Slide topper - Event Date: 16 Jan 2018 - 20 Jan 2018

Originally posted by GlueGuy After we saw your slide out cover, we contemplated just attaching a length of keder rail across the top of the slide out flange; then sewing up a cover with keder tape on both sides. The only issue is that you would still have to use a ladder to put it on or take it off. So I'm thinking we will probably end up with one of the retractable covers.

Adding a second keder rail is an interesting idea. I'm not sure how well that would work though. You are correct in that a ladder would still be required. I also found that it really is a two-person job to put the cover on. One person on the ladder to feed it and a second person with a rope to pull it through. I'm not sure if using the keder tape would eliminate the need for the second person. It would depend on if it were stiff enough to push the length of the slide-out. The rope I used was not, so it took my wife pulling while I fed it into the rail to make it work.

Originally posted by geewizard Thanks, StephenH.  I read your other mods and see that you went with a slide topper.  That implies you no longer get out the ladder and clean off the top of the slide when you depart a camp spot.  Right?

Not quite. We got an awning for the door side when the side had to be replaced at the factory after an accident. I have been looking at slide-out covers but haven't been able to bring myself to purchase one of them yet. My homemade slide-out cover ripped and I either need to make a new one or go ahead and purchase an automatic one.

I'm evaluating whether to purchase a length of Keder rope and make a new one. I think the Keder rope would work better than folding the awning fabric over and sewing a rope inside the fold. It would also be a lot less expensive than one of the automatic ones.

Originally posted by StephenH I have the single-sided version. I purchased it used while we were staying at the Desert Eagle RV Park on Nellis AFB a couple of years ago. The seller had a big RV and it was too short for what he needed. I paid $50 and consider it a very good bargain, especially after I priced new ones. I fabricated a ladder carrier which you can see in my mods. The first version was inside the storage compartment. Version 2 is underneath next to the new sewer hose carrier.

Thanks, StephenH.  I read your other mods and see that you went with a slide topper.  That implies you no longer get out the ladder and clean off the top of the slide when you depart a camp spot.  Right?

I can buy a collapsible ladder for about the same price as a slide topper.  And a ladder would be handy to have around anyhow.

Anyone use this ladder?

https://www.amazon.com/GP-Logistics-SLDD7-Compact-Folding/dp/B009IJUL4O

I want to install a topper over my slideout because I’m tired of having to drag a small ladder around with me to sweep the leaves, pine needles etc. that accumulate on the top. I’m an old guy and would rather not have to deal with it.