Slide Topper in windy locations

[xgarys]

Some of the places we have liked to camp prior to getting our Isata 3 can get very windy. For instance on the Columbia River where 30 mph sustained with 50 mph gusts are not uncommon. Having seen how the Slide Topper flaps in lesser winds I don't think it would last very long under those conditions.

Has anyone found a decent solution to protect the fabric? We don't carry a ladder so beach balls are out. I'm wondering about a lightweight tow strap around the slide with a bungee attached to the ends. That could hold the middle of the fabric down to the slide roof and have a little give if necessary. Unfortunately that would probably wear through the paint on the corners but it would be worth it (and easy to touch up).

[formerFR]

for windy situations I use a extendable pole and push up and into the awning ends a comforter/sleepingbag - any 'heavy' type bed style cover should work since you are basically 'blocking' the ends of awnings, keeping the winds from flowing thru.

[xgarys]

Well that's a good idea! Tell me more about your extendable pole.

[Coolbaldguy]

Originally Posted by formerFR

for windy situations I use a extendable pole and push up and into the awning ends a comforter/sleepingbag - any 'heavy' type bed style cover should work since you are basically 'blocking' the ends of awnings, keeping the winds from flowing thru.

Now thats a great idea! Thanks for sharing

[RolandRevenger]

Great idea. I have a paint roller extension pole that should do the trick; it telescopes to about six feet. Pulling the item out could be a problem. A loop on the filler item and hook on the pole might help. A ladder would be useful for this and other tasks, so I continue to look for one that will fit in the compartment below our Isata 3 side slide. But the pole will be packed until I get a ladder.

[Scrapper]

Some throw a strap or rope across the topper and secure the ends with bungee cords.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by xgarys

Some of the places we have liked to camp prior to getting our Isata 3 can get very windy. For instance on the Columbia River where 30 mph sustained with 50 mph gusts are not uncommon. Having seen how the Slide Topper flaps in lesser winds I don't think it would last very long under those conditions.

Has anyone found a decent solution to protect the fabric? We don't carry a ladder so beach balls are out. I'm wondering about a lightweight tow strap around the slide with a bungee attached to the ends. That could hold the middle of the fabric down to the slide roof and have a little give if necessary. Unfortunately that would probably wear through the paint on the corners but it would be worth it (and easy to touch up).

Try one of these

https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-tel...3-0050569406b5

[wahoonc]

You could carry a 4" roller frame to thread onto your extension handle to use as a hook. We carry a 10' collapsible boat hook in all of our trucks so we can reach stuff in the bed. I was born lazy and raised slow, don't want to have to work any harder than I need to.

Aaron

[xgarys]

Originally Posted by cavie

Try one of these



https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-tel...3-0050569406b5

Thanks, but 24 lbs is a pretty substantial weight penalty for an Isata 3.

[Telstar]

I have long adjustable bungee cords which I stretch lengthwise across the center of the awning and secure them to the hardware underneath. They are available at Home Depot or on their website. Each are 24’ long, but you can cut unneeded length from ones going on short slides and add to that extra long one.
Learned this trick while camped on the cliff overlooking Lincoln City, OR.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

Some throw a strap or rope across the topper and secure the ends with bungee cords.

That's what I do, I have a Nylon strap that is already sized with bungees on the ends. I just throw it over and hook it. Works pretty well but the idea of the sleeping bag or something pushed underneath the ends intrigues me. The wind can be very annoying when trying to sleep.

[xgarys]

Originally Posted by mlmay12

That's what I do, I have a Nylon strap that is already sized with bungees on the ends. I just throw it over and hook it. Works pretty well but the idea of the sleeping bag or something pushed underneath the ends intrigues me. The wind can be very annoying when trying to sleep.

Yeah, I'm thinking that a combination of the two strategies would be about the best you could do.

[twdenman]

Originally Posted by xgarys

Yeah, I'm thinking that a combination of the two strategies would be about the best you could do.

I don't have a ladder either. I use some 1/2 PVC, some rope, and a bungee cord. Toss, and hook up. (I added "cross" pc at each end to protect the edges of the topper.)