The Easiest Method to Replace a Carefree of Colorado Slide-Out Awning Fabric

It seems I'm always rushing and have lost control.
This is a 2009 Monaco Dynasty and the Carefree of Colorado SOK slide-out topper fabric has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
This is the method I use to replace the fabric. I have done this with ladders too so it is possible without a lift. Why a vinyl fabric and not an acrylic? That was a customer decision based on price and time and matching the other 3 toppers.
You can get the fabric here:
amzn.to/3vCuaxa
or the locking filter pliers here:
amzn.to/38Ptb36

[@michaelpeck4033]

3 years later, and you have another satisfied subscriber. My wife and I were able to follow your process and make this repair. Thanks!

[@harrymoto6951]

"I haven't hurt myself on one of these... yet." A man after my own heart! Subscribed! Down to earth fixes, no frills. Again, just my style. Paused the video to order the oil filter locking wrench. Thanks!!

[@markstench4470]

I always love to watch and learn , and you explain everything so I can even understand. Thank you for educating the masses.

[@MichaelKeilman]

Thank you so much. Very helpful. I'm just getting started in the RV Business. But still have my marine canvas business.

[@cwshumate914]

Great tutorial! You make that look way easier than it probably is. Good idea to use that filter wrench.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@Thetravelerfromflorida]

Is always good to watch someone doing a great job

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@CaptainCornBurner]

Thanks again for the great information, you make it look so easy. You are a great teacher. I watch all your videos on RV repair. Thank You.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mull3915]

Another very informative video for those of us that like to do our own repairs! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for supplying the links. While I don't need my toppers replaced yet, I am sure when I do I will refer to this video on how to do it right.

[@AZExpert]

thank you very much

[@miriamzimmerman1414]

Thank you!! We just noticed this exact problem with our almost exact '06 Beaver coach. Thank god for videos to pause and go. I can do this.....wish me luck!

[@DutchStar443]

Very instructive. Not only did you show how to change the topper, you demonstrated how to clean out the leaves, pine needles, etc that collect in the roller cover. Thanks!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertthompson6958]

You make these seem so easy James.

[@AZExpert]

I get to edit out the mistakes though

[@LayloNewt]

Thanks again for all the tips and tricks,

[@tbone1690]

James...man I can't thank you enough for the informative, easy to follow instructional videos. My son and I just successfully changed my Carefree slide topper fabric using this video. Had some dicey moments (the sucker is 20' 9" long so it had a weird aluminum brace in the center I had to figure out) but it's done! And I have enough vinyl left to do it again down the road, lol. Keep up the great work, sir!

[@AZExpert]

Hey that's great to hear! Congratulations!

[@mickeysingleton3994]

Where is the link to the video

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

The vice grips trick is brilliant.

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@renearmenta2027]

Mr Horne, you are the best. You just save me a big headache. 🙏🤟🙏🤟🙏

[@philstone6749]

I know this is an ancient post, but by hell it was very helpful in replacing two toppers. I refer to your videos frequently, even though I have your nightmare Country Coach…haha! Thanks friend.

[@hillbillyrv]

Thanks James. I have to do one of these soon. I am much more familiar with Dometic slide toppers, so this video was very timely.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful! I feel terrified on a ladder with the customer watching me, waiting for me to hurt myself or break something. Good luck!

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert That is what I live for.... ha ha

[@carlal.thompson5393]

I'm going to give this a go! My first RV Repair attempt!!! 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾 ~Big C in the DP 📢 ::: Air Horn 📢 ::: ::: Air Brakes! ::: 🚌🚌🚌

[@AZExpert]

good lucki, stay safe!

[@darthgoggins1747]

The easiest way is to have someone else do it. Great job and lots of good ideas. The lift sure makes life easier. 😉👌👍

[@AZExpert]

Very true!

