R-pod Owners Forum : Slide topper http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Slide topper Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 16:06:24 +0000 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:58:39 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11070 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Slide topper : I did end up ordering and installing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=136435#136435 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 9:58am

I did end up ordering and installing a Dometic slide-out cover (see my mods for details of the installation). It works well, and I don't need to worry about an unstable ladder anymore. Also, I avoid getting splashed with water which would happen when I removed my homemade cover after a heavy rain. I'm happy with it although I have not been able to get out to enjoy it on a camping trip yet.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:58:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=136435#136435 Slide topper : Originally posted by GlueGuyAfter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103887#103887 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 8:08pm

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.
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 20:08:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103887#103887 Slide topper : Originally posted by StephenHNot... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103885#103885 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 6:44pm

Originally posted by StephenH

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.
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.
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:44:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103885#103885 Slide topper : Originally posted by geewizard Thanks,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103879#103879 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 4:56pm

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.
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:56:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103879#103879 Slide topper : geewizard, I play by ear, I have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103878#103878 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 2:48pm

geewizard,

I play by ear, I have a Pahaque topper that attaches to keder rail, they're about 100 bucks and I have used it in a clear area I don't use it.]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:48:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103878#103878 Slide topper : Originally posted by StephenHI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103876#103876 Author: geewizard
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 1:44pm

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?
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:44:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103876#103876 Slide topper : I have the single-sided version.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103873#103873 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 1:29pm

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.]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:29:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103873#103873 Slide topper : I can buy a collapsible ladder... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103872#103872 Author: geewizard
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 12:57pm

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
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 12:57:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103872#103872 Slide topper : Originally posted by geewizardI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103871#103871 Author: furpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 11:00am

Originally posted by geewizard

I don't use a slide topper and haven't had a need so far.

Has anyone ever had an issue with NOT using one?


YES. In fact the reason we put one on the pod within weeks of buying it is we had friends that had a slide pretty much rot off the trailer in 18 months, due to bad seals. A topper would have prevented it. When they got the TT back from repair, (new slide, done by the factory) the FIRST thing they did was put a topper on it.
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:00:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103871#103871 Slide topper : I want to install a topper over... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103870#103870 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 10:22am

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.  
My $.02
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:22:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103870#103870 Slide topper : I don't use a slide topper... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103869#103869 Author: geewizard
Subject: 11070
Posted: 23 Jan 2018 at 10:03am

I don't use a slide topper and haven't had a need so far.

Has anyone ever had an issue with NOT using one?
]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:03:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103869#103869 Slide topper : Originally posted by StephenHIt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103862#103862 Author: furpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 8:29pm

Originally posted by StephenH

It is Lauan plywood, not Azdel. Unless Forest River has changed with the newer models, there is no Azdel used in the R-Pods. I visited the factory last year and saw them being constructed.


I will try to remember to ask in the morning when I talk to the plant manager. It's a composite of some sort, in layers, and luan is one of the layers.. It may not be azdel on the outer layer, though that is what is in my head.. LOL
]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:29:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103862#103862 Slide topper : It is Lauan plywood, not Azdel.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103861#103861 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 8:24pm

It is Lauan plywood, not Azdel. Unless Forest River has changed with the newer models, there is no Azdel used in the R-Pods. I visited the factory last year and saw them being constructed.
]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:24:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103861#103861 Slide topper : It is "azdel", a composite. ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103858#103858 Author: furpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 6:50pm

It is "azdel", a composite.]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 18:50:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103858#103858 Slide topper : I believe the siding on the 179's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103855#103855 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 5:05pm

I believe the siding on the 179's slide is wood. It sure looked like wood when I drilled the screws into it.]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 17:05:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103855#103855 Slide topper : We had no issues. I purposely... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103849#103849 Author: furpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 2:42pm

We had no issues. I purposely ran screws into the slide framing. Please note.. there are only 2 kinds of "siding" on a slide, either fiberglass or Aluminum.. So...
]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:42:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103849#103849 Slide topper : Hi Furpod I was reading the installation... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103839#103839 Author: Kenerpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 10:43am

