Replacing an RV Slide Topper - "Alternate Method"

[@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

[@burnwhiteflag8469]

I just wanted to say thank you! Right to the point! Thorough…. No “blah blah blah”. Exactly what I needed to know and see to get the job done! WELL DONE! 👍🏻

[@kenbrewer3943]

This is the most concise, informative vid I've seen, after viewing multiple vids on slide awning replacement. Thank you!

[@carlwebber6164]

Hi Guys! Hope you've successfully transitioned back to the land of driving on the right! I just wanted to drop you a "Thank You" for this series of videos and the discount at TTA. Our forward drivers side slide on our 2012 Dutch Star had begun to separate from the wrap near the center of the slide. Gayle and I watched your videos and decided we could accomplish this project. I ordered the material, which was a painless process, and it arrived quickly and was the correct fit for our slide out. I guess we followed the measuring and ordering instructions correctly! We started the project today, using three ladders, and took our time. We cleaned the slide out roof and seals and repaired some loose hardware we found during the project. All in all it went well, we enjoyed working together and the slide out and topper works and looks great. Thanks again! Carl and Gayle

[@RVgeeks]

+Carl Webber (DC3Carl) Thanks Carl & Gayle for sharing your success story! We always love hearing that we've been helpful. By coincidence, we're here this week at Tough Top Awnings in Vancouver, WA with Tyler & Ray, shooting some new videos. Seems like there are an awful lot of different makes and models of awnings and slide toppers, so there are still more types to demonstrate. 😊

[@GKJurrens]

Terrific video, guys. Kay & I pick up our 2005 4304 today and move aboard for a 2 week shakedown cruise. First on the agenda - measure & order slide topper fabric from TTA as soon as I get set up at our first destination! The old ones are REALLY ratty. I watched both standard and alternate method videos this morning, taking copious notes. Can't wait for materials to arrive so I can get started. BTW, I go to sleep every night watching your videos on my iPad at bedtime (no, they're not boring, just relaxingly therapeutic! :-) Thanks again, guys!

[@RVgeeks]

You must be plenty excited! Unless you have some overriding reason to use the "alternate" method (such as working from the ground more), we HIGHLY recommend using the "standard" method to replace ALL toppers. And of course don't forget your discount at Tough Top with the "RVGEEKSROCK" discount code! Congratulations and have fun. 😀

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Your timing is perfect by the way. Yesterday afternoon we replaced both of our bedroom slide toppers using an alternate installation method. Stay tuned for two new videos about that topic real soon (a short one about the installation itself, and a longer one covering the whole process... measuring, ordering, etc). I should have those up by this weekend.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank B&G! We miss you too!

[@gaetanlavoie6949]

This operation was very well explained. I don't see any problems in tackling this job.

[@Physicsnerd1]

I prefer this method for two reasons: 1. There is less tension on the roller while handling; 2. Sliding the canopy on one groove at a time. Nice, thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Gene. Kind of far for a "house call" but it sounds like you have the right "tools" for the job. :) Let me know how you make out, and have a blast at the balloon festival. That's still on my bucket list!

[@ussweeneyd]

Very good and clear. I’m trying this today.

[@RVgeeks]

Our biggest concern was that spring! One reason we chose the "slide mostly closed" method was because the spring is mostly unwound that way. With the slide out, it is at its most tightly-wound, so most likely to kill or maim! lol You're right... it's amazing that aftermarket products are often so much better, and cheaper, than the original.

[@awakengrace5926]

Thankyou for this video. I bought an old camper. He had a new fabric and the awning arm. I'm not sure how to check which way it rolls up before installing the fabric and remounting the arm

[@poolboy610]

EXCELLENT Video! Great job! Much appreciated!

[@dalehilltopfarm]

Excellent demo!

[@workingtorelax1223]

I have been watching some of your videos on and off and really like the content. Have to say the Newmar super c is my favorite so far.

