Njmurvin
Explorer II
Joined 22 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Has anyone removed their slide toppers and regretted it?
I have a 2011 Arctic Fox 27.5L fifth wheel that I've owned since 2016. It came with slide toppers (presumably from the factory). The awning material on the toppers needs replacing. I am considering either replacing the fabric or just removing the toppers altogether. My previous 5th wheel had no slide toppers and my brother has an Alpenlite with no slide toppers - neither of us ever considered adding them. I realize they prevent debris from accumulating on top of the slideouts. But, they're horribly noisy in the wind (enough that, on multiple occasions, I've had to close the slides to sleep). Obviously, it would be less expensive to remove them than to replace the fabric. Has anyone removed their toppers and regretted it after? Or, has anyone removed them and were glad they did?84Views1like3CommentsRe: Traded in our old fifth wheel, bought a cougar
Carefully inspect the roof. At 13 years old, depending on where/how it was stored, the roof could be near its end-of-life. Look particularly around the edges near the rear where it is more prone to being dragged against tree limbs, leaf gutters, etc. (don't ask how I know to look for this :) ).1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Goodyear Endurance is 5 years too old?
For reference on SoCal prices, mine are 235/80/16 and the $1212 includes $150 worth of certificates for replacement if the tire is damaged beyond repair for any reason (sidewall punctures, blowouts, etc.). I purchased the same tires from the same dealer almost exactly 5 years ago for $149/ea. They are now $223/ea.2.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Goodyear Endurance is 5 years too old?
Thanks for the responses. Some answers to your questions... The trailer lives in SoCal. Weather is very mild. Sun exposure is minimal as trailer is stored parallel to my house with one side within about 4ft of the north side of the house and the other side up against a cement block wall. The awning up high gets some sun exposure but not much down where the tires are. Awning was replaced earlier this year with a model that has the metal shroud. I only put about 2k miles per year on the trailer. Usage is on the low side. I always inflate the tires to 80lbs before traveling and it has never taken more than a couple of lbs to "top them off". No visible cracks or bulges. All that said, I have decided to replace them now instead of waiting another year. It hurts to pay $1200 for the same set of tires I bought for $800 5 years ago. Welcome to inflation. Although even new tires can fail, I won't worry as much about that happening with new shoes.2.3KViews0likes0CommentsGoodyear Endurance is 5 years too old?
My Goodyear Endurance tires just turned 5 years old. Some sources say tires age out at 5 and others say 6. The price of these tires has gone up 50% since I bought them. I’d love to squeeze another year out of them but not if it’s too risky. Thoughts?6.4KViews0likes24CommentsRe: Awning material replacement questions
Update: The awning was installed by a ShadePro team of 2 guys. It took them less than an hour and one was a trainee. It was SO worth the net $100 to have them do the install. The weather shield option is totally worth it. The first 18" or so of the awning is metal and then it connects to the fabric for the rest of the way. The fabric ends up rolled under the metal portion for sun protection when retracted. I really like the acrylic fabric too. I expect this to last much longer than my previous unprotected vinyl shade. Slide toppers are next!1.3KViews0likes0Comments
Groups
Bucket List Trips
Bucketlist destinations you just can't miss. Which spots stick with you?Jun 03, 202013,487 Posts Fifth Wheel Group
Interested in fifth wheels? You've come to the right spot.Sep 16, 202019,012 Posts