[@TheHybridCamperGuy]

That was really helpful James thanks for the tip! Thst is deffinetly different than dometic I had no idea.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@earlribaudo4807]

No, thank you for all of your videos and humor.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@rotatingrecords]

Thanks for the video, I've got 4 of these to do tomorrow and was dreading having to pull the tubes all the way down. Should be able to just cut the fabric, pre-load and lock the tube and and rock-n-roll. Off to find one of those pliers.

[@AZExpert]

harbor freight!

[@rhess10]

Excellent video. My slide topper let loose (or broke) on the largest slide out room. I could use 2 scissor lifts.

[@AZExpert]

I'll rent one from you

[@junioreitel6269]

After seeing this video, I got rid of my Jeep and now my Toad is a scissor lift for doing checks and maintenance😂 They really are fantastic if you have the room for one!

[@AZExpert]

they are almost as much as a jeep

[@chetusher444]

Another helpful video. Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@19Clutch69]

Wow...you make it look easy peasy

[@AZExpert]

thank you

[@joeyboy8787]

Another great trick from a genius

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it

[@eightyeightbuilder230]

Thanks again James, much appreciated

[@AZExpert]

you're welcome

[@pauljordan756]

Great pro tip! 👍👍👍

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mildredlackey1938]

Good job

[@kdub1666]

That's a nice trick. I remember the first time I accidentally unraveled one of those awning springs.

[@AZExpert]

I;ve done that too

[@matthewmcmanus9587]

i worked at plant 10 in Coburg Oregon for 7 years before it closed up. I have probably been in that motorhome when it was being built

[@josephleister9198]

Great video...thanks

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it!

[@Jason-vw7iq]

Don't know if you will read this anytime soon but how do you measure how long I would need width is no problem?

[@chetusher444]

I have to do 2 of these tomorrow. One the fabric is gone. How many turns should I put on the spring? I appreciate your videos and help.

[@buc2buc1]

Great video and I tried it. I have the same topper cover and followed your instructions. Mine has slack in it when slide is in. I’ve tried adding more tension but it stays the same no matter how much tension I put on it. Any idea what I could be doing wrong? Should I have the material sewn to a shorter width? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@paulgarcia9441]

Hey James, can you do a clip on the different types of windshield seals. From my understanding there is glued in, H seals and a few others. What’s your opinion the different types and what type do you recommend. My 2008 Monaco has what I believe to be an H seal and seams to move a lot which I have been told is normal . What’s your opinion?

[@safffff1000]

I have been using those vice grips for the same thing.

[@AZExpert]

it strange that the only place I can find them is harbor freight

[@earlribaudo4807]

Hey,you are the man, why should I trust somebody who just writes comments when I can watch the 👨 man in person. Good video.

[@AZExpert]

thank you

[@rogerstruthers3799]

I like the filter wrench trick, thanks. That coach is the same color as mine. Where do you get the color formula for the metallic sand paint? Is there an on-line paint source? Thanks for the great videos.

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

Thanks for the tip because I've got two bedroom slide toppers to replace asap (one completely detached from roof) and one main slide, have that same black fabric ordered on it's way tomorrow...but can I borrow your boom since I'll have no help? Lol. You made it look so easy and I'm dreading it, my should be easies always finds a bump!

[@AZExpert]

good luck. I have a habit of making easy jobs difficult

[@rodwilliams2782]

Great demo . Where can I order that specific material to do that job myself ? Thanks and good job again

[@torinotroy7358]

Do you have a video on replacing the spring on the Monaco I have a full wall one that won't retract

[@chadbaltzegar6615]

Will the black fabric cause the slide out to be hotter in the AZ summer sun compared to a lighter color?