[@BrianWeller-j2m]

I have an a&e topper with the metal wrap similar to what's in your video. When I removed the old fabric, I noticed the plastic cord in the side attached to the metal wrap was a larger diameter than the one on the side that was in the roller. In the tough top product I received, the cord was the same on both sides. It was the smaller diameter. I was a little concerned about the topper pulling out of the metal wrap because of the smaller diameter cord. Did you notice this when you changed your toppers?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Brian. We have installed an awful lot of Tough Top Awnings and slide toppers, and every one has always worked perfectly. That said, there is one thing you should check before you install it. When placing an order from Tough Top, there is a spot where you are asked to specify, whether or not you have a metal wrap, or if the fabric will be connected directly into a track on the side of the RV. We don’t recall 100% for sure, but we think that specifying the metal wrap may be what indicates to Tough Top to manufacture it with the larger cord. We suggested before you install it, you call Tyler at Tough Top and tell him the situation, and ask him if you have the correct cord for your rig, just to be sure.

[@rhess10]

Great video. Question: Why is the topper material SO long? Would it not function (and be less expensive) if for example, when unrolled, it only descended say, to the top of the windows? Mine are like this too and it seems like double the material needed to accomplish the task.

[@RVgeeks]

We have no idea why the manufacturer uses such a ridiculous amount of material, but Tough Top Awnings replacement fabric is much closer to the actual size needed, with just a little additional material to be sure it’s long enough to wrap around the roller.

[@rhess10]

@@RVgeeks Oh that's great. Thanks.

[@rogerlarratt9651]

Thanks for this excellent video. I feel quite confident that I can do this job now.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Roger. Good to hear. This "alternate" method is great for people who would like to do more of the job down on the ground, but the "standard" method is actually a little easier, so you might want to check that our before deciding which way to go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnWudIatjr2VfpI

[@inspired2rv661]

I did not know my topper was on its last legs until today, a very windy day. My super slide topper has ripped several feet in on both sides. I’m concerned that it might rip all the way off before I have a chance to order the new fabric . If it does, am I going to be in big trouble because the springs will have sprung! I would love to have your guidance on what to do in that event, or what to do to prevent a problem

[@RVgeeks]

Oh no! So sorry to hear. Tyler from Tough Top Awnings has some guidance on re-tensioning slide topper springs here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8 but in the meantime, maybe you can use a bungee cord or two to secure the topper from pulling any harder if it gets windy again.

[@inspired2rv661]

@@RVgeeks it’s ok, I was able to get a helper and we secured it, I got the old topper off and I’ve got allen wrenches in the pins just waiting for the new one to arrive, it just took me a while to gain clarity on how to tackle it

[@RVgeeks]

Great to hear!

[@RVgeeks]

There is a way... by following the same procedure as if you were replacing the fabric. But don't use this "alternate" method. Use the "standard" method, shown in the video we posted last night. Remove your fabric completely, then un-pin your roller tube and give it a couple more windings on the spring (tightening it) and then re-pin (you have to be careful not to over-tighen the spring and also to keep a good grip on the roller tube). Now just put your old fabric back on and it will be tighter.

[@RVgeeks]

It's the same kind of vinyl, but obviously thicker/heavier material than the original topper, very well stitched and substantially less expensive, especially if you figure in labor costs.

[@bigshirley217]

Love the video, is there any way to tighten a topper up? Ours holds some water in the middle if out during a rain? Thank you

[@brianlitterilla3934]

Good job on the replacement demo. I have a question. What is the bracket on the left side in front of the anti billowing device? I have one on my Forrest River and cannot find out what it is for. I was guessing it is a safety bracket to secure the slide for transport but have no clue as the what attaches to it. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

That’s the plate that the anti-billowing device will hit against in the event of billowing while driving down the road.

