On the issue of the topper flapping, having RVed since the 70s, my experience is that many times the topper has been installed with improper spring tension. While there may be extra fabric on the roll, there should also be sufficient tension on the spring to keep the fabric taut and prevent excessive flapping. I have seen toppers poorly installed that have practically no tension when fully retracted. Those would be likely to be still too loose when extended to prevent serious flapping. We now live in the Reno NV area and our "Washoe Zephyrs" are a constant here and I have had to re-tension several slide toppers over the years to remedy the flapping problem. Pretty sure those spring do weaken and lose tension over time with use. I would not have an RV without toppers. Having to climb up to clear the top of a slide can be a safety issue, especially as you get older. Camping locations can have uneven or unstable ground if you carry a ladder for that and/or inclement weather can make climbing atop the roof with the RV's attached ladder hazardous. The topper does that work for you. In addition, most RVing is done in the summer and toppers really help mitigate heat gain through the slide's roof. The RV's roof is 4"-5" thick with insulation, the slide is usually 3/4" plywood with no insulation. Having the topper shade the slide box from direct sunlight provides some more help for the AC. Another plus is that it extends the life of the roofing material on the slide (which is almost always one of the rubber type roof membranes). All slide toppers should also have the anti-billow device on them to prevent a passing truck from blowing the topper out enough to catch the wind with the damage that then results.
Just found this. Great video and it totally reinforces my own decision not to add a slide out topper. I’m perfectly capable of getting up on the roof and cleaning it off (we bring a leaf blower just for this) before bringing the slide in. So I don’t need the extra weight and expense nor the potential headaches.
Our last tt was used with the toppers needing replaced. Got it done later in the season in southern comifornia and the topper was a HUGE insulation factor of the slide. Made an enormous difference with the heat
I am not joking when I tell people "It's on the list." The trick is that list just kept growing most of the summer. The seasonality of Michigan makes it difficult to physically show some things. I thought this was a great visual to help people understand.
JOSH, PLEASE open an rv shop here in Florida!! Toooo many crooked deceptive dealers here. Looks like we have to come up there to purchase our next rv in a month or so. I’ve been lied to so many times while shopping for an rv. So many stories and “deals”! We are tired of this.
Florida? You mean South Michigan? Also, we call Michigan "North Florida' too lol Sorry to hear about the rough experiences you've had. We can make the drive worth it. We've proven that time and time again!
Great video! I had considered one of these on my Whitehawk but decided against it! I have heard stories where rain and snow can cause problems with slide toppers. I don’t camp in the snow but I live in the Pacific Northwest so rain and wind are very common. Thanks for the video!
We just found you on YT, we love your videos. Such great info and you aren't afraid to tell the truth, about campers, and about how some dealers treat customers. I just subscribed to your channel, and will be recommending You to all my friends who also own campers and need info. Thanks!!! Those of us who have camped for a while, like your common sense about campers.
That's for the info Josh. I was just goi g to order one and watched your video, and I have the flange and can not install. So you saved me from returning it etc. Your 👌
Here my thought, When a RV is built, isn't it built for not having this on it. I think a light ladder and just get up there and clean it up. When i bought my truck i put rear quarter panel protectors on and the truck rusted out faster. I say if it didn't come it, it doesn't belong on it. Not that hard to store a light ladder. Thank you Josh for the insight on this, you made me see the reason not to have one. I live in Jenison, MI and i pull my trailer a lot. I could also see the possibility that it could wear driving down the road if you pull a lot.......
It's not just about sweeping off it's about stopping heavy rain as well from going past a seal. The analogy of saying if doesn't come with it means shouldn't use is the stupidest thing I've ever heard
In a hotter region, I personally like slide toppers. I feel they block the direct heat from the sun, and allow an air space between the topper and the top of the slide for air to pass through, assisting in keeping the inside cool.
That was my thought. I was thinking along the lines of the refrigerator working better when it's really hot. I didn't think about the wind though. All in all great video.
Josh, this is great advice! Now I need to find out if the Sunset Trail 290QB is prepped or not for slide toppers and awnings. I have a call in to the factory. I have seen videos where frames are prepped at the factory for specific anchoring requirements - like tie-downs in a toy hauler. But I have a suspicion that the 290QB is not prepped for awnings and toppers given that these are not even factory options. Keep up the good work!
I found cordless blowers 2 b a big help !! I have a very small Makita 18v ( Model# xbu05 ) which is very easy to hold in the hand wall climbing the ladder up under the rooftop especially when I've been out in the woods and it's been a windy day you get the pine needles pine cones branches and all that other kind of crud and it has no problem blowing those things off even at a distance.
I have always thought that the lack of a slide out topper was purely a $$ issue for the factory. Thanks for the info. I still had one added to my slide out.
Great common sense presentation. I think its ideal to get up there and sweep off but often impractical and falling is not ideal. Perhaps some kind of wedge of vynil material would work. Frankly I don't understand why manufacturers dont create a flip up mechanic that deploys as the slide extends and gets compressed when it returns. Moreover, it shocks me that slide outs dont have the insulation of the roof. I often notice how much the temperature is extreme in slide outs. Thank you so much for your enthusiastic presentations.
another great video. I really love these basic rv tips and explenations for a newbie like me. with rv shows coming up this winter in michigan I would love to hear your thoughts of what to expect from an rv show and some tips for attending one. Hopefully I will see at one too
Well obviously my advisory is a bit bias as I would like to be the one to earn your business. Remember distance is not a disqualifier. Here's the thing with RV Shows and Sales: There are virtually no valid reasons you would ever get a special deal at an RV Show you couldn't otherwise get somewhere else. There might be an opportunity for a special interest rate, but in reality a dealer's invoice on that RV does not change. Instead a dealer has to spend an obscene amount of money for show space, pay for advertising, fuel to get the trailers there, set up, tear down, and a TON of prep and management along the way. We also have to recoup those costs. *I'll give you two guesses where that money is going to come from and the 2nd one doesn't count.* So, my advice: Go to the shows. Try some trailer on for size like you're trying on a T-Shirt. Pick out "the one." Then, call us and we'll deliver it to your front door without the costs of the show in the mix. We have a few off-site sales each year, but it's primarily for awareness and the opportunity to meet people. We're not a real high pressure place and allow folks the time (sometimes months or even years) they need to get their affairs in order. We simply like them to know we're here when they're ready.
