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Old 04-22-2015, 06:49 PM   #1
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Awning Question

I noticed some slide outs have an awning over them, Some don't. Didnt realize at the time we do not have one on our 2015 23ss. Should I look into it? Do I need it? Why would some have it some do not? Thanks guys.
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Old 04-22-2015, 07:14 PM   #2
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You can indeed have slide toppers installed but it will be a little spendy if you have it done.
Those here who have them have posted that they will not be without them again, do you "need" them, no.

In some cases the toppers are an extra cost option, it may be cheaper to get them installed from the factory.
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Old 04-22-2015, 07:27 PM   #3
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You can install them yourself if you have a helper or if you are clever enough and have the tools, you can do it yourself. They are, imo, necessary to keep from having to worry about trash, water, etc from getting inside the trailer.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Carefree Slideout Cover Service Manual.pdf (603.7 KB, 60 views)
File Type: pdf Dometic Slide Out Awning Installation.pdf (739.0 KB, 55 views)
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Old 04-22-2015, 11:21 PM   #4
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I have one on my 2013 23SS.
Love it.
Keeps leafs, branches, birds, rain everything from getting into the slide or trailer.
Some carry a ladder and a big broom to keep it clear but that seems silly. Just put one on and be done with it. Cost wise not too bad. Well worth it.


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Old 04-23-2015, 12:48 AM   #5
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We made the mistake of not getting one installed before we picked up our 23SS.
Was way more expensive to have it installed later.
So glad we got one anyway.
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Old 04-23-2015, 09:27 AM   #6
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We had it installed because we know someone that put there slide in and had a branch on top ripped the outer and inner slide seal at a great expense for repair.
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Old 04-23-2015, 09:52 AM   #7
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We had two installed when we bought ours-$700 total, but forgot about the kitchen slide (under the awning)-haven't priced that one yet...
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Old 04-23-2015, 10:30 AM   #8
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I've never had them on any of my slides and have never had a problem with anything getting into the trailer. If they come with the trailer, great, but I wouldn't go through the trouble or expense of adding them afterward.

Kinda like having wiper blades on your headlights IMO.
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Old 04-23-2015, 11:28 AM   #9
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Really depends on the areas you camp in......open areas or forest type with a lot of needles and leaves.
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Old 04-23-2015, 11:52 AM   #10
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Can't have one installed over our Salem Hemisphere 346QBUD main slide because it has a "peaked roof". Wished I had thought about this when we bought the trailer. Now we have to check the slide before we run it in to get any debri off. Also have to be prepared to soak up water if it's raining. We do have them over the bunkhouse and main bedroom slides. To us they are a needed item.


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Old 04-23-2015, 12:20 PM   #11
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I'm an old guy, but I climb, as opposed to having the wife riding, with a broom up and sweep off the slides. Also, I can keep an eye on conditions up there.
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Old 04-23-2015, 02:54 PM   #12
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IMHO money well spent. Our ikss didn't come with one but we had dealer install one. Why take a chance on debris clogging your slide?
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Old 04-24-2015, 04:08 PM   #13
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Just ordered a new 23ikss and should be in hopefully in June. Regarding the toppers... I did order one for the large slide but now after the order has been placed, I am second guessing the idea of the second topper for the kitchen slide. I though it was an available option. I just contacted the sales rep and he said it was not an option because a clearance issue with the awning. Has anyone installed one for the kitchen area?
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Old 04-24-2015, 04:44 PM   #14
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No need for topper over kitchen slide. The awning sits down right on top of the slide and is an effective topper itself.
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Old 04-24-2015, 05:08 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jking46 View Post
No need for topper over kitchen slide. The awning sits down right on top of the slide and is an effective topper itself.
Unless, of course, you don't want to (or can't) put out the big awning for some reason...
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Old 04-24-2015, 07:07 PM   #16
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Thanks for the info... I was just thinking about when the awing was not in use because of weather conditions and minimizing debris.
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Old 04-24-2015, 10:13 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pontiac130 View Post
Thanks for the info... I was just thinking about when the awing was not in use because of weather conditions and minimizing debris.

Yes, this is indeed an issue. We camped in our 23IKSS last summer at a campground that had a lot of messy trees. There were some stormy afternoons and I had to retract the awning and the top of the kitchen slide got covered with rain and leaves. It was a pain.
Now I installed one of OldCoots awning tie down kits so we will be able to leave the awning out in all but the most severe weather. Well worth the money and a lot less than installing a topper on the kitchen slide.


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Old 05-19-2015, 04:31 PM   #18
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We are on our second rv with slide outs. We take one of our used bath towels and tie a rope to both ends. And then run it over the slide outs several times to remove debris and dirt from the top. It works great. With canopies over the slide outs, there is no easy way to clean any debris or dirt that piles up from blowing wind or rain. IMO, the canopies are not worth the money.
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Old 05-19-2015, 04:56 PM   #19
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We didn't get one when we purchased our Catalina but woulda coulda shoulda. Just ordered one last week and will DIY it since both dealers I called wanted $300 - 350 to install it.

Neither were happy with my response!
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Old 05-25-2015, 08:39 PM   #20
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Getting ready to order a 21BD. Quoted at only $200 (slide topper small) so it seems like a no brainer...
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