[@neliareal830]

Hello guys! Love the video, but my issue is just replacing broken brackets on each side of topper. The fabric is in good condition, I contacted Lippert and they mentioned taking it to a dealer. Is there a cheaper way?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Nelia! While we don’t have experience with Lippert awnings or slide toppers, we are guessing that the primary task that needs to be completed to allow you to remove the brackets is to lock the spring in place to prevent it from rolling while you’re working on it. The way we pin Dometic slide toppers as shown in the video, but we’re not sure of the correct technique to do the same thing on Lippert models. If you’re able to figure out how to pin the roller so the spring won’t unwind, you should then be free to unbolt the old brackets and replace them with new ones, followed by releasing the spring again. worst case scenario, you could allow the spring to carefully unwind, keeping good control of it of course, making sure to pay attention to the number of rotations (and the direction) required to unwind it. Then you could rewind it back to the original tension after replacing the brackets. Hope this helps!

[@randymilan-williams2379]

Great video, super helpful, but on my 18 year old coach, each of the hex bar attachment screws broke when trying to remove. This required me to drill out one and switch to the regular method to complete the topper change out.

[@RVgeeks]

Nice job! Our rig turns 16 this month, so we know how things get at this age!

[@matthewmurray2793]

Excellent video!

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Eugene! My water pump is 7 years old so who knows.... maybe it will need replacing sometime soon. When it does, I would definitely opt for a pump that doesn't cycle, and make a video about it. In the meantime, I appreciate your offer to use your RV as a demo. lol So... where are you located. ;-)

[@timd1610]

Great alternative method. Thanks for taking the time to make such an informative video. There are alot of guys with cameras filming "how to" videos; watching the quality of of yours was refreshing. Please keep up the great work. I will be looking at all of your videos. Thanks again!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks a lot, Tim! We truly appreciate the kind words!!!

[@Test-kw3tt]

one question. Where you have screws holding the tube in place, I have rivets. Any advice on how to remove those?

[@RVgeeks]

Rivets need to be drilled out!

[@markjoannthompson348]

Great Videos on a lot of topics. My question is: have you made a video on replacing the awning fabric on a Dometic/ A&E 9100 series powered awning without the metal or plastic cover that protects the awning while rolled up?

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Mark. We haven't made a video about the A&E power awning without the wrap, but the technique is almost identical to the one with the wrap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYG2nJKsisdkgbM If you have questions about it, you can contact Tyler at Tough Top Awnings through their website, and he'll be happy to consult. He is the expert on every type of replacement, because he's done every type, probably far more times than he can count! If you buy fabric from him (you should, it's the best), be sure to get the discount using code RVGEEKSROCK, either online or over the phone.

[@josesolis4505]

May I ask, what brand of material did you use, and what company did you get it from?...Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Jose! You sure can! We use only Tough Top Awnings replacement fabric on all of our awnings and slide toppers. We like it so much, we arranged with them to give a 5% discount to all of our viewers with discount code RVGEEKS at www.toughtopawnings.com We’ve never seen more robust fabric anywhere.

[@josesolis4505]

@@RVgeeks Hello, I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer my question and also the info!..Thanks and have an awesome day!! 👍✌️👋🇺🇸

[@TCSkiFilms]

There was a bracket attached to the side of the motor home. It's about a 2 inch square block and on mine it's at one end and I'm yours it was at both ends. Do you know what they are and what they're for?

[@RVgeeks]

Those are the stoppers that the anti-billowing devices will touch if wind pulls the slide topper out while driving down the road. It prevents the slide topper from unrolling. Most only have them on one side, but some might have them on both.

[@RVgeeks]

(continued....) Better yet.... you'll notice how MUCH fabric is piled on top of our slide when we unrolled it using the "standard" method. That's because the factories seem to use far too much fabric for some reason. New custom-ordered fabric will fit better, with fewer windings around the roller tube. When you replace your fabric with a shorter piece, the tube will roll up fewer times when re-installing it, thereby keeping the spring tighter just by replacing the fabric with a shorter piece.

