Solera RV Slide Out Awning Fabric Replacements and Other Secrets

Today I welcome back a 2011 Suncruiser. This Class A has two slide outs and both the slide out awning fabrics are failing. So watch me as I show how easy they are to replace, unless things go wrong. Also things go wrong.
I used Solera fabric from Lippert but Carefree of Colorado or Dometic universal fabric would have worked too. I have not seen any difference between the 3 of them.
get the fabric here:
amzn.to/3xaHVDx

[@tommytmt]

Did anyone else laugh when he opened the box of the wrong color and the crowd booed? I also loved his forced smile of pain right after haha.

[@divadyrdnal]

Ha, difference between a pro and me... you just pulled the cotter pin! I slowly rolled mine back in like my life was on the line! I got it done but the difference in confidence and knowledge is striking.

[@AZExpert]

Nice!!

[@chrisj118]

Replacing my rear slide topper today after work following these instruction. Looks simple enough, thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@addidasnwc]

Thank you, I appreciate your efforts in help us do- it ourselves.

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@philw7174]

Good things to know. Thanks James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Any time! Thanks Phil!

[@coreymerritt7742]

That was nice and slick the way you did that every other video I’ve watched everyone pulls the tube off the trailer or coach 😊

[@AZExpert]

I used to do that too

[@talaven]

Great video. Thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed to replace the fabric on a 15' awning topper.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@LayloNewt]

You make things look so easy

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that, but don't forget I did put the fabric on wrong so....

[@garyag45]

Again good info, thanks. I won’t DIY most things I watch you folks do, but I really enjoy your videos.😎🦌👍

[@AZExpert]

thanks for watching!

[@NigelM18]

So cool, I just ordered a box. 50 ft, what a great deal!! Thanks.

[@AZExpert]

youre' welcome

[@3740westmichigan]

Always a great job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AZExpert]

thank you!!

[@frankshiffer588]

I've watched a few others who removed the tube and then fought with it to put it on the coach rail. I'm doing both of mine, like your method. Thanks for your videos, James.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertburgess6100]

Great work as always!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks

[@danmadden1080]

Great info - thanks James !

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@tikkitutu101]

Great tutorial.

[@rickl6697]

Thanks James, great video as usual. I've got two of those on our Newmar which will probably need doing in a couple of more years. Thats the easiest looking way of doing that job I've seen yet. Our longest topper is only 12 ft. When it rains, I temporarily lower the jacks on the front or back just enough to pitch it which way I want the water to go.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@tyflesh]

Another great video thank you sir! I did notice the seal didn't look to healthy on the rear cap seal so you'll probably be getting a call for a reseal job in the near future! Hope you had a great 4th...

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@brianbiggs3484]

Great video James !!! Thank you ✌️✌️🇨🇦👍🇨🇦👍🇨🇦✌️

[@robertgass2505]

Well Thanks! I learned a thing or two from this video.

[@AZExpert]

Glad to hear it!

[@hcrffi]

👍 Great job as usual. As far as the water leak? Of course it doesn't leak. You fixed it and is better than new. Good example is the rear cap seal.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍I never trust RVs to stay fixed.

[@billcullifer]

Great video, thank you

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it!

[@douglasbrinkley5436]

I have the exact coach and need to replace the slide toppers. Thanks

[@Brian-os9qj]

Pays in the shade, thx man

[@badgerpa9]

Thanks for the education again. You really wanted to pull all of the wrong sealant off didn't you? lol Stay safe and healthy Sir.

[@AZExpert]

I did

[@KevinCoop1]

Thanks James!

[@AZExpert]

you're welcome

[@kipcarroll5644]

Very helpful. Tyvm

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DonniePhipps]

Good job!!

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@ronniecardy]

Cool fix

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@c.l.mcintosh624]

Thank you I bought one from your link

[@AZExpert]

Hope you like it!

[@AZExpert]

Just check the COLOR!!!

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Cool vid James. Timely too. We may purchase a 2016 toy hauler soon. No slide toppers on it. Some roof repair inspection I may have you address this fall (october or so). thanks

[@AZExpert]

Right on!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

New Channel name suggestion, AZ Awning Expert! Bawahaha! Thanks for sharing the tips and tricks. 👍

[@AZExpert]

its funny because I don't usually do awnings very often as there are specialized companies in my area just doing awnings. But somehow I make a video about them.

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Have you ever seen the short edges sonic welded to strengthen the sides and prevent tearing during unexpected wind gusts ? Any way to weld the edges at home or place reinforcement tape for longevity ? JwgK

[@pauljordan756]

Great info as always. Did you sonic weld the inserts into the fabric? Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@AZExpert]

no, thats how it arrives in the box

[@troynoall793]

What type of sealant would you use on a rubber roof? I need to seal some cracks that water has gotten in. If you can recommend one of your videos..I would appreciate it.

[@AndrewsRChelis]

I would like to be able to buy the torsion springs only from dometic.

[@BonFShaw]

My '09 Carefree toppers have articulated aluminum support arms underneath the toppers to minimize sag and they seem to work quite well. I don't think they're available any longer and I don't know why.

[@AZExpert]

there are similar ones, but those are difficult to repair and can bind up over time.

[@michaelstewart8143]

Like the heads up speed display on the highway. How many shops are in Phoenix area that handle RV parks and such?

[@AZExpert]

Phoenix is a huge RV market due to winter visitors and national parks. There are so many shops and parks.

[@jamespinkerman5046]

love your videos , what is the best fabric to use when replacing a slide topper ? thanks

[@AZExpert]

Slide topper fabric. lol. They come premade

[@jamespinkerman5046]

@@AZExpert Thanks , I thought that there was different grades of fabrics for toppers and awnings .