Joshua Winters yes I have a jeep wrangler and it's limited to 3500 pounds so our options are limited I like the apex and my wife likes the palomini which unfortunately you don't sell but you are on my radar from here in Saginw
Yes, I have had that same thought about the expense to the dealer of taking trailers to the rv show, I have had a few dealers tell me to come to the show to get the best deal but I think that is because the trailer I am interested in is not in stock and that is their way of getting me to come back. The few rv shows that I have been to I have noticed that they tend to bring the trailer they want to sell and not the trailers that are the most popular and for someone like me that needs a lightweight small trailer there are not many at the show. I really do appreciate the videos you make and your honest opinions. I promise next time I am down in coldwater I will stop by
The trailer you like is one of the very few trailers to win the DSI quality award last year. The trailer your wife likes is not. I'll leave the rest of my opinion at the door and simply advise we ceased carrying Palomino RVs years ago.
Why couldn't the manufactures reverse how the slide toppers work? So have the winder (or spring) with the roll on the actual slide out with the loose end attached to the body of the RV, then there could be a simple catch you could operate on if you want the slider toppers extended or not. Just a thought.
I'm sure it's theoretically possible, but then requires another bulky object be attached somewhere on the RV which requires more space. Having the smallest part attach to the RV makes it easier to apply to more campers. Just a guess though.
There are some like that. A track is attached to the main body just under the gutter, depending on the roof line of course, with the retract window shade roller attached to the outside wall of the slide. At least the ones that I will be installing on my Arctic Wolf are designed to work. The AW is prepped for topper shades with the mounts preinstalled on the slide wall, you just need the track and topper.
I am in the North East ..I was going to order 1 but E tailer wasnt able to help but I gave a call Solara they told me the size and a part #..550/600 bucks gotta make it right..
So, just checking because I may be missing something here. We camp mostly in the SE and never in the snow and before bringing in our slide, and sometimes periodically for PM purposes, I simply get out the aluminum later and the hose and spray it off real well (takes a whopping 5 minutes), then bring in the slide. Seems to be working well so far. Why would I need a slide topper? Please advise. Much thanks and keep up the GREAT Vids!
Wyoming wind destroyed them on my Designer. I opted out of them on my North Point. South Dakota is my home base and the wind is just as bad if not worse.
Absolutely -- there are times/places to have them and times/places NOT to have them. In the past we've tried to order NOTHING with them or EVERYTHING we could Now we're really applying them about 50/50 which seems to be working well
They're not something you just order out of a catalog. You'll likely need to search locally for someone who does things like mobile home skirting. Chances are they can assist you. Basically, instead of an awning that rolls out many people will put up something more permanent secured both to the ground and the trailer itself. You've likely seen things like this if you've ever passed a trailer park. The concept is the same - just attaching to an RV instead of a double wide.
Beyond proper maintenance and cleaning with UV Inhibitors (just like you use on your roof) there aren't many really. RARELY you'll see a sort of hardshell slide out cover, but those tend to be found only on park/destination models that sit in one place over extremely long periods of time. I've always questioned their ability to allow for proper airflow & prevention of mold growth underneath, however.
isn't the slide topper roll under tension at all times ? even if the wind blows and it gets pulled out a bit ? soon as the wind slows it should retract in self ??!!
I do not think the springs they use are the best quality and lose tension over time. Most people will never bother to learn how/bother to re-tension one after a few years.
I've never had slide toppers but people I know that's had them said they wish they didn't. Because they flapped in the wind. I'm about to buy another 5th wheel soon and I still can't decide if I want them or not.
HI Josh. We are really enjoying your videos and are out of state. You did a video a few months back talking about taxes. I have a similar "out of state question". There are a lot of folks talking about RV / Trailer service and why it's critical to buy local because it's more difficult to get service for an RV from place that you did not purchase it from. Can you bust this "myth" or speak to service agreements for RV's and for out of state buyers? Thanks.
The answer depends on your local dealership. Some places will (or at least claim) to refuse service to anyone who didn't buy from them. However, this often goes in direct conflict with many MFGs agreements (example: *ALL* Jayco dealers *MUST* perform Jayco warranty work and refusal may jeopardize their ability to continue carrying the product). Each brand/dealer is different. Some dealers have a priority queue in which the folks who purchased from them receive faster scheduling (which is pretty fair if you put yourself in a local buyer's shoes) while some places simply charge out-of-area clients a higher service rate. *HERE'S MY THOUGHTS ON IT:* It's only awkward if you make it that way. If you call a place and act shady saying things like "I need to work on my camper but uhh... your price was too high so I didn't buy it there... will you still work on it?" They're going to act weird back. If you simply say "I have an [RV] and I need to get the microwave checked out" they're probably not going to act stupid. The other thing: Consider the TYPE of place you're looking to spend a *LOT* of money with -- Do you really want to take your business to a place that who's business practices say "I'm gonna twist your arm behind your back and tell you to buy it here OR ELSE!" Personally... not my style. I'd buy somewhere else off principle alone.
