slide awnings on 2014 3750

[rickandsandy]

our new trailer is at the dealership for its checkover before transport to us.the mechanic doing thr inspection called and thinks we should have awnings installed over the slides to help prevent water leaks.has anyone had this type of problem?i didnt get the option as being in canada and using it for work there is a chance snow could build up and wreck them.also they are $2200 for 5 slides

[WeBeFulltime]

If you don't have them where is the snow going to accumulate? Some like the slide awnings and others do not. I am among those that prefer to have them.

[1retired06]

I always have them. Personal preference. However, few years ago, spent a winter in Colorado Springs, and found myself constantly pushing snow off them because of potential damage. Slides will help prevent water leaks if your seals are damaged. If your seals are good, and slides adjusted properly, you will not have leakage problems. Lots of folks don't like them, and do just fine without them.

[Neil.M]

I didn't get them for our new rig and was stuck in Abilene, TX for four days in the Dec. ice storm. When we finally got on the road we ended up with lots of water from ice melting off the slides after we pulled them in. Something to think about.

[richfaa]

We do not do snow& ice so can't comment on snow&ice issues. They do keep all kinds of debris off the top of the slides and we have never had a slide roof leak. Had them on both Montana's and IMO they are a must have.

[bncinwv]

We have had them on all three rigs and would not be without. If snow builds up while the rig is occupied, all you have to do is retract the slides, and ice and snow rolls right off. Without them if snow builds up, you have to sweep the slides off before retracting. The bad news is that you should have had them installed at the factory as part of the original order. Would have saved you about $1000 considering the rig discount from MSRP. MSRP price for factory installed on our sheet is $1885.
Bingo

[Irlpguy]

We have had them on both our SOB and the Montana and I would absolutely order them again. Ours came factory installed. I see no problem with snow on them, if you retract them the snow will come off and fall to the ground, without them you not only have snow to remove from the slide top but all kinds of other debris that does not collect there with the slides awnings..

Have no idea what the factory install option cost, don't care, I would put them on again anyway.

In very windy conditions they can be a bit noisy, but they have not bothered us enough to not want to have them. The benefits outweigh the detriments.

[mhs4771]

Agree with everyone, wouldn't be without them if there's a chance of snow or ice, or if you do wooded parks during the fall.
I for one DO NOT want to be on the roof if there's snow or ice there, plus not sure how good it is to be walking on a frozen roof.

[MDL]

Wish this thread was here when we ordered our Monty. I didn't get them due to the issues I've heard with wind and sun rot. We're not even part timers, so for us, I'm hopeful that I can just continue to brush the tops off if there is a lot of debris. It will be much more difficult to add them now as I'm not sure how they'd match them on a Big Sky package. I guess If I need to add them, I'll have to have some custom paint work done too.

If they're loaded with snow, won't they actually bind against the outside slide flange and the main body, not rolling up? I would think if there are layers of ice/snow combined, you'd still have to dump/brush them first, wouldn't you?

[fauch]

where do pine straw, oak leaves, willow leaves, snow, raccoon leavings, squirrels nuts go when you retract your slides if you don't have toppers?

[Artemus Gordon]

I had tem installed at factory. My first SOB did not have them. In one big store we got leaks? I decided they were a must have on RV. Also take time after each "slide deployment", and see that all rubber blades, have deployed properly. Sometimes the rubber blades don't come out all the way. I use a broom handle and gently unsnag them! Just something to look for each time you set up! I expect to replace them every three years.

[bncinwv]

Our Big Sky awning toppers are black and match nicely. The slide awnings are spring loaded to buffer any stress effects on the rig.
Bingo

[WaltBennett]

Guarantee you'll appreciate them after the first time retracting your slides and NOT having to sweep off leaves, small branches, whatever, or even checking to be certain none of that stuff is on any of them. I've never had them out when it snowed on any of the rigs I've owned, but seriously love not having to climb up on the roof every time I'm going somewhere.

[rickandsandy]

thanks for the comments everyone.wish i would have joined before we ordered the trailer,they are being installed today

[MDL]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

Our Big Sky awning toppers are black and match nicely. The slide awnings are spring loaded to buffer any stress effects on the rig.
Bingo

Thanks Bingo. Took your advice and the dealer will add 3 black toppers when it comes in. They should pay you a commission!