Slide topper and possibly roller damaged

[garyb1st]

Main slide topper torn and will not roll in properly. The roller mounts that attach to the slides may also be bent. This apparently happened while driving through some very strong winds. Several times the wind caught the slide topper and caused it to open and snap shut.

Now when the slide is extended, the roller, which should be on the outside of the slide wall, is on the inside. Because of that, the slide will not close completely. I managed to get the roller repositioned by using my solid oak walking pole. But that only worked one time. My walking pole is not in two pieces. But at least the slide is fully closed.

So for you who have done it without an able bodied helper, what can I do to solve the problem. We're in a remote area two hours from the Phoenix and Tucson so not likely to find a repair facility. My thought is to extend the slide several inches, cut the slide material at the attachment point near the roof and let it roll back into the roller. What I'm not sure about is the amount of tension on the roller and whether or not that presents a problem.

 

[Professor David]

Check out this video on slide topper material replacement.

You may want to put a set screw in to relieve the tension before cutting the fabric for a temp fix.

 

[garyb1st]

Thanks for the link. I could probably do it if I had one of those lifts he's standing on. My 8 ft ladder isn't going to work. Based on the video, if I can insert a pin in the roller I could cut the fabric and leave it until I'm able to find a repair shop. Only question is does that cause a problem later on when removing the fabric from the roller? If cutting the fabric works we could at least use the slide out room and continue our trip. Other question is whether or not the roller mounts are damaged.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Gary, from my experience your topper is toast. Your insurance company should cover the cost of having a new one. But, your deductible may come into play too.

In 2022 I had to replace THREE slide toppers in that year alone. The first one ripped apart while driving on I15 around Fredrick, Maryland during 50-60 mph winds. Progressive paid for a new topper. Then, on our first outing after the new topper was installed, we were on a two-month cross-country trip on I70 in Eastern Colorado. The new topper again blew apart with 60-70 crosswinds. When we arrived at our campground outside of Denver I climbed up to the roof with a razor knife and cut away the tattered fabric. There didn't seem to be any excess sprung pressure on the roller tube. I was going to toss that too but without a 12 ft ladder to work from the slide-side to get the bolts off. When we returned home a month and a half later Progressive even paid for an upgraded topper, Carefree Cover lll. Two months later while visiting my SIL at her seasonal CG at a Canadian Provincial Campground, an old, poorly maintained dump, I ripped the topper off again leaving the campground by low-hanging branches! This time I paid for the replacement topper myself, another Cover lll to the tune of $1200. I couldn't put another claim into Progressive.

 

[garyb1st]

When we arrived at our campground outside of Denver I climbed up to the roof with a razor knife and cut away the tattered fabric.

Did you secure the roller with a pin as shown in the video before cutting the fabric? Did the remaining fabric roll up or was it hanging loose?

 

[ferfer]

Gary, Is it possible to sew the tear & then cover with strong tape? Use dental floss or fishing line. Or as a temp. fix clean tear area and cover with tape only.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

When I got my RV the slide topper was roached. When the awning/topper is fully retracted the spring tension is minimum, I just slit it along the body with a box knife, let the roller spin loose in my hand then unwound the remains of the topper off the roller, and slit the topper off of that. I never replaced it, maybe if I used my slide a lot where crap could fall onto it I might but so far I haven't encountered a time I wish I had one.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[garyb1st]

Jennifer, as soon as we begin opening the slide, the bracket it's attached to flips over the roller and ends up inside the slide wall. That prevents it from closing properly. It's possible the bracket will need to be replaced. The other issue is the material is twisted and I can pull it out to undo the twist.

 

[garyb1st]

When the awning/topper is fully retracted the spring tension is minimum, I just slit it along the body with a box knife, let the roller spin loose in my hand then unwound the remains of the topper off the roller, and slit the topper off of that.

Did you do it from the roof or a ladder? Unless we move the Pace I'll need to use a ladder. Only have an 8 foot ladder so will need to hang on to the roller for support. If the roller spins when I'm holding on that would be a problem.

 

[ferfer]

Gary, I am trying to picture & understand. Is your topper a Carefree or what? I am still trying to picture position of bracket and fabric. I am assuming "the bracket ends up inside the slide wall" means top of the slide between outer slide edge and coach body?

The other issue is the material is twisted and I can pull it out to undo the twist.

Can or can not you pull material and can or can not you undo the twist?

Can you open the slide out now and get it closed again?

Can you hand unroll the tube but still have tension implying the spring is not broke?

 

[ferfer]

Another fix to allow travel and might be worth a watch:

 

[garyb1st]

Jennifer, you're picturing it correctly. The bracket the roller is attached to should not move. However, when we extend the slide, it flips over the slide wall and prevents the slide from closing correctly. I can't pull the fabric out of the roller to straighten it. Pretty sure one of the brackets is toast. Don't know the manufacturer of the slide topper. None of the videos I've watched have similar brackets.

 

[ferfer]

Does it look like this one? If so it is a carefree.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Did you do it from the roof or a ladder?

I did it from the roof. My slide is 12 feet long, to do it from a ladder would take multiple trips or really long arms. If it's just one of the brackets that's horked I wouldn't be cutting the topper. My take on it would be to manipulate it out of the way while the slide is being retracted, then secure the thing together with wire, paracord, duct tape, zip ties, whatever, as a bundle. If you cut the topper away then you might end up with the roller dangling from one end. And, unless the topper is already damaged, it's one less thing to buy and replace after you fix the hardware. I would think if anyplace has a facility to replace a topper it would be Phoenix, so you might be paying a visit there if you're not DIY.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I've done awning repairs or replacements multiple times using a 6-foot ladder, so think an 8 footer would make the task easier. And without standing on the top step either.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Did you secure the roller with a pin as shown in the video before cutting the fabric? Did the remaining fabric roll up or was it hanging loose?

No, I was on the roof and the awning was basically in the retracted position with the ripped fabric hanging out. I grabbed the fabric and just pulled and cut, pulled and cut. This was on my main slide 16' long. It took me a while to get it all out leaving the roller in place.

I've done awning repairs or replacements multiple times using a 6-foot ladder, so think an 8 footer would mak

Gary, might I guess that this was in your more youthful years?

 

[garyb1st]

After due consideration I climbed onto the roof, put on my knee pads and crawled to the awning. Took out my trusty DeWalt utility knife and cut the awning. It immediately rolled up and for the most part, the fabric is not hanging loose. I've also talked to a facility in Mesa that can do the repairs. The name of the place is the RV Awning Company. That's all they do so likely will have whatever hardware we might need.

Now we're parked, slide is open and I no longer have to ask Maria to put her recliner in the upright position so I can get whatever I need which is always on the other side of Maria.

Thanks to all for your advice.

 

[ferfer]

The name of the place is the RV Awning Company. That's all they do so likely will have whatever hardware we might need.

We used RV Awning Company | We Come To You to replace our main patio awning Aug. 2024. We have mixed feeling about service and cost.

Without getting into detail, they may to up sale. The installers found a "defect" which required change of coach attached bracket and arm support. Use set of both cost $300 and they only used one bracket & took everything. The slide still does not close as well old awning but maybe with reason.

I think they can do the job but just want you to aware.

 

[garyb1st]

Thanks Jennifer. I don't have an appointment so I'll check and see who else is around.

 

[ferfer]

For comparison, timeline and cost give - RV Exterior Renovation - RV Renovators - a call. I have history with them but nothing recent. I do not believe they have mobile service which could be a problem. Both companies mentioned can fix your topper, you just need to pick the one that meets your travel plans or find another company.