HI JOSH, GREAT INFO. MY 2020 JAYCO 25.5 REOK CAME PREP FOR SLIDE TOPPERS. FOR EXACT LENGTH OF TOPPER DO I MEASURE THE ROOF SURFACE OF THE SLIDE OR THE LENGTH OF THE PRE INSTALLED
I don't have a lot of direct customer feedback from that region and I am but a simple midwestern boy lol. I would inquire around that local area for better answers.
Josh this is my second message to yall, on slide tops. There is a product I think call krazy seal ? Any way what recommendations do you have for sealing my 2010 Cedar Creek.... Thank you in advance
You mentioned its not a good idea to have one on some laminated campers. I have a 16' roo 23ws would there be the proper backing to install one on this camper?
I do not know which hardware is/isn't appropriate for every single camper. Best advisory is to visit the service center you trust & ask them if it seems appropriate for your specific RV.
good video. How bad is it to not have one? my trailer didn't come with it, and good point about after market install, maybe not a good idea since nothing to screw into really
Everybody wants to think in terms of "Good and bad" or black and white. It's nothing like that. It's just NORMAL to not have them. In some cases you MAY simply find them beneficial.
EXCELLENT new educational video!!! I used to think was ALWAYS a good idea to use slide toppers, but now I know better!!!! So are slide toppers options on SOME trailers but not on others?
My question is what happens if you don't get slide toppers? Do you need to clean the tops of the slides? I always thought the tops of the slides were more susceptible to dirt/debris/mold than roof but are slide toppers built out of the same materials as the roof?
You want to clean off any debris before operating the slides, yes. Slide toppers are made from the same material as the awning. Often why they're referred to as "slide out awnings"
GREAT to know that the slide toppers must be cleaned BEFORE operating the slides!!! AFTER would be a BAD choice!!!! I did not know they are called slide out awnings. LEARNING is ALWAYS good!!! Thanks Joshua!!! :)
Josh I was wondering if you know if a 2017 jayco Jayflight SLX has the aluminum behind the wall to screw to. I live in Michigan and camp all over it, do you recommend a topper if the trailer has the right walls? Great video thank you
Hi Richard. Your inquiry is worded a little too vaguely for me to be able to answer it confidently and I don't want to steer you wrong. Best advice I can offer is to contact your selling dealer & have them run your Vin thru Jayco as required for 100% confident answers.
@@JoshtheRVNerd sorry that was vague. I was referring to when you screw the upper rail for the slide out awning. you mentioned some just have the aluminum on the side and no backing for the screws to secure themselves. Is this something the dealer that I purchased it from will know or will I have to contact Jayco? Really wish I would of known of your dealership when I purchased mine because you guys really seam like you care. Thanks
@@richardgollar6300 no sweat. Last thing I wanted to was to GUESS at something that caused you a bunch of money in repairs. Stick and tin trailers won't have aluminum backers in walls upon which you could mount slide awnings -- they'll have big wooden beams. The header beam in a jay flight slide is quite large and sufficient for slide awnings. I'm sorry to hear you've had challenges with your dealer. Adding a slide awning to an SLX is a pretty rank-and-file job.
I've heard slide toppers are good for helping keep the heat from the sun out of the inside? They told me that this could help with keeping the inside cooler during the summer and maybe help keep the fridge cooler during the summer too. What are your thoughts thank you!
@@JoshtheRVNerd you are fantastically awesome you have been a really big help thank you very much your videos are very informative and I always look forward to seeing the new ones
Hi,. I live in the Southwest desert and I have thought about getting those on my next trailer... just to help protect from the Sun.. however, we do get some serious gusts of wind here. they just come from out of nowhere then gone. so I'm not sure would that be good or would it not be good you can't roll it in every time the wind blows I'm just wondering what your thoughts are ?? I mean, how much wind is 2 much wind ??
Most people don't camp in just one region of the country. We are from Michigan and do a lot of camping here, but we also go to other regions of the country like the west/southwest. What would you recommend, as far as a slide topper, in that case?
Another great vlog Josh. We put the slide topper on our 2014 Keystone Bullet 241BHS, was a smart move. Question for you. As I mentioned on a related vlog of yours, I mentioned that we sold that rig and moved up to a newer rig (based on your vlogs). Question I have is about the slide. The friend I sold the rig to was asking about the slide motor. I never looked for it because we never had any issues. Can you direct me to a web page of other that I can look for info on where the motor is in this particular model. I am assuming it is a Lippert slide with Shewintek motor. What say you? Thanks in advance, good stuff man, you’d make a great speaker or professor. I’m just gonna just call you Josh the RV Professor Nerd...
That should be a cable slide unit. The link I'm about to drop is insane-overkill to answer your question so just hop around it a bit with the track bar to find what you want. It's an awesome resource though. ua-cam.com/video/lQWBI0gnhpI/v-deo.html
Haylett RV checking it out... I know I’ll get the terminology wrong... The gig we had, the slide was I wanna say worm or gear driven. You could see the machined worm like shafts or rails on either side/beneath the slide room. I suppose (based on some research) that the motor is either under the couch or behind the seal upper right corner. The other part I meant to ask was if the slide could be manually extended or retracted? Might be a question to try and get Keystone to answer. Thanks Josh, I appreciate the quick reply.
That does sound like a Schwintek slide system then. Cable slides very obviously have cables on them. Not being a bullet dealer I don't have exactly knowledge of their systems from 2014. The motor for that system is actually IN the wall. Here: ua-cam.com/video/fOw6h86Safs/v-deo.html
Camping with debris = Get a topper Camping in Wind = Don't get a topper So what decision do you recommend if you are traveling around the country where you will encounter both scenarios? Do they make toppers which are essentially independent awnings which the user can decide to deploy or retract based on the current environment?
