I need HELP!!!: Slide out cover, best one to choose?

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Slide out cover, best one to choose?

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13581
Printed Date: 14 May 2025 at 12:48pm
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Topic: Slide out cover, best one to choose?

Posted By: Rana
Subject: Slide out cover, best one to choose?
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 4:42pm

Well, still some time on our hands before we can get back out on the road!

We have a 2015 RP179 and as we often camp out in the Rockies, often under fir trees, we want to install an after market slide out cover. Searching through the posts there are several makes of slide out cover for the RP179 that have been recommended, my question is basically which one was the easiest to retrofit, I am not a mechanical engineer, and which one proved to be the most reliable? Any responses much appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Stay well and stay healthy in these difficult times.

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Rana
Stay well and stay healthy in these difficult times.

Replies:

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 5:17pm

I went with Lippert that etrailer sells. I have had good luck with etrailer and the price was reasonable. The 179 is a little bigger, you get choice of black or white. I went with white, now might go with black. It is NOT a one person install, so have help ready. Happy I did it.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Rana
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 5:25pm

Thanks Mike, I really appreciate the speedy reply. Lippert does seem to be the most popular.

It would seem that white would be more reflective, no? I could see that dust, dirt and grime would really show up, but just wondering if black would absorb too much heat if we actually get a campsite out in the open once in a while?

Did your helper have to be technical in any way? Just wondering which neighbour to spring this on!

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Rana
Stay well and stay healthy in these difficult times.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 5:39pm

It is a good quality product. I just get a little tired climbing up and cleaning it, it does show everything. You have to clean it, it doesn't wipe off. It's several inches off the top of the slide, so heat transfer is kinda iffy, either way you'll be fine, just something to think about. My helper was my wife, she is reliable , you don't need a lot of technical expertise, you just don't have enough hands to everything steady and there is some counter force from the reel up mechanism.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Rana
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 5:44pm

Thanks again, perhaps you are right and black might be better, lots of effort to get up there, and I really wanted to dump the heavy ladder! I'll let you know how it goes!

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Rana
Stay well and stay healthy in these difficult times.

Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 25 May 2020 at 8:41pm

Lippert from e-trailer. Installed it myself.

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Chuck & Lyn
Izzy, Morkie. RIP
Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie
2018 R Pod 190
2019 Traverse

In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck.

Posted By: JR
Date Posted: 26 May 2020 at 7:33am

I got a Dometic cover from my dealer and have used it for about a year now and am very satisfied with the unit. I went with the color black and glad I did, it doesn't show much discoloration/staining. I installed it myself on a 179 and I found that I desperately need my wife's extra set of hands because I used the kinder rail or "drip/gutter rail" to attach the cover to the trailer (I didn't install a second kinder rail for the awning, which was included in the parts for the awning). Needed the extra set of hands feeding the awning into the drip rail. Other than that the installation was straight forward. Also I did not install the anti billowing devise due to space restrictions and in the closed position the cover is protected from the wind by the front drain. I have not experienced any problems with the awning or the way it is installed.

Have fun with the project and then have more fun using it!!

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Jay

179/2019

Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 26 May 2020 at 11:00am

Mine is a dometic. I've had it a year with no issues. After one winter, it's in excellent shape.

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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding

Posted By: Rana
Date Posted: 29 May 2020 at 10:55am

Thanks, everyone, for the advice and your experiences with the awnings. Now I just have to make a choice about which make to buy, and I guess price and availability will be the deciding factors! I'll let you all know how I get on!

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Rana
Stay well and stay healthy in these difficult times.