Have you experienced leaking issues with your new Avenue due to twigs, pine needles, leaves, dirt, rain, hail, or bird droppings getting stuck on top of the slide topper
If yes, I think you will be eager to have a new slide topper awning, and you feel like you can't travel without a slide topper awning?
What is the benefit of having a slide topper awning?
l Provides shade from rain, the slide topper cover is waterproof and bigger than your slide box, the rain will drain to both sides., reducing the chance of leaking.
l Prevents debris, leaves, bird droppings from getting on top of the slide, protects the slide-out mechanism from being damaged，Keeps the room cooler by providing an air gap.
Direct sunlight on the top of the slide-out compartment causes the temperature inside the compartment to rise, awning reflects ultraviolet rays, reduces the temperature inside the compartment, and keeps you enjoying comfortable traveling.
But some people said they meet some problems with slide toppers, here are some issues and solutions.
1. Noisy
2. Fabric damaged
3. Fabric sags some after heavy rain or the Awning tube is out of shape
4. Stuck after 2 or 3 years
5. So many brands of slide topper awnings which one is best
6. How to confirm the slide topper size
7. How to install
8. Where to Buy
Q 1. Noisy
If windy, the sliding fabric flaps up and down. I have seen some people put a beach ball under the fabric.
But sometimes the flaps are caused by loose tension, maybe check your awning tension first.
Q2. Fabric damaged
Can be damaged if the wind is too high. Most recommend closing the slides if the wind is over 30MPH，it is inconvenient but needed. Because it is not the awning’s function to resist high wind.
But we also meet the fabric damaged or open in windy days even the slide topper is closed. If so, an anti-billowing device is a good choice.
Q3. Fabric sags some after heavy rain or the Awning tube is out of shape
The rain is heavy if stays on the fabric for a long time, the fabric will be stretched, and it will be easy to sag on the next rainy day. Even worse, the awning tube will be out of shape by heavy fabric.
So please set a suitable slop when you install the awning, The bigger the size, the steeper the slope should be.
Most of the brand awning tube is around 60mm, it may become deformed in heavy rain, for over 12ft slide topper, a bigger size tube is a better choice. Or put a center cradle under the tube.
Q4. Stuck after 2 or 3 years
Spring is the main part of the awning’s mechanical structure, it was put in the awning tube and seemed to protect well, but not, they are exposed to the air. This is especially true in humid coastal states like Florida, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.. They are humid, and rainy, with Sea breeze, the spring will rust in that environment quickly. So a sealed and waterproof tube to protect the spring is important. As we research, only one brand (Awnlux) offers a slide topper awning with a sealed tube protects the spring and extends the awning’s lifetime.
Q5. So many brands of slide topper awnings which one is best
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Dometic |
Carefree |
Lippert |
Awnlux |
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Brand Background |
European company with all series RV parts |
Older America awning factory |
Owned by U.S.-based Lippert, Supply to RV factories directly |
RV awning Manufacturer with over 15 years history |
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Product Durability |
Premium series performs well; lasts 5+ years |
Lasts 3+ years |
Common retraction issues after 2–3 years |
With sealed and waterproof tube， extend the spring and awning life time |
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Fabric Quality |
Thick PVC, strong UV resistance |
Thick PVC, strong UV resistance |
420-450g PVC fabric |
550g PVC fabric |
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Spring Structure |
Adjustable tension, , well-lubricated internals |
Adjustable tension, smooth and powerful retraction |
Adjustable tension， but may stuck after 2-3 years |
Adjustable tension, put in sealed and waterproof tube |
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Ease of Installation |
Easy install |
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Easy install |
Easy install Offer customize service |
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Wind Stability |
Some types with anti-wind design |
Some types with anti-billowing device to resist wind |
No lock system, need extra anti-billowing device to resist wind |
Some types with anti-billowing device to resist wind |
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Price Range |
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$450–$800+ |
$300–$500 |
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After-Sales & Spare Parts |
Spare parts is expensive and harder to source |
Spare parts is expensive and harder to source |
Lippert’s nationwide service, easy to replace |
Seeking Partners in local site, will easy to repair and offer nationwide service in near future |
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In conclusion: If the budget allows, Dometic awnings will be your first choice,
But if you like special customize and good quality, the Awnlux is the best value for the money.
If you are worried about the after-sales service, Solera offers nationwide service.
Q6: How to Measure Your Slide-Out to Choose the Right Slide Topper Awning
Proper measurement is essential to ensure your slide topper functions correctly and provides full protection against rain, debris, and sun exposure. Since each brand designs slide toppers differently, the required size will vary based on your slide-out dimensions.
