The Ultimate Guide to RV Slide Topper Awnings
Useful RV accessories can help outdoor travelers reduce common travel hassles. During the hot summer months, RV travelers have a much greater need for shade than at other times of the year. An RV awning is a must-have accessory for every RV enthusiast. Today let’s gain a deeper understanding of what an RV slide out awning is and how it enhances our outdoor RV travel experience.
What is a slide topper awning?
How does a slide topper awning work?
What to consider when choosing a slide topper awning?
How to choose the correct slide topper awning size for your slide out?
Tips for maintaining your slide out awning
What is a slide topper awning?
A slide out awning also called a slide topper is a type of retractable awning cover mounted above the slide-out section of an RV (recreational vehicle), camper, motorhome, and trailer.
When the slide-out is extended, creating additional living space inside, the awning extends to cover it. The slide topper awning provides shade for the RV, shielding it from sunlight, dust, leaves, and rain.
How does a slide topper awning work?
A slide topper awning automatically extends and retracts along with the RV slide out.
Here are some functions:
- Automatic Extension: When the slide-out extends, the slide topper awning automatically rolls out at the same time, creating a protective cover over the slide-out roof.
- Protection from Weather: While extended, the awning keeps leaves, branches, and other debris off the slide-out, as well as protecting it from water, snow, and UV rays.
- Automatic Retraction: When the slide-out retracts, the awning rolls back up automatically, ensuring it stays neatly stored and does not interfere with travel.
What to consider when choosing a slide topper awning?
- Heavier Weight Fabric, Higher Quality Awning
The quality of the fabric is one of the main reasons we need to consider when we choose a slide topper awning. Normally, most brands adapt vinyl material. The vinyl is durable, waterproof, and resistant to mold and mildew. Vinyl is a great choice for harsh weather conditions compared to other materials like Polyester or Acrylic. RV awning fabrics are typically made from 13 to 18 oz vinyl fabric. The weight (oz) refers to the thickness and durability of the material. Heavier weight fabrics, like 16 oz vinyl, are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. For example, Awnlux awning fabric is made from ultra-durable 1000D PVC Tarpaulin 16 oz vinyl material, making it an excellent choice for your slide-out awning. With an impressive 140 PSI tensile strength, it is highly resistant to ripping, tearing, and puncturing. However, some brands choose lighter vinyl material, like 13 oz vinyl, which is more flexible and easier to handle. However, the disadvantage is that it is not very durable, thinner, more transparent, and less effective at blocking light, lacks strength, and is prone to damage. In addition, the fabric's built-in UV resistance and water resistance are also important. We also need to check if the fabric has been treated with antimicrobial properties or coatings to resist mold and mildew buildup in humid or wet environments.
- Best-Designed Aluminum Frame Construction
Lighter than steel, aluminum is corrosion-resistant and often used for RV frames to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. It also helps to improve fuel efficiency. The best material for the framework is aluminum on the market. Awnlux awning framework integrated design ensures the awning will have a long-lasting durability. Stand brackets make the installation quick, easy, and safe. It is equipped with hexagonal rods in various sizes for installation.
- Compatible Replacement For Multiple Brands
You need to check if the awning you want to buy is compatible with your old awning brands. Different brands feature different designs. Some brand awnings may not be interchangeable with others. Normally, they will indicate this on the website. Awnlux slide toppers can replace the Carefree, Solera, or Dometic slide topper awning, etc. As we are different brands, you need and will only need to slightly adjust the position of the original installation brackets when mounting.
How to choose the correct slide topper awning size for your slide out？
Different brands feature different measurement methods. All you need to do is ensure that the awning fabric size (not the awning size) should cover your slide out size with flanges. Meanwhile, you need to confirm there are no obstacles besides the slide out. For Awnlux slide topper awning, you need to measure the distance from the edge of the left flange to the edge of the right flange. Our slide awning size is longer 6’’ than the awning fabric size. For example, if the distance from the left edge to the right edge is 7’, you need to choose a 7’6’’ awning size (actual 7'7" awning). The fabric size is 7’1 which will cover your slide topper.
There are 20 different width options: 5'6", 6', 6'6", 7', 7'6", 8", 8'6", 9", 9'6", 10', 10'6", 11', 11'6", 12', 12'6", 13', 13'6", 14', 14’6’’, 15’ wide. All of our slide-out awnings have a depth of 51", giving your slide-out plenty of length to work with. You need to confirm if your chosen brands have multiple sizes available.
Tips for maintaining your slide out awning
Water-resistant and stain-resistant fabrics are easier to clean, as they repel dirt and water. Normally, we suggest you regularly check the screw tightness and ensure that the mounting connections are secure, and clean the fabric with water and a brush every two months. Awnlux slide-out awning frame assembly is also very easy to clean and maintain. Before your purchase, please make sure that the slide out awning kit package will come with a roller tube, fabric, arms, rail track, installation manual, etc.
Conclusion
As we've explored in this ultimate guide, slide-out awnings are a must-have for RV enthusiasts. They not only provide shade and coolness in the summer but also offer a safe and comfortable space for you, your family, and your friends to relax during outdoor gatherings. A slide topper awning is a valuable investment, so be sure to consider the points mentioned above when purchasing. We hope you find a slide-out awning that fits your needs, and if you need any assistance, please feel free to contact us at any time.