[@larryfuchs3535]

John I need a little help with a slide topper which hit an overhang/awning while pull out and forgot tail swing way up high. It knocked the anti-billowing handle slightly askew and I believe when I put out the slider the end cap rivets on the leading side sheared. Now the rear end of the slide topper is slightly loose. I see by your video I can remove the anti-billowing handle and replace correctly but before I proceed with re-riveting the end cap is there a way to increase the tension without removing the rear attachment and the front as you would when replacing an awning. I appreciate any input from you. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Larry. What brand of slide toppers do you have? Carefree or A&E/Dometic? We increased/tightened the spring tension on one of our A&E slide toppers very easily. Best to watch this video, with Tyler from Tough Top Awnings, before beginning: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8m47s While Tyler is talking about spring tension using a Carefree topper, the concepts are the same for A&E as well. Here's the steps we used: 1) Facing the slide topper, the spring should be on the LEFT side of the roller. 2) Remove the three screws that hold the LEFT "hex bar" in place (two on the side of the RV, and one on the arm that goes to the topper). 3) Using your left hand, grasp the arm firmly and push against the spring a little to take the pressure off the hex bar. 4) Holding the arm tightly with your left hand, use your right hand to slide the hex bar sideways (to the right). Be sure to keep a good grip on the arm, as your left hand is now the only thing keeping the spring from unwinding suddenly! BE CAREFUL NOT TO LOSE YOUR GRIP ON IT! The spring isn't that powerful, but you should be prepared to have a solid grip on it before sliding the hex bar to the right. 5) Using both hands, carefully rotate the arm, tightening the spring. You can go one, two, three turns, as you feel it's needed. 6) Once you have the added turns in the spring, hold the arm with your left hand again, and use your right hand to slide the hex bar back into place (through the opening in the arm). Once that's through the arm, the tension is now safely held in place, and you can re-install the three screws. Hope this helps! Please let us know how you make out. Peter & John

[@lifuchs1]

I'm pretty sure it is a Dometic. It's a Newmar Bay Star Sport 2015 and the awning is definitely a Dometic but the paperwork while it gives you the part # doesn't specify manufacturer for the slide topper. I would call Newmar but it's 4 o'clock and I won't be able to reach them until Monday. Looking at some pictures the parts for Dometic, the parts look what I have.

[@lifuchs1]

Watched your video again. I can lock the rear side of the lower but the cap on the anterior end is off the roller so I won't be able to lock it. I think I'm going to have to remove it from the hex bar in order to get the cap back on and rivet it in place. Do you think locking it on one end will prevent the spring from unraveling? I'm concerned about the power of the spring mechanism.

[@RVgeeks]

On slide toppers, unless they're VERY long, there's usually only one spring. When facing the side of the RV, it should be the left side of the roller tube that has the spring. So... if the slide that got hit is on the passenger side, so that the "anterior" end is the right-hand end, you should be OK, since you'll need to lock the left arm to pin the spring. But if it's on the driver's side of the RV... then the spring is in the end with the broken cap and you may have more difficulty.

[@RVgeeks]

It's almost certainly a Dometic, as Newmar doesn't usually mix brands (and I don't recall when they last used Carefree anything).

[@flaviocarlos3348]

Hello, I am trying to install my Slide Topper awning but having an issue with the tension roller. How can i set the correct tension on roller and how do I ensure it does not tear my brackets. The Fabric is in good shape. For some reason the Air picked up and moved the awning from one side and kind of messed it up a bit. When I tried installing I cranked the Rod Bars CC 10 times to get tension. However, this did not work and pulled my brackets apart when I tried to retract slide. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Sorry we're just seeing your comment, Flavio. Hope it's not too late for this video to help a bitL kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrNZ3qagbKCeK8

[@flaviocarlos3348]

@@RVgeeks Thanks for replying. I was doing the tension incorrectly. Thanks for the Video it really helped. Thanks

[@RogerSayers]

Howdy Guys... I have a question. I have the A&E 9100 model awning on my Fifth Wheel, I'm thinking it's something like 12' wide x oh heck I'm not sure, will have measure it... My question is, Can order this fabric that you show here in the video to replace my ragged awning ? Also, the awning is the power one. Do you have any tips or advice as to how I go about changing the fabric? Please help if you can... Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

We've never replaced the fabric on a power awning before, so we're going to refer you to our "go-to" expert on this one: Tyler at Tough Top Awnings. You can reach him at [e-mail] or 360.980.0537. He's super responsive and really helpful. If anyone can advise you, it's Tyler. And please tell him the RVgeeks said "Hi" and we'll see him later this month in Quartzsite. Thanks!

