Slideout awning alternative

[dieseldodge]

When we ordered our Flagstaff we decided to not go with the slideout 'awnings' based on all the negative things we'd seen and heard about them. However, there were a few times this summer during all day rains that we wished we had them.....at least on the bed slide.

With the RV parked under a tree, while raining all night, the sound of it (rain) hitting the top of slideout nearly drove us nuts. I've been trying to come up with a potential fix, and wondered if others have dealt with this and how.

 

[5picker]

Not sure about "all the negative things" you've heard but we have/had slide toppers on our last three R/Vs. Wouldn't be without them and have had no issues to date.

Your potential fix... install a slide out awning/topper.

 

[PopFla]

Your potential fix... install a slide out awning/topper.

^^^^^ X2^^^^^​

I wouldn't have an RV without them. The "negative things" you may have heard about them likely represent less than 1% of users. People tend to only post negative experiences, not positive ones.

 

[14apex]

PopFla wrote: "People tend to only post negative experiences, not positive ones."

Yep. Can't imagine not having slide awnings -- easy to install & absolutely no maintenance issues -- 3 RVs over 20+ years. Whether camping in the woods (leaves!), full sun, and when the wind & rain comes, I've never had a problem. Zero issues. Can't imagine not having...

 

[dieseldodge]

Well....I'm real happy for you guys that have had no problems with your slide awnings. But....the motorhome we had before the Flagstaff had to have two of the three awnings replaced....and it wouldn't have been long before the third one needed it. I've seen torn awnings, sagging awnings with rain resting in the middle, basketballs stuffed under them to prevent things from collecting, etc.

 

[kenandterry]

Well....I'm real happy for you guys that have had no problems with your slide awnings. But....the motorhome we had before the Flagstaff had to have two of the three awnings replaced....and it wouldn't have been long before the third one needed it. I've seen torn awnings, sagging awnings with rain resting in the middle, basketballs stuffed under them to prevent things from collecting, etc.

We didn’t say they didn’t need periodic attention or adjustments, but these far outweigh NOT having toppers. Just think about all the junk on the slide out top that’s chewing up your weather gasket every time you bring in the slide without cleaning off the top.

Wouldn’t be without mine on both motorhome units we’ve owned.

 

[Mr. Dan]

We do have some high post count members here who hate them - might have something to do with where they live/camp - might have something to do with how well they were installed. Forest River paid a local service center to install my 3 toppers Sept. 2015 and they've been flawless. You can see from my signature (if you're on the full site) how many times I've used them. I came home yesterday from a trip where we parked under pine trees. The toppers kept pine cones/needles, etc., off the slides.

 

[dieseldodge]

Didn't start this thread to debate if you love or hate slide awnings. Started it wondering if any had come up with a good temporary alternative.

For what it's worth, our Flagstaff sat all summer under a evergreen tree. Before we packed it up for the winter I got up and checked the slide tops before they went in. A few pine needles.....nothing that would have damaged the seals. As I said, we've had slide awnings.....don't want anymore.

 

[PopFla]

Well, I guess you'll just have to learn to love the sound of the rain hitting the slide top, 'cuz I can't imagine any alternative to the slide toppers.

 

[dieseldodge]

Thanks for the help PopFla

 

[2dogs]

Get a ladder or on your RV roof and clean the slide-out roofs off before closing them is about the only alternative I can think of.

 

[Mr. Dan]

Get a ladder or on your RV roof and clean the slide-out roofs off before closing them is about the only alternative I can think of.

That won’t stop that darned rain from driving the OP nuts.

 

[Jim34RL]

In fact, I saw two different campers this fall, doing just that cleaning off their slides as they were brought in. We were up in northern MI with a lot of pine trees in the camp ground and had a few raining nights. I sat outside and watch two couples using a small electric leaf blower, step ladder and towels drying their slide roofs. In 30 to 40 min's all three slides were dry and they could bring them in.

When we bring our slides-in on our 5er, I just make sure all of the compartment doors and entry door are closed. We just bring the slides in and watch the water and leaves slide off of the slide awing. Within 30 to 40 sec's all slides are closed and we are on our way.

I won't have a RV that had slides without a slide awning. They not only protect against rain and debris on the roof but they also add an extra layer against the sun that is beating on the roof.

 

[Sammici]

I have a piece of 3” rigid closed foam insulation that I cut to fit on top of our small slide. Kills a few birds at the same time:
Insulated from sun
Keeps debris of slide roofing
And happy to say reduces some of the heavy rain noise! But you still here it every else.
It’s just friction fitted, even survived tropical storm winds.

 

[Briorick]

When we ordered our Flagstaff we decided to not go with the slideout 'awnings' based on all the negative things we'd seen and heard about them. However, there were a few times this summer during all day rains that we wished we had them.....at least on the bed slide.

With the RV parked under a tree, while raining all night, the sound of it (rain) hitting the top of slideout nearly drove us nuts. I've been trying to come up with a potential fix, and wondered if others have dealt with this and how.

Before we decided to install our Dinette Topper we too read the reviews, both pros and cons, and how the Awnings can / do possibly stretch over time, from being taken In and Out, and will / may start to possibly flap in the wind. We chose to install one anyways. Glad we did.

If for nothing more, at least it protected the top of the slide roof from any falling debris that could possibly damage the slide roof.

But I Have to agree with the others. Only you can decide what you want, regardless of your past Awning experiences. There really isn't a lot of options for what you're wanting to accomplish.

A damned if you do, and damned if you don't moment!

 

[cboss]

And don't forget the safety factor. Our toppers keep us off the roof! I can't bring a ladder with a TT.

 

[dieseldodge]

Sammici.....good idea. It stays up there okay with just a interference fit? I thought of something like that but didn't think it stay. We get some big wind at times.

 

[Sammici]

Sammici.....good idea. It stays up there okay with just a interference fit? I thought of something like that but didn't think it stay. We get some big wind at times.

Yep, works well. The rubber seal gaskets acts as spring tension.
I'd take a picture but my TT is covered for the winter.