Slide out toppers installation question - Page 3

gklclark · 10-01-2018, 10:12 PM

Had the dealer to install oursand had the same issue on a 2018 Columbus Compass 340RK. Dealer called and suggested a shorter topper for the slide next to the awning and it looks great. Does not cover about four inches on each end but works great. Dealer also tweaked the tension to reduce or eliminate flopping. Hope this helps.

bonzo63 · 10-03-2018, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtatum65

I hope this is the right place for this question. But I have a Shasta 336RL and ordered toppers for all 3 slides per the sizing chart by Solera. But it appears the awning arm next to the living room slide is too close to mount the topper hardware. I have attached a picture of what I am seeing. I am not sure there is way to mount this topper without the awning arm interfering with the slide closing. See attached picture.

Any suggestions will be helpful. As I don't think I want to install the other toppers without this one, as the DW says it will look stupid without all 3.

I have mounted S/O toppers and have had to cut Fabric and tube down to fit evenly. The vertical support arm for main awning should allow room for your S/O topper arm and mechanism, you may only have 1/4 to 1/2" clearance when they operate.

jtatum65 · 10-03-2018, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gklclark

Had the dealer to install oursand had the same issue on a 2018 Columbus Compass 340RK. Dealer called and suggested a shorter topper for the slide next to the awning and it looks great. Does not cover about four inches on each end but works great. Dealer also tweaked the tension to reduce or eliminate flopping. Hope this helps.

The 4inches it is not covering, is that just the flanges? I'm ok with that and kind of expected to do the same. Can you provide pictures of your topper?

Thanks,
Jim

jtatum65 · 10-03-2018, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonzo63

I have mounted S/O toppers and have had to cut Fabric and tube down to fit evenly. The vertical support arm for main awning should allow room for your S/O topper arm and mechanism, you may only have 1/4 to 1/2" clearance when they operate.

How do you trim the tube with the spring wound mechanism in it without any problems?

dj-Harry · 10-03-2018, 01:09 PM

Agree, had on my two TTs and on my 5th. First thing I get installed before I pick it up. Wouldn’t think of not having them. Never had problems with wind or noise and have camped during some serious storms.

My awning was too close on two of my RVs. One they used a special bracket and one the reversed the bracket to make it fit.

jtatum65 · 10-03-2018, 02:59 PM

I found a guy with a Grand Design FW, who had the same problem I do and his solution was to get the next size smaller and position the mounting arm even with the right side flange. This make the topper stick out about 4-5 inches on the left side, but his slide is covered. The next option would be to go 2 sizes smaller and cover 145" of the 146" slide box, leaving the flanges uncovered. I have opted for the 1st option like the GD owner.

Nailz · 10-04-2018, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtatum65

I found a guy with a Grand Design FW, who had the same problem I do and his solution was to get the next size smaller and position the mounting arm even with the right side flange. This make the topper stick out about 4-5 inches on the left side, but his slide is covered. The next option would be to go 2 sizes smaller and cover 145" of the 146" slide box, leaving the flanges uncovered. I have opted for the 1st option like the GD owner.

Only concern I see with this is that it doesn't appear 50% of the left arm is inserted into the bracket mounted to the slide wall. From the installation instructions that came with my slide topper "Do NOT allow mounting bracket to extend more than half its length beyond end of extension bar"

I would guess that when the guy with the Grand Design FW extends his slide out that the left arm moves, probably more than it should. It could cause a failure in the arm or cause the bracket attached to the slide wall to tear out.

I am merely guessing on this and am not a professional RV tech but I have stayed in a Holiday Inn and I have broken stuff due to not reading directions.

Regardless, please let us know what you have decided and provide pictures. It may help someone else who runs into this challenge.

Happy Camping,

C

jtatum65 · 10-04-2018, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nailz

Only concern I see with this is that it doesn't appear 50% of the left arm is inserted into the bracket mounted to the slide wall. From the installation instructions that came with my slide topper "Do NOT allow mounting bracket to extend more than half its length beyond end of extension bar"

C

Nailz,

Thanks for pointing that out. I hadn't thought of that and the problems it may cause later. I have ordered the next smaller size, which will cover the slide out room but not the flanges. I think this will work as as gklclark stated in his post about his awning. I should have it tomorrow or monday and will install with pictures to post.

Thanks everyone for their input and advise!

jtatum65 · 10-13-2018, 06:42 PM

Yesterday I received the slide out topper for the slide that is close to the awning arm and installed it today. It went well and looks pretty good I think. The fabric is short by 1/2inch on both side of the slide box, but doesn't look bad. Here are the pictures as promised.