How to Replace a Carefree of Colorado RV Slide Topper (Model SOK III)

We visit Tough Top Awnings' production facility in Vancouver, WA to learn how easy it is to install replacement fabric on a Carefree of Colorado SOK III slide topper (the totally enclosed model).
TOUGH TOP AWNINGS DISCOUNTS FOR RVGEEKS VIEWERS!
Visit toughtopawnings.com and check out using the discount code "RVGEEKSROCK" and get a 5% discount on your entire order of RV slide topper & awning replacement fabric.
To see exactly how to measure prior to ordering fabric, watch this:
• How to Replace a Caref...
TYPICAL TOOLS REQUIRED FOR REPLACING AWNING & SLIDE TOPPER FABRIC, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:
Locking Oil Filter Wrench: amzn.to/2BDI3Or
Folding 7' Step Ladder: amzn.to/2np3YnH
Dewalt Cordless Drill: amzn.to/2DIv2Fb
Tape Measure: amzn.to/2DW1wiz
Silicone Spray: amzn.to/2BCuPBF
Utility Knife: amzn.to/2DYbdNq
Pop Rivet Tool: amzn.to/2BCfcu9
Pop Rivets: amzn.to/2DKvDGD
Cable Ties - 11": amzn.to/2nl71gy
8" Wire Cutters: amzn.to/2DL6AmK
10" Flat File: amzn.to/2DMYNFa
Torx Bit Set: amzn.to/2nnnqkE
Check out all of our slide topper and awning replacement videos:
Replacing an A&E Slide Topper: • Replacing an A&E RV Sl...
Replacing an RV Patio Awning: • RV Patio Awning Fabric...
Replacing a Carefree of Colorado, Model SOK II:
• How to Replace a Caref...
Here's our entire playlist of awning & slide topper videos:
• AWNINGS & SLIDE TOPPERS
Our favorite type of DIY RV project is one that's both surprisingly manageable and also saves a lot of money. Slide topper replacement fits that description to a T by being much easier to accomplish than one might expect, while costing as little as 1/2 to 1/3 the price of having it done at an RV shop. If you thought that replacing your slide toppers was out of your league as a DIY RVer, watch this first and you just might change your mind!
We're honored to call Ray & Tyler of Tough Top Awnings our friends, and love the way they run their company. They produce top quality products, take great care of their employees and make sure that their customers are totally satisfied. We bought our first slide topper replacement from them over three years ago, and we knew right away that we were dealing with fine people. Now that we know them so well, we know how right we were back then.
The piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.
Background track: Open Road from Audionautix.com
WONDERING WHAT'S THE BEST GEAR TO USE ON YOUR RV?
Here's all of our favorite equipment that we use ourselves and recommend to friends:
thervgeeks.com/our-favorite-gear/
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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
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We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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[@RVgeeks]

Tough Top Awnings offers a special discount for RVgeeks viewers! Use the discount code "RVGEEKSROCK" at checkout for a 5% discount on your entire order at toughtopawnings.com

[@DustinEddo]

This is the best video that I have seen showing how to replace the awning. Thank you for making this job easy!

[@robinbrouwers3914]

The timing of this couldn't be better. I wrote that i was going to try changing our slide top based on your previous video. Well last weekend i did it and it looks fantastic. This video is my exact model for our large slide and it's going to make the job a breeze. Just so you know, I had a question for Tyler at Tough Tops and sent him an email thinking i'll get a reply in a day or so. He got back to me within an hour. Great service and the material is 10 X better than what i took off. Great job guys. Saved me a bundle. Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Robin Brouwers You just made my day, Robin! :) Tough Top Awnings is one of those companies that all others should take a lesson from.... great products, customer service and pricing, and providing local jobs for good people (all of whom we met when we visited). Thanks for supporting them, and for sharing your experience with us.

[@billc6878]

Great video, it was exactly what I needed. Installed 2 slide toppers in 2 hours thanks to your video. Bill in NE Ohio

[@RVgeeks]

Bill C That is GREAT, Bill!! Exactly what we love to hear. BTW... where in NE OH? I'm a Kent Sate alum.

[@jetjockey4605]

Soooo easy! I looked at the directions sent by Carefree after watching your video. Your method is much easier! Accomplished the canopy replacement without a hitch. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

Excellent! Thanks for letting us know. 😊

[@BrianMobileGuy]

Once again you show how easy this stuff is.

[@deanmay338]

Hi RV Geeks, Amazingly cool and informative video. Great job! Thx, Dean

[@charlieg9429]

I knew there had to be a simple solution for replacing the fabric on a totally enclosed model SOK III.(Drilling the channel) Solved my problem!!! Excellent video! I'm replacing the fabric on two slides and makes a job I've been dreading, a snap. Thank you, Charlie

[@RVgeeks]

We were so surprised how easy it is! Tyler at Tough Top really knows his stuff. This info allows easy access for cleaning too.