If you have err, then err on the side of caution and leave them off. They're not a necessity -- they're simply a nicety in some situations. There aren't really the type of awnings you've mentioned as you cannot reliably mount them on the trailer due to a lack of structure within the wall you can tap into.
one more question about the slide toppers. if you don't have one how do you get the pine needles and leaves and twigs off the top before you slide it in, my friend sends his son up on the roof to sweep thiers off but I and too fat and clumsy to be getting up on the roof and a small trailer like the apex nano with a slide would be hard to carry a ladder in.
Either on top of the trailer to brush them off just do something like stand on your picnic table & broom stuff off. Apex is one of the brands you often cannot add slide awnings to due to the lack of variance in the roof line vs. slide flange
Joshua Winters I never thought of the picnic table. I guess that's why your the expert. thanks I hope you guys have a great year and if I talk my wife into the apex we will see you. but I have learned. happy wife happy life.
So if I use a soft bristle push broom before retracting the slider I can save the wear and tear of the rubber gaskets? I am thinking about putting them on my Cougar fifth wheel because those sliders are so tall from the ground. as I am looking at your demo it brings me to the situations I have ran into at the Michigan race and Chicagoland raceways (a lot of storms). Very torn on what to do. If can save money and not hurt my trailer of course I am okay with that..
Hi Maynard! We do not. I'm not the type to bash products. They have plenty of nice qualities of course. But when we started digging into them we discovered they weren't really doing anything new that wasn't already being done quite a bit in the marketplace (Especially by Keystone). What model were you considering? I'm sure we have plenty of similar models to which you can compare to make sure you're getting the best RV for your wants and needs!
Haylett RV Hi Josh I like the reflection 337 rls it’s got the washer dryer prep and it’s not too fancy and not overly cheap either so I hav listened to so may of your vids while in my Volvo vnl 670 but rarely see washer dryer prep models what equivalent do you have and do you see th alliance rv
@@maynardholmes8870 That's a clone of the Cougar 315RLTS and a ton of other models like it. You can compare against that floor plan here bit.ly/2ULk3FV (basically all of which also include W/D prep!)
I'm a simple midwestern boy up here in Southern Michigan & not really familiar with the area. I would recommend looking for something like a Texas Camping facebook group (I'm sure there is one) and asking around. Or, drive thru some campgrounds and see what you see!
Hi on the 2018 Jayco Eagle HT Who is the manufacturer for the slide out cover. 2 can I tighten up the tension on the spring or do I have to take it back to a Jayco dealer thank you
As indicated in this video: That depends on how and where you use your RV. Give our guys a call at 800-256-5196 and we can give your our thoughts so you can make a more educated decision.
You're fine Mike. You don't have to have them. They're nice sometimes. If you notice how the vast majority of campers lack them, then you can start to realize they're nothing REQUIRED for your camper.
Snow and ice a issue ,leaves and water not so much ,and after as long as I've been at it have come up with a way for that snow an ice ,by the way since 1974🤗🖖🖖🖖🖖
Outdated designs. Inappropriate materials. Lack of quality control. There is no reason for slide toppers to exist. The slide topper industry exists for the same reason fax machines still exist. Better options should make them go away.
On the issue of the topper flapping, having RVed since the 70s, my experience is that many times the topper has been installed with improper spring tension. While there may be extra fabric on the roll, there should also be sufficient tension on the spring to keep the fabric taut and prevent excessive flapping. I have seen toppers poorly installed that have practically no tension when fully retracted. Those would be likely to be still too loose when extended to prevent serious flapping. We now live in the Reno NV area and our "Washoe Zephyrs" are a constant here and I have had to re-tension several slide toppers over the years to remedy the flapping problem. Pretty sure those spring do weaken and lose tension over time with use. I would not have an RV without toppers. Having to climb up to clear the top of a slide can be a safety issue, especially as you get older. Camping locations can have uneven or unstable ground if you carry a ladder for that and/or inclement weather can make climbing atop the roof with the RV's attached ladder hazardous. The topper does that work for you. In addition, most RVing is done in the summer and toppers really help mitigate heat gain through the slide's roof. The RV's roof is 4"-5" thick with insulation, the slide is usually 3/4" plywood with no insulation. Having the topper shade the slide box from direct sunlight provides some more help for the AC. Another plus is that it extends the life of the roofing material on the slide (which is almost always one of the rubber type roof membranes). All slide toppers should also have the anti-billow device on them to prevent a passing truck from blowing the topper out enough to catch the wind with the damage that then results.
Thank you,Josh. This was great information! I thought they were necessary to keep water out. Cleaning them off doesn’t seem difficult.
Just found this. Great video and it totally reinforces my own decision not to add a slide out topper. I’m perfectly capable of getting up on the roof and cleaning it off (we bring a leaf blower just for this) before bringing the slide in. So I don’t need the extra weight and expense nor the potential headaches.
Our last tt was used with the toppers needing replaced. Got it done later in the season in southern comifornia and the topper was a HUGE insulation factor of the slide. Made an enormous difference with the heat
Yep yep. Just like when you sit under the awning in the summer. You're shading your slide.
Slide toppers help with the heat/sun greatly. With 5 slides they cover quite a bit.
👍🏻 yep - just like sitting under the awning yourself
Oh my gosh....you did a video on my earlier question...solid!!! Great explanation of the concepts. You rock Josh.
I am not joking when I tell people "It's on the list." The trick is that list just kept growing most of the summer. The seasonality of Michigan makes it difficult to physically show some things. I thought this was a great visual to help people understand.
JOSH, PLEASE open an rv shop here in Florida!! Toooo many crooked deceptive dealers here. Looks like we have to come up there to purchase our next rv in a month or so. I’ve been lied to so many times while shopping for an rv. So many stories and “deals”! We are tired of this.