Hi Furpod I was reading the installation instructions and it mentioned not suitable for fiberglass or aluminum siding/framing... did you run into any issues during your install? I would think there are enough screws holding the weight of the slide assembly where this wouldn’t be an issue. ]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:43:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103839#103839 Slide topper : I'll have to check it on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103760#103760 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11070
Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 1:59pm

I'll have to check it on my way home this evening. I have to stop by anyway and turn on the electric blankets that we have strung under the Pod to prevent frozen plumbing during this short cold stretch we're having.]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:59:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103760#103760 Slide topper : Originally posted by TheBumI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103756#103756 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11070
Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 1:05pm

Originally posted by TheBum

I installed the regular Carefree Slide Cover on our 179. It's the 98-105" size. We got ours here because they had the best price I could find:

http://www.rvpartscountry.com/RV-Slideout-Cover-Roller-98-105-White.html

I am guessing you ordered the tall bracket and hardware set for mounting it. Am I correct?
]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:05:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103756#103756 Slide topper : Has anyone compared the various... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103755#103755 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11070
Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 12:52pm

Has anyone compared the various brands/models of slide toppers, and the relative merits of them? I see there are at least toppers from Carefree (4 different models), Lippert, and Dometic. Differences seem to be the fabric, and whether or not there is a cover for the roll.

It seems like the ones with roll covers of one kind or another would be advantageous, but I don't know how much. The Dometic cover has a segmented aluminum cover-cover that looks clever, but I'm not convinced it wouldn't be a hassle at some point.
]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:52:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103755#103755 Slide topper : Not to mention that it saves some... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103752#103752 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11070
Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 10:15am

Not to mention that it saves some of the seals from UV damage.

The most difficult part of the install was feeding the cloth into the keder rail. I needed an extra hand (my wife) to hold up the other end of the roll, since it's so long.]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:15:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103752#103752 Slide topper : Have the Carefree on 182G and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103740#103740 Author: riotkayak284
Subject: 11070
Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 2:21pm

Have the Carefree on 182G and would not have a camper without it.... No worries about water entering the slide or crap getting caught in the mechanisms.... Well worth the money and takes about an 1.5 hours to install.
]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2018 14:21:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103740#103740 Slide topper : I installed the regular Carefree... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103728#103728 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11070
Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 10:04am

I installed the regular Carefree Slide Cover on our 179. It's the 98-105" size. We got ours here because they had the best price I could find:

http://www.rvpartscountry.com/RV-Slideout-Cover-Roller-98-105-White.html]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:04:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103728#103728 Slide topper : We put on on within weeks of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103720#103720 Author: furpod
Subject: 11070
Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 7:27am

We put on on within weeks of bringing furpod home. Wouldn't have a slide without one. Carefree Sideout Kover II, I think the measurement was 74 inches.


]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2018 07:27:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103720#103720 Slide topper : Thanks. Great work on your mods.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103714#103714 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 11070
Posted: 16 Jan 2018 at 11:58pm

Thanks. Great work on your mods.]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:58:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103714#103714 Slide topper : Steve,I installed a Carefree slide... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103712#103712 Author: voisj
Subject: 11070
Posted: 16 Jan 2018 at 11:43pm

Steve,
I installed a Carefree slide topper that I got at my local dealer.
Go to Carefree's website and they will show you how to measure for it and you can buy it direct from them. My dealer gave me a better price though and measured it for me. I installed it myself in a little over an hour and wasn't that hard.
 
Here's the kit, looks worse than it is to install.

I have more pictures in my slopodmods link on page 2.
]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:43:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103712#103712 Slide topper : Hi all,I’m looking to purchase... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103710#103710 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 11070
Posted: 16 Jan 2018 at 10:50pm

Hi all,
I’m looking to purchase a slide topper for our 179.  I would love responses please from those who have them. Im tired of carrying a ladder along just to climb up to sweep off leaves and twigs off slideout prior to bringing it in.  Price is not an object if I can find a good quality brand that’s reliable. 
Any suggestions are appreciated...
Steve
]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2018 22:50:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11070&PID=103710#103710