Considering adding a slide topper - need opins

[seakayaker]

I'm considering adding a slide topper. My TT has one slide.

Looking for input on these questions:

1. Do I need to blow off the slide topper before closing the slide? If I'm going to need to blow off the slide topper is it really helping me? I'm already carrying a ladder in order to blow off the top of the slide itself.
2. If I get a slide topper can I close the slide while its still wet with the morning dew? If so, do I have to open the slide when I get home in order for it to dry out?
3. Any tidbits of know-how with regards to maintaining slides and slide toppers from the *experts*?

[fella10]

Originally Posted by seakayaker

I'm considering adding a slide topper. My TT has one slide.

Looking for input on these questions:

1. Do I need to blow off the slide topper before closing the slide? If I'm going to need to blow off the slide topper is it really helping me? I'm already carrying a ladder in order to blow off the top of the slide itself.
2. If I get a slide topper can I close the slide while its still wet with the morning dew? If so, do I have to open the slide when I get home in order for it to dry out?
3. Any tidbits of know-how with regards to maintaining slides and slide toppers from the *experts*?

I added a slide topper to our 25KS, because the dealer didn't have the black fabric for him to do it. IMO its very important to have one, to keep junk(leaves, limbs, pine cones/straw, pecans, acorns, ect.) from getting on the slide top and then dragging that junk thru the top seal. I climbed on top and swept off the slide top every time before we left camp, before the topper was installed........ Once the topper is there then anything up there will fall off as it rolls in. Have never been concerned about morning dew. .... I consider it a valuable item to have and asked the dealer why it wasn't a standard item, said some owners in snowy areas don't want them because they can be damaged by snow pileup. So some dealers don't include them when making orders for that reason, and add it if the new owner wants it.

[youroo]

Go with the Toppers the +++s are far ahead of the ---s! Youroo!!

[5LowesOR]

are these slide toppers typically a dealer only install or can they be done at home?

[fella10]

Originally Posted by 5LowesOR

are these slide toppers typically a dealer only install or can they be done at home?

I ordered mine from Amazon and installed by myself,..... certainly goes better with help, but is doable without it,....... I would have, and wanted, the dealer to install, but he didn't have the black fabric to match our color scheme. Bought in PA and we live in NC, once we got the tt home and no dealer close by, it was just easier to buy and do myself.

[Hugeez]

Originally Posted by fella10

I ordered mine from Amazon and installed by myself,..... certainly goes better with help, but is doable without it,.......

How much drilling into you unit did you have do? I hate the thought of it.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by Hugeez

How much drilling into you unit did you have do? I hate the thought of it.

quite a bit of drilling, the awning rail(the piece that holds the awning to the trailer side) I believe comes predrilled 6" apart, our awing is 9 1/2ft., the awning mounts have 6 screws on each mounting plate,...... the awning rail does NOT come with the awning kit, you have to buy it separately,.... if you have a dealer close by, I'd let them do it,........

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1