[@HairExperience]

Hey !! I really need some help. I have the dometic ones that are covered like these. And read the directions to do this job. Seems you have to remove the whole mechanism. Is there a trick to not do that? Can I pay for a call with you ? Please help. Lol

[@DonniePhipps]

Good job James..you make it look so easy...grrr.. whats the best sealant for my 1996 sarfari Serengeti roof..were about to get it out of the garage. Got to get up ab di the roof Inspection..I've had a really good teacher..thanks

[@AZExpert]

usually the dreaded dicor

[@DavidHBurkart]

Excellent fix James. Would you recommend a third set screw between the other two in order to facilitate the water weight on the awning?

[@AZExpert]

it won't do anything really. they just act as friction pins to keep the fabric from moving in the rail

[@kentuckyoff-roadjunky9273]

How do you keep water from ponding on slide out awning?

[@davidcooper3871]

Try Murphy Oil Soap spray in the groove. That stuff is SLIPPERY and quite safe

[@mickeysingleton3994]

Do you or anyone else maybe, have a video on how the slide toppers work that have arms that fold out after the slide has extended? Thanks in advance

[@michaelcurtis8671]

I really like your videos but the more I watch them the more I am going to stay away from RVing LOL

[@AZExpert]

I recommend renting one first

[@ricklockhart8111]

Another great tutorial, I have an unrelated question. I'm restoring a 1982 Jamee motorhome that was my Mom and Dads (labor of love) replacing most of the wood in the overhead bunk from water damage. I want to get rid of the front window. Where can I get replacement metal.. Thanks Rick Southern Ariz..

[@AZExpert]

for exterior metal the easiest place is hemet valley rv siding in California

[@ricklockhart8111]

@@AZExpert Thank you so much.... Rick

[@johnnarcise6291]

Can you increase the size of the topper about 1/2 inch to 3/4inch on both sides? I want the water to flow away from the sides of my slide. I have a 2009 Monaco Lapalma and the water is wicking underneath.

[@AZExpert]

yes, of course

[@fry5family]

If you give your RV model, 2005 Monaco Knight 38PDQ to Carefree of Colorado, can they send replacement awnings? (ie, do they retain the stock measurements?)

[@AZExpert]

Not sure, call and ask them

[@randymalnar4889]

You didn’t mention if they painted that coach yet?👍

[@MililaniJag]

Great vid as always! Would a white slide topper last longer than the black in high UV areas? Thx!

[@AZExpert]

no, it seems like the white ones fall apart sooner

[@MililaniJag]

@@AZExpert Thx for the reply!!

[@janebray9392]

AZ Expert philosophy of the day: it ain't rocket science, it ain't goin to the moon...😎👍😜🤣🙋‍♀️🇨🇦❤‼️

[@AZExpert]

sometimes its important to remember the little things

[@KevinCoop1]

What’s up with the seal at the bottom at 9:54? Is it normal for the top to contact 1” to 2” before the bottom on that slide system? Thanks James!

[@AZExpert]

yes very common on bottom driven slide outs

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 438

[@AZExpert]

Thank you too

[@19Clutch69]

James, my spring broke on this very Carefree model. Do you have tips or a video?

[@AZExpert]

I don't yet I'm sorry

[@amaddox65]

Would it be worth it to put another set screw in the middle to keep it from coming out like the last one?

[@timothybuchanan1611]

That probably wouldn't solve the problem because it's the stitching that deteriorates that's holding the fabric around the rubber piece that fits in the groove. The screw might hold the rubber piece in but the fabric is going to come loose.

[@Fireguy1962]

So let’s just say you loosen the wrong end and the spring unwinds a little. It happened to me. I did give it a few turns back to tension the spring and it seems to work fine but is there a “rule of thumb” on how many turns you should give the spring to have it retract the fabric?

[@AZExpert]

around 8 but mostly

[@19Clutch69]

What do you do if your topper is just laying flat on top of the slide? Did the Spring break or what

[@AZExpert]

the spring broke, yes

[@Brian033008]

Hi James, is there a way to contact you? Thanks

[@microwavedsoda]

Hi, question. at 10:45 you put the set screws back on both sides, but the middle was the part that came out. Is a set screw in the middle a solution?