Before measuring for a slide topper, it's important to understand that the awning you choose must be able to fully cover your slide-out box. A key point to note is that the actual fabric width of the awning must be wide enough to cover the entire slide-out box, including the trims.
Measurement: Always measure from flange to flange (not the box body), and ensure your RV is on level ground before measuring. Meanwhile, while measuring, ensure that there are no obstacles around the installation area that could interfere with the awning.
Now, let’s take the Awnlux slide topper awning as an example to show how to take the correct measurements. Let’s follow these detailed steps to select the correct awning size for your slide-out:
✅ Step 1: Identify the Key Measurements of Your Slide-Out. You will need to take three primary measurements:
A (Depth) – The distance your slide-out extends from the RV wall. This determines the awning’s extension depth. For example, when you choose the Awnlux slide topper awning, please make sure your slideout extension distance is smaller than 51 inches or 4 feet. Other brands might have a shorter extension, like 48" since the depth they can accommodate can vary slightly from one brand to another.
B (Flange-to-Flange Width) – The width of your slide-out from outside edge to outside edge of the flanges. This is the most critical measurement for determining the proper fabric width. Follow Step 2.
C (Height) – The vertical space available for installation above the slide-out. This helps determine the proper mounting location and clearance. Normally, the awning can be installed up to 4 inches above the top flange of your slide-out, giving you more flexibility during installation.
✅ Step 2: Determine the Required Fabric Width
To ensure proper coverage and help prevent rain from blowing in at an angle, the awning fabric size must be larger than the edge-to-edge size. Match the fabric width to your slide-out's flange-to-flange measurement. Keep in mind that the actual fabric will always be 6” inches shorter than the total awning width.
For example, if your slide-out B measures 64 inches (or 5'3") from flange to flange, you should select a 6-foot awning. This will provide a fabric width of 67’’(5'7"), ensuring full coverage of your slide-out 64 inches.
In conclusion, some brands provide sizing charts—refer to the manufacturer's guide if available. You can use their size guide or contact their service team directly.
Q7: How to Measure: Install your Slide-Out awning
Refer to above size chart, take a ruler to measure the distance of the slide room to see if it fits the size you purchased, and avoid affecting windows and storage bins during installation. Measure the position of the brackets ( on both sides) and mark the position.
2. The RV has pre-designated mounting locations, but the brackets themselves have never been installed. Firstly, you need to check if the new awning brackets can be used in the original position, if it can not be installed in the original position, you may need to remove the pre-installed one.
3. The RV already has old mounting brackets that need to be removed and replaced with new ones. You need to remove the old one and drill new holes for new ones.
How to install a slide topper
1. Install the Awning tube
There are typically two types of roller tubes available on the market: one-piece roller tubes and sectional roller tubes. If you have a sectional roller tube, you will need to use screws to assemble the tube completely.
2. Insert the fabric into the tube
You need to thread the poly cord through the top of the fabric, and then insert the fabric into the roller tube. Adjust the position to ensure the fabric is laid flat and aligned without any deviation.
3. Install the Awning Rail
Apply butyl tape to the back of the access plate, then secure it to the exterior corner of the slide room using screws. using the provided screws. Repeat the process for the second plate on the opposite corner.
4. Assemble the hexagonal rod
Carefully position the extension rod into the torsion arm of the spring head assembly, ensuring the fastener holes align properly.
Next, slide the end cap onto the extension rod, making sure all fastener holes are aligned.
Secure one end with the provided self-tapping screws, then repeat the process for the opposite end.
5. Insert the awning fabric into the awning rail
Position the rod with one person at each end, then unwrap the fabric one turn.
Insert the fabric into the awning rail, starting from the end with the spread corners.
Center the fabric and slide the torsion arms into the brackets.
Here is the Awnlux slide topper awning installation for your reference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TadcYzMVa04
In summary, A slide topper awning is needed, choosing the right slide topper is not a difficult task. In this article, we’ve covered: Common issues with slide-outs. The role of a slide topper Problems with slide toppers on the market. Comparison of different slide topper brands. How to choose the right slide topper. How to measure and determine the correct size. How to install the slide topper. We hope this information is helpful to you. If you're looking for a cost-effective slide topper, consider trying Awnlux's awning. We believe this product will be the best choice for you.https://awnluxpro.com/products/awnlux-black-modular-slide-topper-awning-slide-out-protection-for-rvs-travel-trailers-5th-wheels-and-motorhomes