True Topper is THE COOLEST RV Slide Topper Device We've Ever Seen!

[@RVgeeks]

Save on your own True Topper(s). Tell them "RVgeeks sent me" and get a 5% discount! www.truetopperusa.com

[@donaldbailey5576]

One benefit of awnings is that they create shade for the top of the slide. I do most of my camping in the southern states. It’s a huge benefit.

[@RVgeeks]

Interestingly, @donaldbailey5576... there's a testimonial on True Topper's website where a customer did some testing with a temp gun... testing with and without the topper to see about heat transfer into the RV. Admittedly, his slide topper was black, not white... but he found that it was cooler inside the slide WITHOUT the topper (i.e. with the True Topper). While the topper fabric color was surely a factor, air flow could also play a part.

[@markalan6679]

Agreed… I just installed a Solera black topper on my slid this week. I installed it with 4 to 2 inch air gap and to shed water. Dramatically reduced the heat admitted into the camper..

[@hermes6587]

That is the advertised benefit, however I found little to no adverse affect to not having slide toppers. On our previous RV after getting tired of the noise in heavy winds, having to clear debris and puddles off, I removed the slide toppers and never noticed a difference in interior temperature when RVing in hot climates, ie. Phoenix, AZ, southern states.

[@ToddM452]

Not for me. I think also the heat gain would be a lot.

[@joneyjimms1598]

Totally agree! Took my 1991 Hitchhiker 2 over on mothersday. Dennis and brother installed on my 12 1/2 foot slider and it works great. You WILL NOT FIND ANYBODY THAT TREATS THERE WORK AS PROFESSIONALY AS THEM. Very very critique of themselves, treat the job as if they owned it themselves. Very proud of product an workmanship.😊

[@RVgeeks]

@@joneyjimms1598 So great to hear! We had the same experience.

[@sirreddog32]

I agree about shade. I'm in Nv and when it's over 100 it makes a huge difference.

[@kenkiest3045]

We had our two slides done by True Topper last spring. We love them!

[@RVgeeks]

@@kenkiest3045 Awesome! Us too! 😄

[@WildBlueWanderers]

We had True Toppers installed earlier this year in Oregon. So happy we did this! (We did a quick video too) 👍🏻👍🏻 looks great

[@JerseyRV]

You guys are always on top of the best new products for RVers. 👍

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Bill! Looking forward to seeing you mañana!

[@janehargis9301]

Great video! I took notes for sure! There was some very soft lightly bouncy instrumental music playing throughout. Drove me nuts searching my place for it before finally realizing it was coming from my TV. Kinda weird and if I had even a slight hearing deficit I wouldn’t have heard it. Anyway, thanks again for a very informative video!

[@RV_Tips_Tricks_Travel]

It would be so much better if the True Topper was big enough to cover the entire depth of the slide, that would serve to protect the the entire slide when the slide is open and when closed it would cover at least a portion of the window blocking sunlight from inside your rig, reducing heat and keeping out uv rays from fading your furniture.

[@Sureale]

Yes please! A solid piece covering the entire slide. Also attached higher on the camper for a steeper angle.

[@dankarau2307]

The wear and tear on the EDPM/.TPO will be huge if in a sandy or just dirty area. We have traditional slide toppers on a 40' 5thwheel with no flapping because they have the additional aluminium cover that weighs down to topper a bit and prevents any flapping.

[@bounderchris]

I have to agree. I looked up the tough top covers he mentioned in the beginning. If that gets rid of the flapping then I’m fine with the rest!

[@RVgeeks]

Because the wipes are a very smooth plastic material, and the topper is actually quite light, there’s very little pressure on the top of the slide. But we’ll be sure to keep an eye on it, and keep you posted!

[@dankarau2307]

@@RVgeeks Thanks. When I looked into these a year or so ago, the cost to have them installed on my RV was very significant. That didn't even factor in the travel cost to go get them installed. To be a viable alternative for the masses, or to get manufacturers to use them from factory, they really need to get the cost down as the materials used are very inexpensive, but the labor is very high.