[@jamespinkerman5046]

@@AZExpert I found a 50' roll for $150.00 make your own is cheapest way to go . thanks

[@lauriewhittle3452]

Hi AZ. A week or so ago, I saw a video with you and a vendor talking about some new slideout awnings that are made from aluminum and it slides along the slideout and pushes all the leaves and stuff off the slideout. No rollers. I can't find that video anywhere so was wondering if you could share it. I have a friend interested in this new technology for his sliders. Thank you. Laurie

[@AZExpert]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmHSXmOtepaeqJo Topless Toppers

[@advancedbuildingsolutions9170]

Do you have any suggestion what to do when spring uncoiled? Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

I have videos detailing it

[@mrsmith324]

Cool video. Ok then what type of sealant do you use on a TPO white all the way through. No felt back or anything. Thank you. MrSmith

[@AZExpert]

dicor, xtrm, alpha, sikaflex self leveling

[@mrsmith324]

@@AZExpert thank you.

[@TJ-qz6hr]

9:35 That look you make when they give you the wrong parts.

[@AZExpert]

lol

[@Reaglesracing44_]

my work is just down the other side of main st by the diving lady motel

[@AZExpert]

luxury?

[@Reaglesracing44_]

@@AZExpert yep 👍

[@TheBandit7613]

Wind, YUK! Been so windy this year. I hate wind.

[@AZExpert]

It's the worst

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Is there a way to safely treat with a good UV protectant whennewly replaced?

[@AZExpert]

UV protector amzn.to/3cTCxwP

[@sergepoirier2665]

I’m curious as to why you don’t like the big one side slide Is it because of the middle pooling issue you mentioned Or they give more grief than you like mechanically

[@AZExpert]

mostly grief, there are three motors that are synced together so manual operation is very difficult which is the best selling point on an electric slide out compared to hydraulic

[@joelshaw1961]

Do you replace the masking tape on the roll?

[@AZExpert]

no, that tape was for during when they're built at the Dometic factory to keep the fabric centered during the manufacturing process.

[@bimmerboard]

I added the Lippert Solera slide toppers to my fifth wheel slideouts, but the fabric didn’t last two years. It totally disintegrated and fell apart on all three units that I installed. I’ve only put about 2,000 miles on the RV in those two years, so they weren’t abused. I just can’t believe the poor quality vinyl fabric the Solera units supplied. My regular awning fabric has lasted 18 years and is still going strong. I expected more than a lousy two years from the Soleras. Has anyone else experienced such problems with the Solera fabric?

[@dennisbutler349]

May I ask what kind of battery powered drill you use and if you would recommend it or something else? Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

I use a very old and outdated Craftsman Nextec. I have a complete Milwaukee set, I just have the feel of the Craftsman from almost 13 years of use so I prefer it until they finally die.

[@dennisbutler349]

AZ Expert Thank you. My old B&D just died and noticed just what you said. The way you wield it around that drill seems like an extension of your hand, but I thought it looked like a Milwaukee. I think I’m getting a 20v Dewalt for Father’s Day in a packaged deal with a drill/driver & impact driver. Thanks again!

[@donspoor8367]

Can you walk on most slide out rooms? If so what would be the weight limit.

[@AZExpert]

most of them yes, not jump but step lightly

[@pguy9852]

how do I schedule work with you?

[@JosephPetersonSD]

How do you properly re-tension the bar if the fabric completely broke and the bar totally unwound?

[@AZExpert]

I have a bunch of videos on this but I don't recommend doing it yourself, risk of injury is great

[@JosephPetersonSD]

@@AZExpert I get the danger. Just trying to figure out how many turns. I’ve tensioned garage door springs.

[@TomSpurlock]

Nice tutorial. You've convinced me to NEVER buy an RV with a long slide.

[@AZExpert]

LOL, if you don't need the space...

[@Yukonjackman1]

What about putting a few beach ball there up

[@AZExpert]

it will work just don't forget them

[@papajoej]

That looked easy enough.I'm quite sure it wouldn't go as well for me(LOL)

[@AZExpert]

well it didn't go great for me either :)

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Will AIM wholesales sell to the general public without an account?

[@AZExpert]

no it's wholesale only

[@NigelM18]

Use his link, buy it from Amazon. Easy and cheap.

[@frankmitzen2008]

The transition strip looks to need some dicor on the corner

[@mattmeyer6471]

so do you not like dicore?

[@AZExpert]

In the right application. Winnebago is the wrong application due to the silicone sealant they use.

[@rtjautomotive]

Doesn’t matter where you put the screws. Never fails something happen s and they magically disappear

[@AZExpert]

yes, and I find them with my tires.

[@tomallen1725]

Why black, instead of white? I would think white would be cooler.

[@AZExpert]

it's a full body paint job and white would look weird

[@SpykersB]

I was gonna ask the same thing, lol. So then, I guess to be expecting to see white on these new 5th wheels, since manufacturer’s are going back to white bodies, non- body paint. Cheers 🍻

[@hillbillyrv]

You make mistakes too? I thought it was just me.....ha ha

[@AZExpert]

only constantly, it seems to me RV tech work is 99% hiding your mistakes. :)

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert lol

[@strangecraft5861]

First

[@AZExpert]

very quick

[@mandtgrant]

Please don't do those stupid thumbnails. I like your videos, but I won't watch any with those stupid thumbnails. I don't think 15 year olds watch these anyway.

[@AZExpert]

I like them.