Florida? You mean South Michigan?
Also, we call Michigan "North Florida' too lol
Sorry to hear about the rough experiences you've had. We can make the drive worth it. We've proven that time and time again!
Great video! I had considered one of these on my Whitehawk but decided against it! I have heard stories where rain and snow can cause problems with slide toppers. I don’t camp in the snow but I live in the Pacific Northwest so rain and wind are very common. Thanks for the video!
Glad it was helpful!
We just found you on YT, we love your videos. Such great info and you aren't afraid to tell the truth, about campers, and about how some dealers treat customers. I just subscribed to your channel, and will be recommending You to all my friends who also own campers and need info. Thanks!!! Those of us who have camped for a while, like your common sense about campers.
That's for the info Josh. I was just goi g to order one and watched your video, and I have the flange and can not install. So you saved me from returning it etc. Your 👌
Very good information, been rving some time and never thought about some things you brought up.
Ty! We always try to dig a bit deeper :)
Here my thought, When a RV is built, isn't it built for not having this on it. I think a light ladder and just get up there and clean it up. When i bought my truck i put rear quarter panel protectors on and the truck rusted out faster. I say if it didn't come it, it doesn't belong on it. Not that hard to store a light ladder.
Thank you Josh for the insight on this, you made me see the reason not to have one. I live in Jenison, MI and i pull my trailer a lot. I could also see the possibility that it could wear driving down the road if you pull a lot.......
It's not just about sweeping off it's about stopping heavy rain as well from going past a seal. The analogy of saying if doesn't come with it means shouldn't use is the stupidest thing I've ever heard
In a hotter region, I personally like slide toppers. I feel they block the direct heat from the sun, and allow an air space between the topper and the top of the slide for air to pass through, assisting in keeping the inside cool.
Absolutely. Great input
That was my thought. I was thinking along the lines of the refrigerator working better when it's really hot. I didn't think about the wind though. All in all great video.
Josh, this is great advice! Now I need to find out if the Sunset Trail 290QB is prepped or not for slide toppers and awnings. I have a call in to the factory. I have seen videos where frames are prepped at the factory for specific anchoring requirements - like tie-downs in a toy hauler. But I have a suspicion that the 290QB is not prepped for awnings and toppers given that these are not even factory options. Keep up the good work!
Excellent explanation!
TY Todd!
Another useful tip from the RV nerd.
Great info, didnt think about the lip extending above the roof...guess i will be sweeping or blowing off the slide
I found cordless blowers 2 b a big help !! I have a very small Makita 18v
( Model# xbu05 ) which is very easy to hold in the hand wall climbing the ladder up under the rooftop especially when I've been out in the woods and it's been a windy day you get the pine needles pine cones branches and all that other kind of crud and it has no problem blowing those things off even at a distance.
My slide out awning roll is attached to the slide out and the free end is in a factory installed keder rail on the main body of the RV.
Thank you Josh!
You rock Josh !!!!
Ty!!
I have always thought that the lack of a slide out topper was purely a $$ issue for the factory. Thanks for the info. I still had one added to my slide out.
You mentioned hardshell slide toppers. Wish you would have listed a vendor.
Great common sense presentation. I think its ideal to get up there and sweep off but often impractical and falling is not ideal. Perhaps some kind of wedge of vynil material would work. Frankly I don't understand why manufacturers dont create a flip up mechanic that deploys as the slide extends and gets compressed when it returns.
Moreover, it shocks me that slide outs dont have the insulation of the roof. I often notice how much the temperature is extreme in slide outs.
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic presentations.
Slide roofing *does* have insulation. They simply cannot have as much as the main body of the RV's roof as the slide roof is much thinner.
another great video. I really love these basic rv tips and explenations for a newbie like me.
with rv shows coming up this winter in michigan I would love to hear your thoughts of what to expect from an rv show and some tips for attending one. Hopefully I will see at one too
Well obviously my advisory is a bit bias as I would like to be the one to earn your business. Remember distance is not a disqualifier.
Here's the thing with RV Shows and Sales: There are virtually no valid reasons you would ever get a special deal at an RV Show you couldn't otherwise get somewhere else. There might be an opportunity for a special interest rate, but in reality a dealer's invoice on that RV does not change.
Instead a dealer has to spend an obscene amount of money for show space, pay for advertising, fuel to get the trailers there, set up, tear down, and a TON of prep and management along the way. We also have to recoup those costs. *I'll give you two guesses where that money is going to come from and the 2nd one doesn't count.*
So, my advice: Go to the shows. Try some trailer on for size like you're trying on a T-Shirt. Pick out "the one." Then, call us and we'll deliver it to your front door without the costs of the show in the mix.
We have a few off-site sales each year, but it's primarily for awareness and the opportunity to meet people. We're not a real high pressure place and allow folks the time (sometimes months or even years) they need to get their affairs in order. We simply like them to know we're here when they're ready.
Joshua Winters yes I have a jeep wrangler and it's limited to 3500 pounds so our options are limited
I like the apex and my wife likes the palomini which unfortunately you don't sell but you are on my radar from here in Saginw
Yes, I have had that same thought about the expense to the dealer of taking trailers to the rv show, I have had a few dealers tell me to come to the show to get the best deal but I think that is because the trailer I am interested in is not in stock and that is their way of getting me to come back.
The few rv shows that I have been to I have noticed that they tend to bring the trailer they want to sell and not the trailers that are the most popular and for someone like me that needs a lightweight small trailer there are not many at the show.
I really do appreciate the videos you make and your honest opinions. I promise next time I am down in coldwater I will stop by
The trailer you like is one of the very few trailers to win the DSI quality award last year.
The trailer your wife likes is not.