[@RVgeeks]

@@dankarau2307 We’re guessing that this product will be like so many others, and that becoming more popular and widespread will help bring cost down over time. We hope so, since we think these should replace roller/fabric toppers on every rig someday. It would be great to have a new & improved standard!

[@bobkillion9681]

It’s a cool deal, pricing is the same as most toppers, fabric is noisy in wind and can pool water stretching the material

[@hermes6587]

Thank you for this video, the answer to my issues with traditional slide toppers. I have just made an appointment with the Oregon location, can't wait.

[@RVgeeks]

That’s great! We’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do.

[@InterGaycialFreedom]

This slide topper looks super effective. We are preparing for full-time rv living and will definitely look into this for our new rig!

[@SpykersB]

😂 saw a little twig get a ride inside...was funny. Had toppers on my 5 slide 5er, n all did was worry about them getting ripped off every windy day. Hated worrying about them! So yes, if i ever get an rv with a slide again, this true topper i would definitely want. Great invention. 🍻

[@davidmccartney7577]

If you looked close it came off, watch again😉

[@SpykersB]

@@davidmccartney7577 how close do u think an iphone 12 mini will get u? 😂

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Saw Chris and Aaron’s demo video too. I just think they look so much better. Sleek and well designed.

[@RVgeeks]

@@joanmcerlean7158 We think so too! Glad someone finally decided to create a whole new take on slide toppers!

[@susanmartinriecks1843]

Would be interested in feedback from folks who have the True Topper AND who do a lot of winter camping. Wondering how well the True Topper deals with heavy snow and ice. Maybe now that you have an ORV (known for being capable of handling the colder weather), you can test your True Topper and report back?

[@RVgeeks]

Are you suggesting that we camp in the COLD?!?! How dare you! 😂 Seriously though, if we do, we'll be sure to report back. Also, there's a video we saw where someone showed their True Topper in the snow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/momvqKiDgNKXnqM

[@susanmartinriecks1843]

@@RVgeeks Um, guys? Didn't you read the fine print on your ORV purchase contract? All of us who have ORVs are OBLIGATED to do some cold weather camping ON PURPOSE at some time during our ownership of the ORV rig! I'm sure it's in there! 😂😉

[@RVgeeks]

@@susanmartinriecks1843 Guess we should have read the fine print! 🥶😜😂

[@richsnead5875]

It must be pretty expensive since there's no hint at what the cost is. Interesting product.

[@rpmorrisjr]

Yea. Even the website gives you no clue. Just have to call and talk to salesman. Hard pass.

[@Mi_Tony]

Now tell them to make a cover like this to protect the awning when it’s rolled in. Also would help keep it protected from UV. I’d buy one of those in a minute!

[@michaelmoran4716]

they have an Outdoors RV with aluminum metal protective cover on main awning, very cool

[@timaz1066]

I have them on both of my slides on my 2000 Monaco dynasty and I love them.

[@RussellBond13]

I wouldn’t say everybody could install it, but anyone with some skills can handle it easily. I also think I’d rather have a regular slide topper all things considered

[@RVgeeks]

We only showed them doing a few of the many steps involved. If you want to see pretty much the whole installation process, check out the Irene Iron Fitness KZbin video. It's a pretty involved process. We're sure that a talented DIYer could handle it, but since they don't sell them as a kit, it's not an option anyway.

[@jesusisalive3227]

Someone will offer a DIY version sooner or later.

[@glennkennedy441]

An interesting product, thanks for the demo....

[@rolanddowling1757]

We’ve had two toppers for the 19 years we’ve been tripping about America on our Montana 2955RL. Where we don’t full time yet, we travel lots of the time, averaging over 7,000 miles per year. Once a quarter, the slides are opened, and the tops that comes into the rig are cleaned to remove any dust that may have accumulated. Our covers are starting to feel somewhat inflexible (I call it crispy), even though they are cleaned and sprayed with protectant, so they are scheduled for replacement before next summer. I think if I were to change to this new process, I’d want to “wax” the exposed area to limit anything staying on top when slides are closed. Just thinking🥸Rollo

[@milesandjohnsadventures]

Miles and I are going to check out this product!

