How Not To Change A Carefree Slide Topper Fabric

[@jmjv0077]

Great video, I was able to complete with my wife with no yelling and screaming. I was very hesitant to pull the end cap until I saw you do it. 👍👍

[@hillbillyrv]

Awesome, really glad there was no drama.

[@randywilliams5799]

Thanks for the video. After watching your method, I actually chose it over the manufacturer's directions that tell us to remove the cylinder from both ends. I did make one improvement..... I was able to get the left side retaining screw out of the end of the roller by using a low profile wrench and bit. I did have to bend the screw somewhat to work it out all the way. By doing this, it allows the fabric to move over to it's original position. But watching you take that endcap off gave me the confidence I needed. Thanks again!

[@hillbillyrv]

Awesome. Glad I could help.

[@stewartbradshaw751]

Love it! Got er done eh?!

[@kenneth92ish]

you were great on Ted Lasso. this video is very helpful thankyou devil dog

[@hillbillyrv]

Ted Lasso?

[@vincentgonzales8917]

I just pulled mine out once I had it pinned. And pulled the new back in place

[@hillbillyrv]

Good job

[@brianbiggs3484]

👍👍🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️👍 Enjoying your videos , explaining things like a workin man , we never stop learning 😊

[@hillbillyrv]

I still learn everyday.

[@AZExpert]

Nice, video! Thanks for the shout out, I have so much youTube to catch up on! These toppers keep changing each year, and I feel the same concern I saw in your face each time I do these too.

[@hillbillyrv]

Thanks buddy

[@mattwhitacre4607]

I lost all spring tension when my pliers slipped. Need help and info on how to get spring tension back!

[@hillbillyrv]

Best way would be remove new fabric and wind roller tube back up and then reinstall fabric.

[@mattwhitacre4607]

How do I wind roll or tube back up?

[@hillbillyrv]

Just twist the tube like you were rolling up wrapping paper. @@mattwhitacre4607

[@mattwhitacre4607]

@@hillbillyrv Ok, thank you. I will remove the new fabric and then figure out how to roll up tension on the roller. I assume I have to have the cap off the tension end until I have as much tension as possible. Sure would be easier if they had holes to insert a thin screwdriver. Then, once I have tension I assume I reinstall the fabric and then the end cap.

[@mattwhitacre4607]

All I had to do was, 1) close the slide-out to about 12 inches. 2) remove the spring end cap. (on my model of Carefree it is the rear cap. 3) roll up the new fabric on the roller. 4) with channel lock or vise grip, clamp on the spring roller and rotate the spring counter clockwise until the spring tension is fairly tight. 5) Have helper hold the tension while reinstalling the end cap. 6) have helper slowly extend the slide-out while ensuring fabric is even and tight and the spring is not over tight. Note: I did not need to remove the new fabric.

[@timothybuchanan1611]

How do you know how tight the topper should be?

[@hillbillyrv]

The funny answer would be, not too loose and not too tight. I honestly can't answer that. I know how tight they should feel, so it's an experience thing.

[@robertthompson6958]

Knew you’d get it Kenny. Thanks Kenny and Cameron.

[@hillbillyrv]

ha ha... glad you had faith in us

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

Hey man. Great Video. Thanks for showing us the struggles to. Some KZbinrs edit that out. Thanks for being real. Have a great day. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@hillbillyrv]

I thought people might get a kick out of that. thanks Trey.

[@AmericanDreamRVs]

Hey buddy, Did you have to take the screw out of the rail on the roller on the opposite side too?

[@hillbillyrv]

You usually have to remove all the rail screws if you are changing the fabric.

[@vincentgonzales8917]

Clamp facing wrong direction

[@hillbillyrv]

Ok

[@benbertagnolli4411]

Getting ready to do mine right now. I have the exact same set up. Thank you for the helpful video. I'll let you know how it goes.. FYI.. Mine is sand color like the rest of my couch fabric..lol

[@hillbillyrv]

Yes I made sure that he REALLY wanted a black fabric....

[@benbertagnolli4411]

@@hillbillyrv FYI... Turned out Great. I had enough room on each end of the roller, so I ordered my new one a few inches wider than my old topper. The over hang is nice when it rains. The old topper seemed to let to much water onto the slide. Thanks again!!

[@hillbillyrv]

@@benbertagnolli4411 Cool Ben. Glad it turned out ok.

[@hardtruth2039]

Your channel as well as AZ expect and a few other are a vast resource of great information for all of us DIY RVer’s. I was able to do several projects including installing both of my slide toppers in short order.

[@hillbillyrv]

I am glad we can help

[@stevelucier8346]

SMILES! Perfect title to build unrealized anticipation. lol I won't even be helping to work on any more awnings. Back in the day If I remember right only awnings over 16 feet had two springs. I remember counting how many times they spun when releasing the spring tension. Replaced very few springs. My only good hand isn't good anymore with tendons breaking in the thumb. I actually this month bought some cordless power tools including a Rigid caulk gun. Waiting for the Rigid grease gun to come back in stock and we will have all we need. Impact drills, impact ratchet and gun for the camper and truck lugs, It isn't cheap being handicapped and disabled while still trying to do things! lol But I get more toys!

[@hillbillyrv]

I like a positive attitude. Keep on keeping on Steve.

[@davethompson9776]

Hey, you ordered the wrong color just like I did.

[@robh063]

Great video! I've installed a new slide topper but never changed the fabric on one. I have been contemplating putting them on our new RV but now I'm not so sure. The idea is to keep dirt and debris off the slide roof but that roof looked like it could use some TLC even with a topper!

[@hillbillyrv]

What I didn't really show was that there was only about 10-12 inches on both ends that was still intact. The whole middle was totally exposed.

[@robh063]

@@hillbillyrv That roof looks like the exposure has been present for a long time and still should be cleaned by the owner or pay you guys to clean it for him.

[@hillbillyrv]

@@robh063 It could use a good cleaning for sure.

[@SkilletintheWoods]

Can I come work with you guys for a week? I'd do it for a baloney sammich or two. Lol I have yet to tackle an awning, but you guys made it look "fun". Glad everything went well! What size pins are needed for these and Dometic awnings? I'll have to make sure I have some.

[@hillbillyrv]

Come on anytime. I think that would be fun. I just have the old cotter pins that come in new awnings. Probably 1/8 inch. Some guys use an ice pick.

[@jackiechiles270]

Working on 40' NewMar with 15' Dometic topper. Friend wanted me to help him change topper. Discovered the topper was actually ROLLING UP on TOP of the topper itself. Everything is tight and the supporting brackets are in a BIG STRAIN due to this. I've changed several of these toppers before and never seen this. The awning roller tube is slightly bent. Could the torsion be over-tight? Is it the roller tube bend? Any suggestions??

[@hillbillyrv]

It is really hard to say from your description. Good luck !!!

[@daviscrt]

What a pain in the ass. I was waiting for that thing to spin. Thanks Don

[@hillbillyrv]

yes. Me to Don. Glad it didn't.

[@marcuscarmouche9023]

My luck he would have changed his mind after the installation and said he wanted white now lol

[@hillbillyrv]

Ain't no going back now.