[@RogerSayers]

RVgeeks Thanks for responding back so quickly.. And thanks for the information. I'm on their web site now having a look around. I will give them a call later in the day after I get the right length and width of my awning. That way they will be able to help me. I will be sure to tell them you said hello.... Thanks again guys.

[@flyvertigo]

Could you please explain the differences in topper material? I am at the point to replace mine and would like to get a longer lasting cover. Jim

[@MingoMoon]

Hey guys any suggestions. On getting the awning fabric to even out, it seems that there is a kink in the center so the material is not even. So when it rolls out it tight in the center but the sides are floppy

[@RVgeeks]

Sounds like your roller tube might be bent in the middle? When you look down along the length of the roller, does it look straight or curved?

[@MingoMoon]

RVgeeks it’s straight, I think that folks that did some work on the slide roof took it off and may have unrolled and got messed up, I am trying to figure out how to unroll it and then let the material roll back on evenly. I was able to get it to a point, but could not hold it and pull the material at the same time. I went and purchased the oil filter pliers hoeing I can use that to hold it unrolled while I fix it. Don’t know any other way

[@RVgeeks]

We’d agree that your best best is indeed to pin the roller with the fabric unrolled all the way unrolled. A Dometic / A&E roller should have a little hole in the shaft that you can pin.

[@chesterkuki577]

The fabric on my living room slide failed and the roller tension released. I have the replacement fabric, but am unsure how to correctly tension the A&E roller before pinning it. Slide part way in, fully out then tension? Please help. Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Sorry to hear that, Chester! We haven't had to deal with this exact problem before, but based on what we know, we're pretty sure you'd want to do the job with the slide all the way out... that's when the tension on the roller tube is at it's max, designed to be strong enough to roll the tube all the way back in as the slide retracts (and is how Dometic says you should start when installing a new slide topper). We also found this PDF document online: www.rvtechlibrary.com/exterior/AE_topper.pdf On the last page, it says that all lengths of A&E slide toppers are to be tensioned with 13 turns (and it shows the correct direction to wind). Of course, if you purchased your slide topper replacement fabric from Tyler at Tough Top Awnings, we'd suggest giving him a call to confirm... he's the expert! ;)

[@chesterkuki577]

@@RVgeeks I opened the slide about two plus feet, then hand rolled the tube and pinned it with small hex wrenches. Finally, my bride and I slid on the fabric by using the "slide on both polyester cords at the same time" technique. Thanks for your videos; great help.

[@donnajacomet3819]

Where do I order the after market slide topper material?

[@RVgeeks]

Tough Top Awnings is the BEST! www.toughtopawnings.com Be sure to use the code RVGEEKS to get a 5% discount.

[@mitchelgeorge9388]

How do I properly measure for new slide out gabric

[@RVgeeks]

This video should help: Measure, Order & Replace Your RV Slide Topper kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGlpX-Aea1-m6s

[@SB-rs8te]

I have a 98 coachman class a and there is no groove at the end to remove the spleen.

[@RVgeeks]

Do you have an A&E Slide topper? Or is it Carefree of Colorado? We have videos on many different models of slide topper from the two big brands, so yours may be different. Here's a link to our playlist of Awning & Slide Topper videos: kzbin.info/aero/PL57sd9ryLVgP-X_YuOjJEe54-33SZCVKH

[@SB-rs8te]

RVgeeks Thanks for your reply. I was able to call Coachmen customer service and we figure it out together. Thanks again.