[@NissanPRO4X]

On my 2017 Image 2400BH rain noise was greatly reduced with my traditional slide topper. We also camp under pine trees where sap is an issue. I can see sap getting caught and spreading on the wiper.

[@RVgeeks]

Great points! We've had issues with sap on our slide toppers, too. It was always extra frustrating because if we didn't check and clean it off before closing the slides, it would roll into the fabric, and get the underside all sticky too. No good solution here except to check and clean before closing up. Love the forest, but hate the sap! As far as rain, we love it... the louder the better (within reason of course)! LOL Safe travels.

[@phillipc4865]

Nice concept, however, the only real benefit I see is s positive sweep of debris from the slide top when retracting. Former Carriage and Lifestyle LRV fifth wheels did not have the top flange which allowed debris to be swept off easily while retracting the slide. I prefer the topper for the additional sound deadening during rain and a bit of additional protection from the sun in the slide room.

[@terry3193]

Hi guys, I’ve seen a few videos of the True Topper and really like it. Definitely the future of toppers. I “think” one of the rv manufacturers are now installing these as standard equipment. I’d like to get these on our 45’, 4 slide Holiday Rambler Navigator and painted to match but might be too pricey. As usual…another great informative video. Thank you for sharing!👍

[@RVgeeks]

@@terry3193 Thanks Terry!

[@falcon7350]

Love the videos but that's a big no to this one. the upper part may be ok to cut off smaller slides outs but its there for a reason. on longer slides this adds a lot of force on the remaining ends. as your RVs twists going down the road adds unwanted force to all parts. some slides are 2000 lbs in them and the center of the slide pushes on the side wall mounted to the roof member. nice ideal but you own it after words

[@RVgeeks]

@@falcon7350 We think that True Topper is working with some manufacturers to see about making them available as OEM equipment. Should that happen, we’d imagine that not only will be manufacturers be satisfied that whatever they install will be structurally sound, but it would probably reduce the overall price as well. We’re eager to see where these go as they get more and more out there. We really love the concept, it’s working great for us, and we hope it’s super successful.

[@tomd.benjamin762]

Cool, not sure I’m 💯 % convinced … but I like the concept.

[@RVgeeks]

Completely understand. We weren’t totally convinced either… until we had one! 😄

[@joebudde3302]

The only thing I can think of on a downside is the inability to keep "bird poop" from entering the RV. A traditional ST can not remove BP either but it rolls up outside the RV. Still seems like more positive for True Topper.

[@NoGasWelcomeAboard]

Also, before retracting True Toppers after longer dusty/desert stays you might still want to wipe the slide roof off using a pole extension and damp microfiber towel OR rinse them off like you showed. Otherwise dirt and sand could be dragged across your slide roof, with some inevitably getting by those sweepers. Like their simplicity. However if one wants window awnings, those would still need to be to added.

[@RVgeeks]

We do tend to keep things clean, so up on the roof a lot, and will be sure to check for bird droop periodically!

[@RVgeeks]

We’ll be sure to keep the roof of the slide clean, but it will be easier than cleaning under slide topper fabric (since they don’t stop dust from accumulating either). We’ll keep you posted!

[@EdMartin-l9j]

​@@NoGasWelcomeAboardprovides

[@setht.1181]

If the slide is out with the topper, would it stop the water from flowing into the RV?

[@RVgeeks]

@@setht.1181 Both traditional slide toppers and the True Topper stop water from coming into the RV. They just do it in a different way.

[@TraconWizard]

How do you lube the rubber seals with conditioner?

[@RVgeeks]

@@TraconWizard That’s another great thing about the True Topper compared to a traditional topper: access to the top seal. Just flip the True Topper up out of the way (it’s very light and can be lifted with one finger) to maintain the upper slide seal.

[@davide8629]

Looked into this to replace existing slide topper but they need to cut off the upper flange of my Tiffin slide room. I wasn’t comfortable with that so passed. Don’t recall the price but it wasn’t cheap but not ridiculously expensive.