[@gregoryflatt]

Thank you for the video! It was exactly what I needed to know.

[@tismyelevate9748]

Hey Tough Awnings I was able to finally replace my old awning with yours, job went exactly like you’re video explains, Thanks again for great product, and color matches perfect too! Jorge n bako, calif

[@RVgeeks]

That’s awesome, Jorge! Great to hear. 👍😄

[@RVgeeks]

@Cheryl Laurentius If you have this model slide topper, then this video should be all the instruction you need. If you have another make or model topper, we have several videos about different types that you can browse through.

[@Perspectologist]

As usual this was a great instructional video. I don't even have an RV (yet), but I always enjoy your videos.

[@RVgeeks]

Perspectologist Thank you so much. We'll see if we can inspire you to move out of that "yet" category. ;-)

[@Ranger42]

Excellent instructional video.

[@JFSMASH]

Great tutorial

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

great video ---

[@cheryllaurentius4657]

I'm looking for a installation video on this slide. Ours arrived today without instructions. Would appreciate anything you might have. Thanks

[@rickelly1459]

Hello, I just watched your video, very helpful. The one problem I have is the topper is completely removed from the spring bracket. How do I get the spring set to be able to slide the topper in to it with the proper tension.

[@jeffreese2256]

Great video. I would like to offer a second option if you don't have the vice grip oil filter wrench. I used a 12" pipe wrench and it worked perfectly. You won't have the possibility of pinching your skin in the vice grip lever.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Jeff! That's a great option, especially if already own one, saving the purchase of an additional tool.

[@rhess10]

Great stuff fellas. I've got either a busted spring or a spring that key loose in the slide topper. Carefree SOKII. Do you have any videos on dealing with that spring?

[@RVgeeks]

I'm sorry Russell, but we don't have any experience dealing with Carefree springs, other than what you see in this video. Not sure how that one works. Sorry we can't be of more help on this one.

[@susanbecker1943]

Does anyone know of a heavy duty custom RV cover manufacturer, that will last more one season, I'm thinking semi tarp but breathable?

[@outandaboutwithsammy1114]

Would you attempt to do the main awning like this ? Thinking you would need 4 guys, 2 on ladders and 2 on the roof ? Save a lot of time and lifting.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Sammy! Your timing is awesome, as we just shot a new video with Tough Top Awnings a couple of weeks ago. It shows how to replace a manual pull-down patio awning and we're hoping to have it edited and ready for release within the next week or two. The process is different than a slide topper, so I'd say we'd be unlikely to use the slide-topper technique for an awning. Stay tuned and after you see the upcoming video, please let us know what you think and if it answers your question a bit better.

Good afternoon guys. Hoping you and your family are doing well and are safe in these interesting times. Wanted to know if you are still happy with the "Carefree" slide topper brand vs. another slide topper brand you may have become more fond of? As always....your recommendation is important to us. Thank you in advance! Luis and Shauna.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Luis and Shawna! We are doing very well here in New Zealand, and hope that you are the same. As far as Carefree of Colorado, they are actually our least favourite brand, with fabric that generally ages out and needs replacing sooner than their main competitor… Dometic. This replacement demonstration was done on someone else’s RV, not our own, and we have never owned a Carefree of Colorado slide topper or awning. But we have seen the results of what we consider to be their poor fabric quality. Regardless of what brand of slide topper or awning you own, Tough Top Awnings replacement fabric is far superior to any original equipment fabric that comes on any RV.

@@RVgeeks Thank you so much for the quick and honest response. Tough Top it is! Safe travels! New Zealand is on our bucket list......with the latest world events we have added the ability to buy eggs and toilet paper to that same list. Safe and enjoyable travels to you! Shauna and Luis

[@poisenloaf]

Anybody have advice on how to adjust tension on an existing SOKIII? Two of my four slide toppers have slight droop. The guy who installed the replacement fabrics last year showed me how to do it and I remember it was quite simple but I've forgotten!

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Chris! Not sure if this is exactly what you need, but I think so. We interviewed Tyler from Tough Top Awnings a few years ago, and although his tips on spring tension were shown on an A&E awning, they should transfer over to a Carefree spring as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8

[@shaunabell2795]

Will you please add the "how to measure" segment to this video as it appears in the SOKII video? I knew I had seen it somewhere (I assumed here since I have an SOKIII) but it was in the SOKII video. Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Shaun! Got it. We just added a link in the video description, and a "card" that flies in just after we show the tools needed for the job. It links directly to the key moment in the SOK II video where we show how to measure both: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqqvl2l7eZeMh6sm9s

[@paulhannant9501]

Hi, been watching your videos so I can replace my topper, my Carefree topper isn't fully covered, but has ends as in the video. I'm not sure whether the procedure would be the same, it has screws on the the end of the track in the roller and they can't be removed with the end covers in place, not sure how to proceed.....Very grateful for any advice, thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Paul! It sounds like you might have the SOK II model? If so, here's our video on how to replace the fabric on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqqvl2l7eZeMh6s If that's not the one you have, maybe you can figure out what model it is and let us know?