[@cyrushormusjee5112]

Good going ... Regards.

[@kenhelpfull5604]

Thank you

[@G_RAThbun]

very good video, lots of useful information should be a will to follow this step-by-step and replace mine. Thank you and I will subscribe to your channel.

[@RVgeeks]

Welcome, and thanks for the nice comment! Great to have you with us. Before you use the "alternate" method we showed in this video, we'd suggest that you consider the "standard" method, which we've come to prefer after doing quite a number of slide topper replacements now. We showed that way of doing it in a follow up video, in case you want to check it out before deciding what you're most comfortable with: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGlpX-Aea1-m6s And be sure to take advantage of the discount that Tough Top offers to our viewers by using the discount code RVGEEKSROCK when you order!

[@G_RAThbun]

I have just started a KZbin channel if you have a free moment you might find things interesting on it. @ G RAThbun

[@johnprince2038]

Anyone watching this video needs to go to tough top awnings and watch their installation instructions. Unlike this video which shows all new hardware, come to my house and remove all the rusty screws. I guarantee you it won't get done in 25 minutes. In the tough top video, the only screws you have to remove are on the anti-billowing device. Way, way much easier and I did it myself.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi John! This video shows an alternate method for people who might prefer to do as much of the work as possible on the ground. Our extensive playlist of slide topper and awning replacement videos includes more standard (and quicker) ways of doing the job, as you described. FYI.... ALL of the installation videos on Tough Top Awnings website are OURS, including this one! ;-) One thing's for sure, their replacement fabric is FAR better than the junk the OEMs sell! So glad to hear you've gone with such a fine product.

[@CaptRhan]

Thanks great help. Capt Rhan Tent Doctor inc

[@GKJurrens]

Well, guys, I'm getting ready to order from TTA my slide topper material. When you describe a "heavier" material, do you recommend I order the 16 oz or the heavier 18 oz? Is there any reason NOT to order the 18 oz if money is no object (yeah, right) and I'm planning on using white anyway? I AM a little concerned about that big driver's side living room slide, which is why I was considering using your "alternate" method. Fear of heights isn't an issue. Scaring up enough ladders will be the challenge. Thanks again, guys. And I'll definitely remember my RVGEEKSROCK discount code!

[@RVgeeks]

+gjurrens1 The choice of fabric is an easy one. The 15 oz is the only way to go, unless you're expecting a lot of snow on your toppers on a regular basis. We have only used the 15 oz fabric for every slide topper installation we've ever done, and the stuff is fantastic. If you have any doubt, talk to Tyler, but we personally would never choose anything but the 15 oz. We'd suggest that the "standard" method is less involved, and preferable, and the one we now use (after trying both ways). Since you'll probably need 2 ladders either way, we'd suggest that method if you can. It might be hard to find two ladders, but it's worth the effort of looking, since that will make the job a lot easier and safer no matter which method you use. Best of luck and be sure to let us know how you make out!

[@GKJurrens]

Ah, 15 oz it is. Thanks, and I'll let you know. Cheers. Gene

[@gayannbakker8933]

my slide out toper will not retracked

[@nickringelstetter4526]

i think that it should be noted that "when replacing the slide out fabric ALWAYS replace the rubber seals." Otherwise you won't get the chance again until the NEXT time you replace the fabric!!!

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Nick! Great idea to note the condition of the slide out seals. But they may not always need replacing. Our 17-year-old motorhome has four slide outs, and we have never once needed to replace a single seal on any of them. That’s probably due to how well we care for them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmiTYpuYiLSSodE

[@morganrussman]

Were you sick at the point of this video, or is your voice just different in this video? It sounds like you were sick during recording.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Morgan! That was a long time ago, so I'm not sure, but I don't recall being sick. I think I was just tired that day! LOL Thanks for thinking of me. 😊

[@ingmarjohansson40]

winnerbago23

[@ckbhack]

Title is misleading. You didn't replace a topper you replaced the fabic.

[@chuckrohrer8119]

Thank you