[@RVgeeks]

@@davide8629 We were nervous too, but the experience of friends, and great word of mouth in general gave us a lot of confidence. Worked out great, so we’re happy we overcame our concert.

[@ourv9603]

WAY COOL! !

[@ДенисЗубрицкий-х1ф]

Hello! Please tell me what is the outer width of the trailer? And does the trailer have an ABS braking system?

[@RVgeeks]

@@ДенисЗубрицкий-х1ф 96” wide, and no ABS on the trailer brakes.

[@ДенисЗубрицкий-х1ф]

Thank you for the information, you have the best trailer! Greetings from Russia (Siberia)!!!

[@TheMyersAdventure]

I think this would be great! My only concern is what happens when your slide isn’t level or not in sync? Would it damage that topper?

[@RVgeeks]

Great question! Since the True Topper rests very lightly on top of the slide, and glides/slides smoothly on a hard rubbery sweep, we don’t think it could catch on or damage the top of the slide. But we always extend and retract the slide while level, and if the slide motors went out of sync enough to torque the room very much, we’d likely stop the movement quickly anyway.

[@TheMyersAdventure]

@@RVgeeks our large slide has had to have the camber done by Lippert and we have to get it done again. We only use RV parks and mostly on bases, so they are concrete pads. We go back again to get it done next month. We’d love something like this, but still concerned our slide would break that.

[@RVgeeks]

@@TheMyersAdventure Worth inquiring about through the True Topper website. They surely know if there’s any risk at all.

[@davidyoung4337]

Looks neat but how long before that slide starts leaking where they hacked it up?

[@RVgeeks]

@@davidyoung4337 If you want to see the full installation of the system, including the incredibly thorough job they do of sealing the edge where they neatly and carefully cut it off (hardly “hacking it up”), check out Irene Iron Travels KZbin video. The seal is FAR better than the original factory design. And keep in mind that a traditional slide topper totally blocks access to the top of the slide, making sealant inspection and maintenance impossible. The only way we were able to check and maintain the sealant at the leading edge of the slides on our motorhome over 18 years of fulltiming was to completely remove the topper. When we replaced the original material with far superior Tough Top Awnings fabric, we were able to see that the sealant was badly in need of attention. There’s nothing magical about traditional toppers, and anyone who actually owns a True Topper will tell you - they are superior in almost every way.

[@MollydogRadar]

I hope they can install one on a 25+ foot slide out. I have had mine ripped off from the mounts from wind that came out of nowhere, at 3:30 in the morning. Not fun.

[@RVgeeks]

@@MollydogRadar Sorry to hear. You can definitely contact them through their website to find out if super-long slides can be accommodated. www.truetopperusa.com

[@airizonneed1403]

How do they address the removal of the old fabric topper and any mounting holes?

[@RVgeeks]

@@airizonneed1403 Great question! Because ours came with no slide topper, we’re not sure. But if we remember right, our friends Chris and Aaron of Irene Iron Fitness may have had slide toppers removed. If so, their detailed installation video would show how that’s handled.

[@rjahn3000]

I wonder how hard it is to replace those rubber seals that clean the top of the slide?

[@RVgeeks]

@@rjahn3000 Not sure, but they appeared to us to be slid in from the end, so probably pretty straightforward.

[@Gunfighter25.5]

Since you have had the true topper for a while do you still think it is better?

[@RVgeeks]

@@Gunfighter25.5 We do! VERY happy with it!

[@greenjeans14]

How about taking this one step further by making the topper as long as an extended slide out? This way you get the benefits identified in earlier comments.

[@RVgeeks]

@@greenjeans14 That would definitely reflect/block more sun, but might not work or look so good when the slide is retracted, especially if there’s a window underneath it. Interesting idea though!

[@MechanicMark613]

You used dry debris but about debris that has been in rain for a few days?

[@RVgeeks]

@@MechanicMark613 We haven’t yet been in a forested campground in the rain yet, but we’ll report back at our first opportunity!