I'll leave the rest of my opinion at the door and simply advise we ceased carrying Palomino RVs years ago.
Why couldn't the manufactures reverse how the slide toppers work? So have the winder (or spring) with the roll on the actual slide out with the loose end attached to the body of the RV, then there could be a simple catch you could operate on if you want the slider toppers extended or not. Just a thought.
I'm sure it's theoretically possible, but then requires another bulky object be attached somewhere on the RV which requires more space. Having the smallest part attach to the RV makes it easier to apply to more campers.
Just a guess though.
There are some like that. A track is attached to the main body just under the gutter, depending on the roof line of course, with the retract window shade roller attached to the outside wall of the slide. At least the ones that I will be installing on my Arctic Wolf are designed to work. The AW is prepped for topper shades with the mounts preinstalled on the slide wall, you just need the track and topper.
Slide out toppers are a must here in Florida way to much rain climbing on a 5th wheel is scary when it’s wet slide toppers solve this.
I'll take your rain over this freeze any day ;)
I am in the North East ..I was going to order 1 but E tailer wasnt able to help but I gave a call Solara they told me the size and a part #..550/600 bucks gotta make it right..
OOPS. DIDN'T FINISH..... LENGTH OF THE PRE INSTALLED "C" CHANNEL OR THE LENGTH OF THE SLIDE OUT EXTERIOR TRIM FASCIA? THANKS FOR THE HELP
I'm full time in 5th wheel 390rk.
In pacific NW. I must have toppers. Its very loud with the rain.
thank josh good info
So, just checking because I may be missing something here. We camp mostly in the SE and never in the snow and before bringing in our slide, and sometimes periodically for PM purposes, I simply get out the aluminum later and the hose and spray it off real well (takes a whopping 5 minutes), then bring in the slide. Seems to be working well so far. Why would I need a slide topper? Please advise. Much thanks and keep up the GREAT Vids!
Nobody "needs" a slide awning. Some prefer it for a few reasons mentioned in the video.
It's no different than how nobody "needs" maxxair vent covers, but some folks won't go without them.
Haylett RV Gotcha, thanks again!
Wyoming wind destroyed them on my Designer. I opted out of them on my North Point. South Dakota is my home base and the wind is just as bad if not worse.
Absolutely -- there are times/places to have them and times/places NOT to have them.
In the past we've tried to order NOTHING with them or EVERYTHING we could
Now we're really applying them about 50/50 which seems to be working well
hmm sounds like they need to create adjustable toppers so you can re tighten them without moving the slide
josh, you mention a hard slide cover for parks, I cant find any information on these, can you direct me?
They're not something you just order out of a catalog. You'll likely need to search locally for someone who does things like mobile home skirting. Chances are they can assist you.
Basically, instead of an awning that rolls out many people will put up something more permanent secured both to the ground and the trailer itself. You've likely seen things like this if you've ever passed a trailer park. The concept is the same - just attaching to an RV instead of a double wide.
What other way to protect the slides out roof ?
Beyond proper maintenance and cleaning with UV Inhibitors (just like you use on your roof) there aren't many really. RARELY you'll see a sort of hardshell slide out cover, but those tend to be found only on park/destination models that sit in one place over extremely long periods of time. I've always questioned their ability to allow for proper airflow & prevention of mold growth underneath, however.
isn't the slide topper roll under tension at all times ? even if the wind blows and it gets pulled out a bit ? soon as the wind slows it should retract in self ??!!
Take a cruise thru rv parks after a heavy rain. You’ll see what I mean
I do not think the springs they use are the best quality and lose tension over time. Most people will never bother to learn how/bother to re-tension one after a few years.
I've never had slide toppers but people I know that's had them said they wish they didn't. Because they flapped in the wind. I'm about to buy another 5th wheel soon and I still can't decide if I want them or not.
If you're not sure, then I would recommend just skipping on them. NO RV *NEEDS* them. They CAN be nice in some cases.
Can slide topper be added to my 2021 Arctic Wolf 287BH? It has the Solera Topper hooks on the slide but not the awning rail. Thx
Yep! You can actually order them from the factory that way, though it's not on their build sheet. Slide awning ready!
HI Josh. We are really enjoying your videos and are out of state. You did a video a few months back talking about taxes. I have a similar "out of state question".
There are a lot of folks talking about RV / Trailer service and why it's critical to buy local because it's more difficult to get service for an RV from place that you did not purchase it from.
Can you bust this "myth" or speak to service agreements for RV's and for out of state buyers?
Thanks.
The answer depends on your local dealership. Some places will (or at least claim) to refuse service to anyone who didn't buy from them. However, this often goes in direct conflict with many MFGs agreements (example: *ALL* Jayco dealers *MUST* perform Jayco warranty work and refusal may jeopardize their ability to continue carrying the product).
Each brand/dealer is different. Some dealers have a priority queue in which the folks who purchased from them receive faster scheduling (which is pretty fair if you put yourself in a local buyer's shoes) while some places simply charge out-of-area clients a higher service rate.
*HERE'S MY THOUGHTS ON IT:* It's only awkward if you make it that way. If you call a place and act shady saying things like "I need to work on my camper but uhh... your price was too high so I didn't buy it there... will you still work on it?" They're going to act weird back. If you simply say "I have an [RV] and I need to get the microwave checked out" they're probably not going to act stupid.
The other thing: Consider the TYPE of place you're looking to spend a *LOT* of money with -- Do you really want to take your business to a place that who's business practices say "I'm gonna twist your arm behind your back and tell you to buy it here OR ELSE!" Personally... not my style. I'd buy somewhere else off principle alone.
