You may be time and money ahead to just have them do it and be done. Might also check CW online. Nice unit!

[memgrove]

I have two carefree toppers on my trailer and installed them myself. Please note the hardware kit is not included so be sure to order it too. The instructions are not really that helpful but with a YouTube video and a look on the dealers lot to see where they mounted theirs it is not so hard. Ours have been in use for just over a year in most weather conditions. We are weekenders with over 50 nights last year so they have been in and out a bunch with no problems. I would definitely use them again.