[@MechanicMark613]

@@RVgeeks Well living in the Pacific Northwest we get lots of rain at times and those pine needles and leaves once wet become stuck and I am afraid that topper will not push them off

[@BC-te9ow]

I know you guys stay on top of maintenance, but over time I would consider eternabond tape on some of those seams around the ramp they installed. Look’s great 👍.

[@Itsa_Mea]

Have you seen an install video? Worth the watch. The ramp is bonded. Way more stable and permanent seal than eternabond.

[@BC-te9ow]

@@Itsa_Mea Actually haven’t. Just paranoid myself about seams and exposure to elements.

[@RVgeeks]

Check out the detailed video our friends Chris & Aaron of Irene Iron Fitness posted here on KZbin. That ramp is incredibly well sealed!

[@Itsa_Mea]

@@RVgeeks that's where I had seen it!!

[@NINEPOINTFIVEPROJECTS]

I don't think I have ever seen a slide out that is flat like the one you show here. I am guessing that the slide has been modified? I would be concerned with a piece of a pinecone or sharp stick getting caught as the slide is moving in an ripping or tearing the roof.

[@RVgeeks]

@@NINEPOINTFIVEPROJECTS Our slide did indeed have the standard flange/lip on the top that just about all slides do, but part of the installation process is removing that. We’ve tried it in forested settings and watched how it works, and the way the sweeps are designed, we don’t think they could cause and damage. Check out our KZbin video for lots more detail on how it works (and gets installed). It’s a really clever design that we think will catch on and become common.

[@johndingman1064]

Wished i had came across this video a few weeks ago....

[@marksr1907]

But the top bracing of the slide also serves to provide structural integrity and a seal against the wall that's under pressure when the slide is in. Removing the upper horizontal support is a huge problem - it's not just a fiberglass trim piece.

[@RVgeeks]

@@marksr1907 We understand that people may have concerns. But as we ourselves, and our friends Chris & Aaron (who’ve had multiple True Toppers longer than we have), can attest, whatever the theoretical situation, we’ve had zero problems, and the slide works identically to the way it came from the factory, including closing and sealing normally. Look for these to start appearing as OEM gear without structural changes needed beyond the omission of the top flange. We’re incredibly impressed with the real life operation of the topper, and the slide, and haven’t seen reason for any concern.

[@makeupyourmindinator]

It’s a good concept, but I could see that system leaving scratches due to debris and dirt on top of the slide causing the seals to leak.

[@RVgeeks]

@@makeupyourmindinator The smooth rubberized sweeps/wipes that brush water and debris off the top of the slide put no more friction on the material than the original seals that every slide room has. And the flap is very light, so there’s no pressure pressing it onto the surface. We’ve seen no sign that sliding under the True Topper is any different than sliding under the original seals… maybe even less. We’ll of course provide updates if there’s any change, but so far we’re absolutely sold on this new design.

[@leemilliken7427]

What about going down the road on a windy day.

[@RVgeeks]

@@leemilliken7427 It’s securely locked in place when closed. More secure than a regular slide topper. No problem at all!

[@TRIPURAVillageRide]

Good motor home

[@greg9323]

I don't think of this as a slide topper but a slide-sweep.

[@RVgeeks]

It performs the most important functions of a traditional slide topper - preventing water or debris from coming into the RV (or getting crushed into the top flange) as the slide retracts. It just does it better, and looks better, all while allowing access to the top of the slide for cleaning and sealant inspection. It’s a better mousetrap in most ways, and once people get used to it, it will likely become the standard, or at least very common. After 20 years of full-timing with traditional toppers, True Topper addressed our biggest annoyances with them (pooling water / sagging fabric; allowing water that got under the edge during windy rainstorms to get under the fabric… and into the RV; flapping in the wind; blocked access for cleaning and seal/sealant inspections & maintenance; clunky, ugly design. We would never go back to old slide toppers.

[@GeekyDad84]

I'm with you on this. This is more of a reinforced slide out seal/sweeper than a "Slide Topper". Not to take away from the quality, it definitely seems to be a great quality product, but how it's marketed is just a bit off to me.