Our local places won’t refuse you, but they will keep you at the end of the line until their customers are fixed.
instead of a beach ball how about a pool noodle, they come in different diameters so I sure there is one that would fit just right
Might be easier to grab and remove as well
HI JOSH, GREAT INFO. MY 2020 JAYCO 25.5 REOK CAME PREP FOR SLIDE TOPPERS. FOR EXACT LENGTH OF TOPPER DO I MEASURE THE ROOF SURFACE OF THE SLIDE OR THE LENGTH OF THE PRE INSTALLED
Need to know the edge to edge length of the flanges I believe
I am not an expert on those though
Does a slide topper perform well in the almost constant rain of the PNW? Does reduce rain noise? Do they protect the upper side seals?
I don't have a lot of direct customer feedback from that region and I am but a simple midwestern boy lol. I would inquire around that local area for better answers.
Slide-out top is great doesn't matter where you live
Josh this is my second message to yall, on slide tops. There is a product I think call krazy seal ? Any way what recommendations do you have for sealing my 2010 Cedar Creek.... Thank you in advance
See previous reply to previous inquiry. Enjoy! :)
You mentioned its not a good idea to have one on some laminated campers. I have a 16' roo 23ws would there be the proper backing to install one on this camper?
I do not know which hardware is/isn't appropriate for every single camper. Best advisory is to visit the service center you trust & ask them if it seems appropriate for your specific RV.
good video. How bad is it to not have one? my trailer didn't come with it, and good point about after market install, maybe not a good idea since nothing to screw into really
Everybody wants to think in terms of "Good and bad" or black and white. It's nothing like that. It's just NORMAL to not have them. In some cases you MAY simply find them beneficial.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I kind of figured cheaper RV might not come with them so I kind of think it should be a mandatory item for slides
EXCELLENT new educational video!!! I used to think was ALWAYS a good idea to use slide toppers, but now I know better!!!! So are slide toppers options on SOME trailers but not on others?
Yep. All depends on where/how you intend to use your camper. As with many things there's not necessarily a right or wrong answer -- just situational.
My question is what happens if you don't get slide toppers? Do you need to clean the tops of the slides? I always thought the tops of the slides were more susceptible to dirt/debris/mold than roof but are slide toppers built out of the same materials as the roof?
You want to clean off any debris before operating the slides, yes. Slide toppers are made from the same material as the awning. Often why they're referred to as "slide out awnings"
GREAT to know that the slide toppers must be cleaned BEFORE operating the slides!!! AFTER would be a BAD choice!!!! I did not know they are called slide out awnings. LEARNING is ALWAYS good!!! Thanks Joshua!!! :)
Josh I was wondering if you know if a 2017 jayco Jayflight SLX has the aluminum behind the wall to screw to. I live in Michigan and camp all over it, do you recommend a topper if the trailer has the right walls? Great video thank you
Hi Richard. Your inquiry is worded a little too vaguely for me to be able to answer it confidently and I don't want to steer you wrong. Best advice I can offer is to contact your selling dealer & have them run your Vin thru Jayco as required for 100% confident answers.
@@JoshtheRVNerd sorry that was vague. I was referring to when you screw the upper rail for the slide out awning. you mentioned some just have the aluminum on the side and no backing for the screws to secure themselves. Is this something the dealer that I purchased it from will know or will I have to contact Jayco? Really wish I would of known of your dealership when I purchased mine because you guys really seam like you care. Thanks
@@richardgollar6300 no sweat. Last thing I wanted to was to GUESS at something that caused you a bunch of money in repairs. Stick and tin trailers won't have aluminum backers in walls upon which you could mount slide awnings -- they'll have big wooden beams. The header beam in a jay flight slide is quite large and sufficient for slide awnings. I'm sorry to hear you've had challenges with your dealer. Adding a slide awning to an SLX is a pretty rank-and-file job.
I've heard slide toppers are good for helping keep the heat from the sun out of the inside? They told me that this could help with keeping the inside cooler during the summer and maybe help keep the fridge cooler during the summer too. What are your thoughts thank you!
Absolutely. You sit under the patio awning to stay cooler out of the sun, right?
Slide awnings are essentially the same thing.
@@JoshtheRVNerd you are fantastically awesome you have been a really big help thank you very much your videos are very informative and I always look forward to seeing the new ones
if I get toppers instead of a beach ball would a noodle work as well to help keep it taught?
anything really.
Hi,. I live in the Southwest desert and I have thought about getting those on my next trailer... just to help protect from the Sun.. however, we do get some serious gusts of wind here. they just come from out of nowhere then gone. so I'm not sure would that be good or would it not be good you can't roll it in every time the wind blows I'm just wondering what your thoughts are ??
I mean, how much wind is 2 much wind ??
I don’t know specific numbers, but I would recommend trying to visit a few nearby parks to see what local folks are doing
Most people don't camp in just one region of the country. We are from Michigan and do a lot of camping here, but we also go to other regions of the country like the west/southwest. What would you recommend, as far as a slide topper, in that case?
I would leave them off as the weather you experience will be variant and unpredictable
@@JoshtheRVNerd Darn! The Lance we ordered is coming with one on it already. :(
@@mrtdmt0309 I wouldn't worry -- I just wouldn't add one given the circumstance.
This is the video that started the "Josh is retiring rumor!!!!"
Another great vlog Josh. We put the slide topper on our 2014 Keystone Bullet 241BHS, was a smart move. Question for you. As I mentioned on a related vlog of yours, I mentioned that we sold that rig and moved up to a newer rig (based on your vlogs). Question I have is about the slide. The friend I sold the rig to was asking about the slide motor. I never looked for it because we never had any issues. Can you direct me to a web page of other that I can look for info on where the motor is in this particular model. I am assuming it is a Lippert slide with Shewintek motor. What say you? Thanks in advance, good stuff man, you’d make a great speaker or professor. I’m just gonna just call you Josh the RV Professor Nerd...