[@paulhannant9501]

Hi, thanks, but, no, it's different and I think I have to remove the roller from the RV as per the (not too clear) Carefree instructions. Hopefully, I can get the material and then give it a go.👍

[@RVgeeks]

You might want to reach out to Tyler at Tough Top Awnings through their website. He knows more about every type of awning and slide topper than anyone we know. Don't forget to use the RVGEEKSROCK discount code too (even over the phone)!

[@timothybuchanan1611]

My topper has 2 in long set screws that were screwed in from the end of the topper tube to prevent the fabric from moving in the tube. Do those screws need to be replaced?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Timothy. We’re not certain about the screws you’re referring to, but we would think that other than putting them back in place as part of the re-assembly process, you wouldn’t need to replace them with new ones.

[@mickeysingleton3994]

Hey, have an Rv call carefree of Colorado , it is a topper with fold down arms that make an awn8ng. Any videos on that or what it is even called, they are discontinued I know.

[@RVgeeks]

You likely have an Omega, and we made a video about it - Carefree of Colorado Omega - Slide Topper Replacement kzbin.info/www/bejne/labdiqCAmqd9btk

[@Ryno-nw9ni]

I'm not sure what Model of Carefree I have. It's almost identical to the one in the Video with the exception that mine has pins instead of the four main screws that are to be removed. Any suggestions for removing the fabric on this model?

[@RVgeeks]

We're not sure, but we do know who to refer you to... the expert of all things related to slide topper replacement: Tyler Hammack, the Operations Manager at Tough Top Awnings. He is readily available to help any way he can, and he knows more about this topic than anyone we know. You can reach him by email at [e-mail] or on his cell phone at 360.980.0537. Even if you didn't buy from him, he'll do his best to figure it out. Of course if you do buy from Tough Top, be sure to take advantage of the special they're running from now until 1/29/17. Use the discount code RVGEEKS10 and save 10% on your whole order at toughtopawnings.com And be sure to let us know how you make out! :)

[@waynefowler2077]

I have A CAREFREE MODEL THAT DOESN'T HAVE A COVER . unfortunately I left the spring unwind when changing the fabric. Now I wondering how to retention the spring. which way to I turn the end to give it tension at the out end to reroll the fabric as I retract the slide out.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Wayne. Although shown on a different make of awning, this video clip might provide some useful information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8

[@debracox3836]

Do you have any idea where we can get a technical manual on a 1990's Sideout Kover awning 052798? Any help you can give would be so tremendously appreciated.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Debra. The only thing we found was pretty basic: www.dutchmen.com/resources/media/user/ownermanual/1539849672_brcfile_4_carefree-of-colorado-side-out-kover-info.pdf Are you having a specific problem with it?

[@RVgeeks]

Not sure if this might help? www.carefreeofcolorado.com/documents/SOKIII-and-Summit-Service-Manual.pdf

[@jtonyruiz]

Roller released.. How many turns of preload would you recommend on the roller?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Tony! Check out this video, which should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8

[@jtonyruiz]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@robertbutler8004]

What's with the girly gloves?

[@timothybuchanan1611]

After enlarging the channel in the awning cylinder, why won't the awning fabric pull out at that end after it is installed?

[@RVgeeks]

Good question, Timothy! Because the track is only opened up slightly, and only at the very corner, there’s still plenty of holding power to keep the bead from coming out of the track. It’s really just bending the corners out of the way to avoid tearing the fabric while it’s being pulled in.

[@timothybuchanan1611]

Let me reword my question because I wasn't clear. I'm talking about the opening you made in the channel with your drill. That's a rather large opening. I would think the awning bead would slip out of it.

[@RVgeeks]

@@timothybuchanan1611 Sorry Timothy! Once that head is in place, and being pulled perpendicular to the roller tube, it can’t slide at all. Don’t worry, that opening won’t allow the fabric to move at all.

[@timothybuchanan1611]

@@RVgeeks Thanks for the response. What is the head? I think I answered my own question right now. So the fabric will not pull out of the enlarged area because the fabric that rolls on top of that area will not let it pull out. Correct?

[@RVgeeks]

@@timothybuchanan1611 sorry for the typo…. I meant BEAD! LOL The reason it won’t come out is that it’s pulling straight out from the tube, not sliding along it. Can’t come out just because of a little widening of the track all the way over at one end.