[@RVgeeks]

I think True Topper probably chose their name to make clear that it’s a replacement for a traditional slide topper. Whatever they call it, we love ours!

[@Norman1965arg]

I thought the topper keeps the sun and the elements off the top, I don't know how much it cost but is like a giant squeegee concept.

[@RVgeeks]

@@Norman1965arg The primary purpose of slide toppers is to prevent water and debris from being pulled into the RV when the slide is being closed. That’s exactly what this does, but a different (and we think, better) way. Since the top of the slide room is made from the same material as the roof of most RVs, there’s no more reason to protect it by covering it then there is need to protect the roof of an RV by covering it.

[@davidmccartney7577]

Yep, I’m getting these installed on our new Alliance when we get it😎🇺🇸

[@bobconner422]

A sweep not a topper 😮

[@RVgeeks]

@@bobconner422 Well, it does sit on top of the slide. 😉 Call it whatever…. It works GREAT! 😍

[@wkcampbell1]

Does the True Topper flap……flap in the wind?

[@RVgeeks]

@@wkcampbell1 Not at all! It’s one of the biggest benefits that there’s no more annoying flapping!

[@thecherryrvlife]

The only thing that concerns me is the sun beating down directly on the top of the slide and transferring heat to the interior. We spend a fair amount of time in the South (even in the summer) for work and family reasons - I like that, conceptually at least, the fabric slide topper is keeping the direct sun off the top of the slide.

[@RVgeeks]

We had the same thought, but since the top of the slides are white, and there are TONS of rigs out there with no slide toppers at all, we weren't too worried. Then we read the test done by Mellow Honek (included on the True Topper website testimonials page), and it wasn't an issue for him (although he had a dark slide topper as I recall). We've been in some VERY hot weather lately (haven't we all?!) and the air conditioning has kept up easily... even running off our battery/solar bank!

[@jimsmith4151]

Post this again when it becomes DIY as it will one day. Until then the labor cost makes this not very economical. You can buy TWO fabric awnings for almost the price of one of these.

[@RVgeeks]

@@jimsmith4151 As these take off (and we think they will) they’ll not only become more economical, but we expect to see them slowly but surely start to show up as OEM equipment. We haven’t yet met someone who has them and doesn’t love them, and that word of mouth is sure to make them a big success.

[@jimsmith4151]

@ don’t get me wrong. Love the product, just as with everything new have to wait on cost and competition

[@brandonschmale6693]

My question is 99% of the slides I see that’s a trim lip on the top of the slide that will not work with them

[@RVgeeks]

@@brandonschmale6693 Our slide had a lip at the front as well, and if you watch the video, you’ll see that the installation process includes removal of the lip. This will work on the vast majority of slides… and work really well.

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like #17

[@M.Campbell]

It looks like a slide scraper.

[@RVgeeks]

@@M.Campbell It’s actually a slide squeegee, and does an awesome job!

[@garyag45]

🤛👍🦅🙏😎🇺🇸

[@jesusisalive3227]

That would not be hard to install at home.

[@maurkowalchuk]

Looks Like a great product > But I dont believe that it can only be installed by Their dealers . There are a lot of more complicated thing out there sold as DIY ! Do they think everyone is totally inept at DIY ! Too Funny ! They will eventually sell it as DIY or they will have insufficient sales !

[@neilrankin9945]

I agree with you, much better design but $1000 a slide is very steep.

[@RVgeeks]

@@neilrankin9945Hey Neil! We know they’re more expensive than regular slide toppers, but those are also pretty pricey for what they are. At least these provide something great! We expect they’ll come down if/when more mass production follows wider use. Hoping to see them as OEM gear.

[@patbullard9276]

Doesn’t look like a topper. Simply a squeegee.

[@RVgeeks]

@@patbullard9276 Whatever we all may be used to regarding “traditional slide toppers“ this device is a new and improved, take on the most important purpose of a slide topper - keeping water and debris from getting pulled into the RV when the slide closes. And it works extremely well.