50 mph winds and slide out awnings

Tom C 47 · 02-19-2018, 11:47 AM

We have a 2017 2800qs. We are in El paso and the winds are predicted to be 50 mph today and tonight. Has anyone had a problem with high winds and the rear bedroom awning? Last night the winds were fairly high and the rear awning was making a lot of noise but when I looked this morning there was no damage to the awning but the plastic sewer hose holder had been blown out from under the sewer hose. I had to go get it and put in back in the compartment. So I guess the wind was blowing pretty good to blow the hose holder out from under the hose. I am wondering if I should bring in the rear bed slide and sleep on the two twin beds tonight. Any information would be appreciated.

**ependydad** · 02-19-2018, 11:51 AM

I dealt with 4 days straight of 40-50mph winds with 4 slides, all with toppers. No damage though they did make some noise.

formerFR · 02-19-2018, 12:06 PM

when we anticipate high winds, which can create a lot of flapping and noise from the slide toppers, I go out and stuff a blanket into each end - this keeps the wind from entering in under the toppers - just remember to remove them when you leave!

NMWildcat · 02-19-2018, 12:14 PM

Noise, the number one reason we will never have slideout toppers again. We used adjustments to the tension, balls, ropes, pool noodles, etc to dampen the flapping noise. They all helped, but never stopped the noise entirely. So when we really wanted to sleep on windy nights, we would bring in the slides. Then I finally had enough and just removed them

. Good luck!

Cypressloser · 02-19-2018, 12:19 PM

Pull the slides in if you can.
There is not much worse than slide toppers flapping in a windstorm at night when you're trying to sleep.

BandJCarm · 02-19-2018, 12:34 PM

Volleyball.

tdemeyer1 · 02-19-2018, 01:13 PM

Great question, we live in the desert where winds are that high or more frequently and after 4 years we had to replace one topper and I think that was because water sat on it and was just too heavy and it started to pull away from rig. I personally think if if's just for a few nights and it's a big deal to put in the slides I would leave them out and enjoy your rig.

atemplesr · 02-19-2018, 01:24 PM

I would bring my slides in also. No sense in TAKING A CHANCE. When ever we buy any type of camper we always make sure that we can access the bedroom and the bathroom with the slides closed.

mlmay12 · 02-19-2018, 01:25 PM

I have a nylon strap cut to length that I throw over pulling the ends down and tight. Helps quite a bit with the flapping.

5picker · 02-19-2018, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlmay12

I have a nylon strap cut to length that I throw over pulling the ends down and tight. Helps quite a bit with the flapping.

I've not experienced problems with mine but if I did, ^^this^^ would be what I'd do.
A strap or a rope and 3 minutes.

Here's an internet sang of the concept.
Not sure it needs cinched down against the roof but whatever works.

Dbrote · 02-19-2018, 01:44 PM

What a simple fix! I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks! That’s what makes these FR forums so useful.

DrLewie · 02-19-2018, 02:13 PM

Interesting discussion. I've had my rig for 10 years...no toppers, but I've always wondered. About to trade for a new one, and I was close to ordering slide toppers for it. I hadn't considered the noise/wind issue. After reading these comments I think I'll stick with naked slide roofs.

MOODMAN · 02-19-2018, 02:21 PM

There's no question in my mind that toppers are worth the occasional wind.
First, they keep debris off the roofs. Debris on the roof, when slid in, will cause abrasive damage to the seals.

Secondly, they keep the sun off the roofing material, extending the life of the material.

Third, when it rains, the drip, drip, drip on a bare roof, especially the one above your bed, will keep you up at night, much more so than an occasional wind gust.

For me, slide toppers are great.

byrdr1 · 02-19-2018, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

I dealt with 4 days straight of 40-50mph winds with 4 slides, all with toppers. No damage though they did make some noise.

same with 3 toppers and hurricane Sandy
randy

ottawapaul · 02-19-2018, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOODMAN

There's no question in my mind that toppers are worth the occasional wind.
First, they keep debris off the roofs. Debris on the roof, when slid in, will cause abrasive damage to the seals.

Secondly, they keep the sun off the roofing material, extending the life of the material.

Third, when it rains, the drip, drip, drip on a bare roof, especially the one above your bed, will keep you up at night, much more so than an occasional wind gust.

For me, slide toppers are great.

Totally agree!

5picker · 02-19-2018, 02:50 PM

I agree with all the items MOODMAN listed, plus they keep the slide cooler since the sun doesn't beat directly on the slide roof.

Seems those that have them, love them and those that don't are fine without them. Personal choice but well worth it in my opinion.

Steeljag · 02-19-2018, 02:57 PM

I’ve had them on both the TT, and now the class C, and have never had an issue with them!

NMWildcat · 02-19-2018, 03:03 PM

We had them on one out of five of our fivers. Never again. Debris still gets in there, makes the tops of the slide very hard to clean, NOISE, had to adjust them occasionally, never noticed a difference in heat or sun damage, they rot out here the same as the regular awning.. Not worth the PITA for us, but everyone is different.

TARVIDSON · 02-19-2018, 03:07 PM

A bungee cord or tie down hooked around that arm that sticks up, stretched good and tight and pulled around the roller tube and down to the bottom of the slide will absolutely stop that slapping. I have tried straps over the top, stuffing underneath etc. and the bungee cord or strap is more effective and simpler than the other methods but don't try to close the slide with it hooked.

5picker · 02-19-2018, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TARVIDSON

A bungee cord or tie down hooked around that arm that sticks up, stretched good and tight and pulled around the roller tube and down to the bottom of the slide will absolutely stop that slapping. I have tried straps over the top, stuffing underneath etc. and the bungee cord or strap is more effective and simpler than the other methods but don't try to close the slide with it hooked.

I'm trying to picture this in my mind. Are you talking of the anti-billow arm?

If so, not every slide topper or manufacturer has them.

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