Are Slideout Awnings Worth It?

[debbie_rose]

Originally Posted by charbaugh

Sorry for the newbie question. I searched a bit but didn't come across this topic too much. We are about to purchase our first trailer (looking at the Sandpiper 372LOK), and one options I'm not sure about is the slideout awnings. Are these worth the extra $2K? Can they be done after the purchase for less? I've rented a few RVs over the years, and none of them had them, so was just curious the consensus.

Indeed they are worth it. Keeps the top of the slide clean, helps keep water out if the gasket is not coming out flat ( I speak from experience). New ones are getting put on our unit this season. it is long over due.

[wanderer26]

I really don’t understand why slide toppers would flap in the wind if they are installed properly. I have had them installed after the fact on two TT. Currently i have three factory installed on my 5er. I spend the winter on galveston island texas where the wind blows constantly. Its nothing for the wind to blow 20-30 knots here for 3-4 days on end. This happens every week. I have had no flapping problems or noise.

[Coloradotsm54]

Originally Posted by charbaugh

Sorry for the newbie question. I searched a bit but didn't come across this topic too much. We are about to purchase our first trailer (looking at the Sandpiper 372LOK), and one options I'm not sure about is the slideout awnings. Are these worth the extra $2K? Can they be done after the purchase for less? I've rented a few RVs over the years, and none of them had them, so was just curious the consensus.

They certainly mitigate having debris on top of your slides which can be destructive when bringing them inside. They also shedcwater away from the top of the slides which you definitely want to occur. My 26FKBS came with them but after having a previous 5ver that didn’t have them, they were a must have. Some longer ones, say 10/12 feet or longer may sag but this is apparently ok by the manufacturer. I raise or lower the front end of my TT if I know it’s going to rain a few degrees to provide a slope for drainage. Hope this helps. They are worth the investment. Cheers.

[tyler811]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Ah, another slide topper thread. A previous RV came with them installed from the factory. We expected to like them. Not the case.

Our biggest complaint was that they were very noisy in the wind. Many suggest using beach balls or straps. That's a lot of work to make a product suitable to use, especially when you have four of them. Easier to remove them permanently.

Debris still gets under them, especially during storms. Then it is really hard to remove.

They deteriorate same as regular awnings, especially in the southwest sun. Now you have to replace four or more awnings.

Now, slide awnings are on our list of things we never want on an RV. Our current RV has none, and we are much happier. We camp mainly in forested backwoods. I rarely have to sweep anything off the slides, so I don't see how everyone claims that as a benefit. And now we can sleep without the constant flapping noise.

So you don't talk in your sleep 😂 🤣

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by tyler811

So you don't talk in your sleep [emoji23] 🤣

If I did, I would be cussing the noisy slide awnings

[spock123]

We like ours, it keeps the leaves off. It doesn’t bother our sleeping any. For powder snow the snow comes right off when the slides come in. For wet snow nothing helps, you have to get the snow off before you can get the slides in. If I was to buy another camper with slides it would come from the factory with the slide toppers installed

[B and B]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Seems as though everyone thinks slides collect tons of debris every time they are out! We mainly camp in forested areas with lots of pine trees. I might have to sweep debris off a slide once or twice a year. Good grief.

If you want slide toppers, great! But they are not a necessity, or even any kind of a benefit for some of us.

I guess you camp in fields which would negate the need for toppers. I camp n the Forest all of the time. Toppers for us.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by B and B

I guess you camp in fields which would negate the need for toppers. I camp n the Forest all of the time. Toppers for us.

Guess you didn't read my post. Doesn't matter, some folks love toppers, others hate 'em. No worries.

[Jakieboy]

We bought our Cardinal 3250 Fifth Wheel without slide toppers, but after a few trips in the rain (noisy was the problem), and then one time in the snow (clearing the snow before retracting the slides was the problem), we decided they were needed. We contacted a highly recommended local expert who came to our home where we keep our trailer, measured, ordered the materials, then installed all three toppers in one day for a fraction of the cost quoted by the factory at time of purchase of the 5er. Would never be without the toppers.

We are now looking for ideas on how to install some form of temporary, inflatable devices under the toppers when deployed to prevent rain water from puddling on the fabric. Any ideas??

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by Jakie-Boy

We are now looking for ideas on how to install some form of temporary, inflatable devices under the toppers when deployed to prevent rain water from puddling on the fabric. Any ideas??

I've heard of people using volley balls, deflated beach balls or pool noodles. Some people build bracket out of wood or PVC.

Some people even throw a rope over the top and tie down the ends on each side.

[Coloradotsm54]

I purchased a 4 piece set of inflatable pool noodles. 64.5 x 6.7 inches. They provide just enough support without stretching the topper to eliminate the sag. I found that my awnings were installed non-parallel to the top of the slide so that created a bit of a valley to start water collection. The noodles deflate and thus take up very little space. Got them thru Amazon. Hope this helps.

[spock123]

My toppers hold some water but it all will empty out when we bring the slides in we hardly ever stay in one place longer than a week.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

If I did, I would be cussing the noisy slide awnings

You would be cussing the noisy toppers in your sleep even though you don't have them. Sounds like nonsense.

I've had toppers on my 3 slides for the past 5 years, haven't heard a sound out of them.


Do you know why dogs are man's best friend?
He wags his tail, not his tongue.

[dcheatwood]

I've had them in all 4 RVs. Never had to get on top to remove leaves, straw or limbs. Shades slide out tops from summer sun and sheds rain water. Had them flapping once recently when heavy wind storm moved through but no damage. Yes, they are worth it to me.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

You would be cussing the noisy toppers in your sleep even though you don't have them. Sounds like nonsense.

Nonsense, very similar to this post. Chill......

[Comanche]

I have been contimplating slide awnings and came across this and wondered - What is the best awning for money vs quality. Solera or Dometic Elite with metal cover or what?

[wanderer26]

After having various TT with and without them i wouldn’t have an rv that didn’t have slide toppers. When i bought my first TT that had one slide i put a slide topper on. My second TT that had two slides didn’t have toppers and i really missed them. Especially after camping around a bunch of oak trees on fall. Had to sweep off hundreds of acorns. My current rig a fifth wheel with three slides has them on all slides. I will never buy another rig without them.

[Igave]

I love them when it’s sunny hot for their shade, when it’s raining or snowing, and when there are leaves/needles/stuff falling on my slides. When it’s quite windy and noisy because of them, not so much. Whichever brand or model you choose, I’d recommend they have a cover or in some way limit the amount of air that can hit you and billow up the material when you’re going down the road. We wouldn’t do without them, but on long slides that sidewinder going down the road combined with your highway speed can billow them up on some models and cause you grief.