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Old 06-24-2019, 09:25 PM   #1
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Slide covers

Are the retractable slide out covers worth it. My trailer has two slideouts and no cover.
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Old 06-24-2019, 09:57 PM   #2
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If you do a forum search, you'll find arguments on both sides. A lot has to do with where you camp. If you often camp in wooded areas, I think the peace of mind and inconvenience of having to clear the slider roof of debris before closing is worth it. I added one myself when we bought our trailer used.
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Old 06-24-2019, 10:02 PM   #3
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Some folks swear by them.
I don't like them. Had them on one unit, hated them. Too noisy while windy was my main complaint. And it's almost always windy here. During storms, they didn't keep debris out and also collected water. Also, in our sunny climate, they are just another awning to replace due to sun rot.
But everyone is different. I, for one, will never have them again.
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Old 06-24-2019, 10:51 PM   #4
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My vote is get one. Ours was invaluable.
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Old 06-24-2019, 10:55 PM   #5
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Another vote for having them.
You don't bring water into the rig when it rains and you retract the slide.
You won't bring in leaves, branches and assorted bugs that come from the trees when you bring the slide in.

Basically anything that falls on the RV will stay out of the RV.

Have never had an issue with unusual wind noise.
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Old 06-25-2019, 08:24 AM   #6
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We love them!

As mentioned those that have them, like 'em and those that don't... don't.

We've had them on out last 4 R/Vs.
They have done a good job of keeping the rain and dirt off our slide roof.
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Old 06-26-2019, 09:27 PM   #7
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Love ours.Keeps leaves ,branches etc. from getting on top the slide out.
If a pine cone or branch get hung up on the slider when closing it ,it could do some damage on the slide.
Been having them for many many years.
I use to bring a broom and go on top of my rv and sweep all the crap off the sliders before closing them. It will shock you some of the crap that falls on the slides.
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Old 07-22-2019, 06:48 PM   #8
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what is the cost to have a slide cover installed

I have a 2018 Micro lite BHS and have camped so far without issues. Many of the campers I know do not have them but my best camper buddy recommends them highly even though he does not even have a slide out on his 25 ft Airstream. Just to be safe I am exploring this possibility.
How hard is to install yourself?

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Old 07-22-2019, 07:36 PM   #9
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My wife and I installed the one on our 21DS slide. While I wouldn't exactly say it was easy, it was doable. Took us a couple of hours I think. There are a number of YouTube videos that show you how to do it.
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Old 09-16-2019, 07:09 AM   #10
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Is there a particular brand slide cover everyone uses or are they pretty much universal as far as quality?
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Old 09-16-2019, 09:34 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HemiHemi19 View Post
Is there a particular brand slide cover everyone uses or are they pretty much universal as far as quality?
I have owned three different 5er's all with slide awnings! I have had two different manufactures of my awning covers, in my humble opinion there is no difference in material or how they are made. But what I have notice is the covers with the metal wrap seem to last longer and the fabric is not subject to sunlight fade and or deterioration.

On a side note if the awning cover sags do to rain often you may want to place a beach ball or some other device under the cover. This raise the cover and allows the rain to run off easier. Also when closing the slide after a rain don't stand near the slide and or have doors open. All of the pooled water will flow off of the slide awning when closing and things do get wet!
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Old 09-16-2019, 10:37 AM   #12
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I'm having the dealer install one on our slide before we pick it up.
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Old 09-16-2019, 11:00 AM   #13
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When we ordered our 2019 8529IKBS (which has three slides) we wanted nothing to do with the slide covers. Yes, there are some pros to them, but also cons as well. If you do much camping in the wind, just turn up the volume on the TV, and you'll be fine. If you do much camping in the rain, don't forget to stuff the beach ball in, which helps direct water to the inside of the RV. If you ever have to replace them (as I did a few years back on a motorhome we had), be prepared for a little sticker shock.
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Old 09-16-2019, 11:15 AM   #14
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Vote here for yes....get 'em.

When we purchased our current 5er in July, we debated having these put on. We had them on the previous camper and we liked them but had to ask ourselves did we like them $2000 worth. Debated for days (pros and cons) and had to dig way back to 15 years ago when we didn't have them on a travel trailer and found myself sweeping the slides off prior to pulling in the slides. Decision after that was easy....I didn't want to deal with ladders, roofs and brooms so slide toppers were installed.

We've camped from being on the beach (lots of wind) to the mountains and never had an issue with the slide toppers making terrible amounts of noise. Yes they hold water when it rains heavy but nothing that created issues.
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Old 09-16-2019, 02:02 PM   #15
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Our new Hemisphere has 3 slides and I've been debating putting covers on two of them since one is under the awning. Didnt know they were that expensive though. Lol
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