[@AZExpert]

the seam that holds the fabric in the rail failed. the stiches broke

[@microwavedsoda]

@@AZExpert oh, I guess I missed that. Thanks for clarification

[@sanfranciscobay]

What prevents water from pooling in the center of the awning when the slide out is extended?

[@AZExpert]

nothing, it will. some people put beach balls underneath but that seems like a lot of effort. The best thing is to run the slide in and out after a storm

[@sanfranciscobay]

@@AZExpert When water pools, it stretches the fabric making it sag more. Interesting that there is no simple fix other than the Beach Ball.

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Hi James: Do you have a small list of tools you use as a suggestion for us DIY types out here in the streets?

[@AZExpert]

that's a good question. 90% of my repairs are done with my tool bag and odd tools in a Prius. Im suppose to film a "tool truck" video at some point I think :)

[@Tony_in_AZ]

@@AZExpert Yes please. Truck (Prius) truck tool stock. Suspension video on common problems or upgrades. You know: That stuff you have little time to do between live repair jobs. ;-) A few more Enfernal Bond tape repairs too.

[@markhollingsworth9496]

My Carefree topper is about 18 feet long and is 2 pieces. How do I get it apart in the middle to get to the drum?

[@AZExpert]

the middle hub is usually just riveted

[@tbone1690]

Mark I'm sure you repaired yours months ago, but if you didn't....mine was also in 2 pieces. I had to pull the forward cover off first...the rear cover had 2 metal pins at the top and bottom which extended through the center piece, and through matching holes in the end of the front cover. Hope your job went smoothly

[@badgerpa9]

Does the scissors lift fit in the service prius? lol Thanks Stay safe and healthy.

[@AZExpert]

sadly no, probably weighs more than the car

[@pault1964]

Spent a lot of time driving those scissor lifts about but on building sites not next to expensive RV’s they are very heavy,

[@AZExpert]

It's difficult to imagine RV shops without a scissor lift. yet most big dealers don't have them. I wonder what they do with those high labor rates?

[@ynAMe6Aj]

Why is the clamp better than just using a strait pick in the hole on the end?

[@AZExpert]

Better Grip-safer

[@markhollingsworth9496]

How do I know if I have a broken spring?

[@AZExpert]

it won't have any tensionwhen you unwind it

[@gd198070]

Very informative, even if I never try this on my own it gives you insight into what the RV tech will be doing. Why select a black colored top wouldn't a lighter shade hold up better in the sun?

[@AZExpert]

black is a good color match for the paint. White would look awful and grey too.

[@robertburgess6100]

That's the way I did it but I didn't have the plyers

[@AZExpert]

I've done other things before I set on this method

[@hjc5458]

I'd put a dab of Anti-Seize on the bolts threading into that aluminum.

[@AZExpert]

thats a good idea

[@jsteele42378]

How much do you want for the filter wrench ? lol just kidding Great video thanks

[@AZExpert]

LoL Thanks for watching!

[@MaryClifton-cf9xe]

Can you provide your contact info in Arizona?

[@bigjeep2195]

Sorry James, you're just not as fast as the 2 Awning boys. But you did a good job except where you over opened the track end on the RV but I'm not gonna say anything.

[@AZExpert]

over opened?

[@bigjeep2195]

@@AZExpert Where you used the screw driver to spread open the track mounted on the RV. Looked like when you spread it open the paint crumbled.

[@pault1964]

Where’s chad

[@AZExpert]

oh he's at his shop stressing out about 10 other jobs

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

Did you end up closing the end of the track back to how it was after you spread it with the screw driver? I bet you did you're so meticulous on these repairs but if not why?

[@AZExpert]

no, it doesn't harm anything

[@RobertSmith-tq6mf]

You never know. Elon Musk might send it to the moon! Lol

[@AZExpert]

I think we'd all like to see that