Ditch the Flap: Why We Ripped Off Our RV Slide Toppers and Never Looked Back

Slide toppers: those fabric awnings designed to keep debris off your RV slides. Sounds good in theory, right? But for full-timers like us, they often become a major headache. Between the constant flapping in the wind, the pooling rainwater, and the overall wear and tear, we finally reached our breaking point. In this article, we're diving deep into our experience of removing our old slide toppers and replacing them with a rigid alternative. Prepare for some brutally honest truths about RV slide toppers, and why we think this upgrade is a game-changer for full-time RV living.

The Slide Topper Struggle is Real

Let's be honest, those flimsy fabric slide toppers are often more trouble than they're worth. They're constantly flapping in the wind, creating a racket that can keep you up at night. And when it rains, they turn into giant waterbeds, sagging under the weight and threatening to dump a gallon of water on you when you retract the slide. The creators from "Today is Someday" echo this sentiment, emphasizing the noise and the need to constantly clean them as major downsides.

Beyond the noise and water issues, slide toppers are also prone to damage. The fabric can become brittle and tear over time, especially with prolonged sun exposure. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements. As the video mentions, the old toppers felt like they should have been replaced a couple of years ago, highlighting the limited lifespan of these fabric coverings. The hassle and expense of maintaining them just didn't align with our full-time RV lifestyle.

Making the Cut: Saying Goodbye to Fabric

The decision to remove our slide toppers wasn't an easy one, but once we started, there was no turning back. The "Today is Someday" video shows the actual removal process, and it's surprisingly straightforward. With a few simple tools, they were able to cut away the old fabric and remove the hardware. They even show how much tension was on the fabric, so be careful if you decide to do this yourself!

One crucial step in their upgrade was cutting down the lip on the slide to ensure a smooth surface for the new topper. This required some careful cutting and a bit of nerve, as they demonstrate in the video. It's a good reminder that RV upgrades often involve a bit of DIY and a willingness to tackle potentially daunting tasks. But in the end, the results are worth it.

True Topper: A Rigid Solution

After removing the old slide toppers, the "Today is Someday" team installed True Toppers, a rigid slide cover system. Unlike fabric toppers, True Toppers are designed to sweep debris off the slide as it retracts, preventing the buildup of leaves, dirt, and water. This eliminates the flapping, sagging, and potential for leaks that plague traditional slide toppers. As they mention in the video, True Toppers offer a fixed cover solution, providing a more durable and reliable alternative to fabric.

The installation process involves attaching a metal ramp to the edge of the slide, sealing it with adhesive to prevent water intrusion. The True Topper itself is then attached to the sidewall of the RV, ensuring a secure and seamless fit. The video highlights the meticulous work of Pro Finishes in Red Bay, emphasizing their attention to detail and commitment to quality. The end result is a clean, professional-looking installation that blends seamlessly with the RV's design.

The Devil is in the Details: Installation and Features

The video provides a detailed look at the True Topper installation process, showcasing some key features that contribute to its effectiveness. For example, they added extra sealant over the existing screws to prevent leaks. They also color-matched the areas where old trim was removed, ensuring a consistent aesthetic. These small details demonstrate the level of care and attention that goes into a professional installation.

One particularly clever feature of the True Toppers is the inclusion of locks. These locks secure the toppers when the slide is closed, preventing them from flapping during travel. They also allow access to the outer rubber seal for conditioning, ensuring long-term durability. As the video explains, the locks pull the topper down tight, providing a secure and rattle-free ride.

Key Takeaways

Fabric slide toppers can be a hassle: They're prone to flapping, sagging, and damage. For full-timers, the maintenance can be a constant headache.
Consider a rigid alternative: True Toppers offer a durable and reliable solution that eliminates the problems associated with fabric toppers.
Professional installation is key: The video emphasizes the importance of a meticulous and detail-oriented installation to ensure a proper fit and prevent leaks. The "Today is Someday" crew used Pro Finishes in Red Bay.
Small details matter: Features like extra sealant, color-matching, and locking mechanisms contribute to the overall effectiveness and longevity of the system.
Aesthetics are important: The True Toppers are designed to blend seamlessly with the RV's design, creating a clean and professional look.
Long-term value: While the initial investment may be higher, a rigid slide topper system can save you money and headaches in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.

Final Thoughts

For full-time RVers, every upgrade counts. The decision to ditch our fabric slide toppers and switch to True Toppers was a game-changer for us. It's one less thing to worry about on the road, and it makes our RV feel more like home. If you're tired of the flapping, sagging, and constant maintenance of traditional slide toppers, we highly recommend considering a rigid alternative. Be sure to watch the full video from "Today is Someday" for a detailed look at the removal and installation process. You might just be inspired to make the switch yourself!