That should be a cable slide unit. The link I'm about to drop is insane-overkill to answer your question so just hop around it a bit with the track bar to find what you want. It's an awesome resource though. ua-cam.com/video/lQWBI0gnhpI/v-deo.html
Haylett RV checking it out... I know I’ll get the terminology wrong... The gig we had, the slide was I wanna say worm or gear driven. You could see the machined worm like shafts or rails on either side/beneath the slide room. I suppose (based on some research) that the motor is either under the couch or behind the seal upper right corner. The other part I meant to ask was if the slide could be manually extended or retracted? Might be a question to try and get Keystone to answer. Thanks Josh, I appreciate the quick reply.
That does sound like a Schwintek slide system then. Cable slides very obviously have cables on them. Not being a bullet dealer I don't have exactly knowledge of their systems from 2014.
The motor for that system is actually IN the wall. Here: ua-cam.com/video/fOw6h86Safs/v-deo.html
Camping with debris = Get a topper
Camping in Wind = Don't get a topper
So what decision do you recommend if you are traveling around the country where you will encounter both scenarios?
Do they make toppers which are essentially independent awnings which the user can decide to deploy or retract based on the current environment?
If you have err, then err on the side of caution and leave them off. They're not a necessity -- they're simply a nicety in some situations.
There aren't really the type of awnings you've mentioned as you cannot reliably mount them on the trailer due to a lack of structure within the wall you can tap into.
one more question about the slide toppers. if you don't have one how do you get the pine needles and leaves and twigs off the top before you slide it in, my friend sends his son up on the roof to sweep thiers off but I and too fat and clumsy to be getting up on the roof and a small trailer like the apex nano with a slide would be hard to carry a ladder in.
Either on top of the trailer to brush them off just do something like stand on your picnic table & broom stuff off.
Apex is one of the brands you often cannot add slide awnings to due to the lack of variance in the roof line vs. slide flange
Joshua Winters I never thought of the picnic table. I guess that's why your the expert.
thanks
I hope you guys have a great year and if I talk my wife into the apex we will see you. but I have learned. happy wife happy life.
Mike Sonnenberg: I'm just really good at finding solutions with what I have around me. I'm like a MacGuyver without skill...
Mike Sonnenberg as it slides in and rolls it dumps the trash on the top
So if I use a soft bristle push broom before retracting the slider I can save the wear and tear of the rubber gaskets? I am thinking about putting them on my Cougar fifth wheel because those sliders are so tall from the ground. as I am looking at your demo it brings me to the situations I have ran into at the Michigan race and Chicagoland raceways (a lot of storms). Very torn on what to do. If can save money and not hurt my trailer of course I am okay with that..
The less "crunchy stuff" you have getting smashed thru the seals the less wear and tear the endure.
Do you sell grand design models
Hi Maynard! We do not. I'm not the type to bash products. They have plenty of nice qualities of course. But when we started digging into them we discovered they weren't really doing anything new that wasn't already being done quite a bit in the marketplace (Especially by Keystone).
What model were you considering? I'm sure we have plenty of similar models to which you can compare to make sure you're getting the best RV for your wants and needs!
Haylett RV Hi Josh I like the reflection 337 rls it’s got the washer dryer prep and it’s not too fancy and not overly cheap either so I hav listened to so may of your vids while in my Volvo vnl 670 but rarely see washer dryer prep models what equivalent do you have and do you see th alliance rv
@@maynardholmes8870 That's a clone of the Cougar 315RLTS and a ton of other models like it. You can compare against that floor plan here bit.ly/2ULk3FV (basically all of which also include W/D prep!)
Are slide toppers a good idea or bad idea for Texas residents?
I'm a simple midwestern boy up here in Southern Michigan & not really familiar with the area. I would recommend looking for something like a Texas Camping facebook group (I'm sure there is one) and asking around. Or, drive thru some campgrounds and see what you see!
Haylett RV will do, thank you!
Cool 😎
So
I was going to spend thousands to put a carport over our fifth wheel
This looks like a better option for a permanent residence
Hi on the 2018 Jayco Eagle HT Who is the manufacturer for the slide out cover. 2 can I tighten up the tension on the spring or do I have to take it back to a Jayco dealer thank you
Couldn't tell you without seeing your RV Jeff. Those were most likely an aftermarket add-on.
are slide toppers good to put on a 8299bs rockwood
As indicated in this video: That depends on how and where you use your RV. Give our guys a call at 800-256-5196 and we can give your our thoughts so you can make a more educated decision.
Hey Josh, do you think I made a mistake not getting a slide out topper for my 2018 Rockwood Roo 233s? It didn’t cross my mind to get one.
You're fine Mike. You don't have to have them. They're nice sometimes. If you notice how the vast majority of campers lack them, then you can start to realize they're nothing REQUIRED for your camper.
Yes wind is not good wish I would have known
do u sell in pennsylvina ] thankyou
We sell anywhere basically. Call our team members & they can run you thru how it would work for you. Things like taxes can vary by state.
Believe I will carry a rechargeable blower and a small ladder.
I have never seen a topper that rolls out from the camper. They roll out from the front of the slide and set into the track on the camper.
Snow and ice a issue ,leaves and water not so much ,and after as long as I've been at it have come up with a way for that snow an ice ,by the way since 1974🤗🖖🖖🖖🖖
#livelongandprosper
Yeah trash bag on a slide out , that's something I would do 😂. Good info .Yeah I just found this video.
The beard of experience :-D
Outdated designs. Inappropriate materials. Lack of quality control. There is no reason for slide toppers to exist. The slide topper industry exists for the same reason fax machines still exist. Better options should make them go away.