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03-05-2012, 01:19 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Meridian
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #12231
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Slider Awnings Adjustment
Hi, I am new to the MOC. Just sold our smaller travel trailer and went for a 3455SA. We learned a lot about RV systems with the old TT, but we now plan on near full timing in the hopefully near future and think this is the bigger (nicer)home for us. Question: Does anyone know how to tighten the awnings over the sliders? Not the ones over the windows, but the ones designed to protect the top of the slides when they are fully extended. The big living room awning sags and holds water when it rains and it seems that you should be able to tighten it up, but don't have any instructions. Hopefully some advice here or I will have to go back to the dealer and sort through the BS.
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03-05-2012, 01:42 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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I don't believe there is a settable tension adjustment on the awnings. The bigger slide awnings do pool water and the forum has many posts on various methods (beachballs under it, straps across the top, pvc frames, etc) of keeping the water off. I have never worried about it, retract the slide about halfway and the water rolls off (make sure none is standing near if you adopt this method!). If someone does come up with an adjustment method, they would most likely be viewed as heroes by the MOC.
Bigno
__________________
Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
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03-05-2012, 01:55 PM
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#3
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Meridian
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #12231
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Go figure. I like the beach ball idea. May try a soccer ball, since the kid are all grown now and I don't need the balls cluttering up my garage anymore. Give those funny balls a whole new purpose in life. Never got used that game, am an American football fan myself. I found out the hard way about the pooling while opening my mid located front door and must have just stressed things enough to start the deluge while entering. It was a particularly grey and cold day and it was a pretty nasty surprise. You just have to learn somethings the hard way. Thanks
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03-05-2012, 02:02 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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I have always been afraid to use any of those methods because I know I would forget about whatever I chose being there and closing the slide anyway. I could see closing the slide on a beach ball, the ball blowing up and the neighbors wondering what the heck was going on! 
Bingo
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03-05-2012, 02:04 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Navarre
Posts: 1,527
M.O.C. #9765
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Not sure you will ever get away from the water causing it to sag thing. I just replaced my long slide topper and it is sagging a bit. Here is my plan. Follow the removal instructions on this site.
http://www.rv-motorhome-answers.com/...tallation.html
Before I reinstall the fabric, while Joyce holds the reel, I will remove the cotter pin, (hopefully Joyce is still with me), then rotate the roller tube another flat past the original 12:00 position. Reinstalling the cotter pin and fabric. It's a plan!!! 
Mike
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03-05-2012, 02:23 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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No matter what you'd prefer, the slide topper will sag a bit when it rains and flutter a bit in strong winds. Assuming it is not properly tensioned, there are tightening instructions (turns of the spring) on the manufacturer's websites according to what length of slide topper you have. Just a note of caution about tensioning beyond the manufacturer guidelines ... you run the risk of the topper causing too much tension on the top of the slide causing it to tilt in slightly when fully deployed translating to leaks. As put forth in earlier posts, some use the soccer ball on a tether, some use bungie cords around the entire slide, and others buy the bow system to help support the slide topper fabric.
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03-05-2012, 04:01 PM
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#7
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Meridian
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #12231
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All good advice. Thanks a bunch. My first inquiry on this forum and I wasn't disappointed. Lot's of good practical advice that even makes sense to me.
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03-06-2012, 03:12 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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As indicated, you can adjust the tightness; takes two people, and strong hands because of spring tension. With the higher inside heights of the slideouts, you can no longer get the drain angles that were possible in the past, and many are almost even front to back. I built a pvc support for my longer slides which helps a lot; if you go that route recommend the support just barely kiss the slider awning, or it will stretch out over time. And remember to remove before closing the slides! I only use mine here in Florida where we sit for five months during the winter. Rest of the time I either close the slide to drain, or get on my trusty ladder and sweep off. If any wind, that will also clear the water off over time.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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03-06-2012, 03:24 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 4,200
M.O.C. #11401
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I just go to rear of long slide and use my broom to pull down on the end edge and water runs off easily. Larry
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