Concerns with adding slide topper

[ParrishCamper]

We are thinking of have slide topper added at dealership. Husband is worried they may cause damage or leak. It's at a dealer we know nothing about 660 miles from us.
Our previous camper topper was added at the factory.
It's for the large slide on Eagle 284BHBE.

[norty1]

Most dealers worth their salt can install slide toppers and awnings in their sleep. It is their bread and butter.

[RedHorse1]

Our dealer added toppers to "sweeten the deal". The lesson I learned is be sure to specify exactly what you want. We wound up with bright white on our beautiful mocha tinted 5er but we've had no problems from them.

[Parcany]

we had our toppers put on by the dealer and they did an great job, no problems whatsoever.

[namusmc65]

Originally Posted by Parcany

we had our toppers put on by the dealer and they did an great job, no problems whatsoever.

X2 Our dealer did a great job installing three toppers before we took delivery. They were put on in a couple hours and we have been using them once a month for over 2 years now with no problems what so ever. I would not hesitate to have a dealer install them.

[ParrishCamper]

Thank you for your response. This will put my husband at ease.
I will have to make sure they are putting on a cream or dark color topper.

[3'senough]

Pretty sure that the drip rail mounted on the walls is used and existing from the factory already. The dealer will only be drilling the slides for the arms holding the roller tube.

I could be wrong.

[BigJohnD]

On that model you'll have to either remove the factory drip rail / gutter and install the awning rail in place of it, or install the awning rail above it. I'd suggest going above it if possible, as in some cases you won't have near enough pitch on the topper for water run off. Dealers all have their opinions and ways of installing them, as in which way to seal. I've done a few and have my own way of doing it as well. Under the rail and brackets, Some use putty, some use butyl, some use a sealer, some use a combination. I prefer using all geocel proflex in my installations, under brackets and rail, filling screw holes Etc etc. I also install the rail with th screws on the underside and then run a bead of geocel on top of the rail. I could go on, but if done right, no worries with leaks.

[ParrishCamper]

We pulled the trigger today. Put a deposit on the camper.
Dealer will be installing black slide cover which will match AC/vent covers.
Thanks for your replies!

[Parcany]

My .02 cents get white slide toppers, black may not be a good color to be over the slide. May make the slide to hot. Our white slide toppers take the heat away from the slide and it is cooler inside the camper.

[ParrishCamper]

Here are are some pics the dealer sent me of slide toppers they added to an Eagle FW last week.

[blane]

We had the dealership install ours and they did a great job with the install, the only problem I have seen is water pools in the center of it every time you get a good rain which is a real pain.

[Parcany]

Originally Posted by blane

We had the dealership install ours and they did a great job with the install, the only problem I have seen is water pools in the center of it every time you get a good rain which is a real pain.

We went to Walmart last year and bought 4 balls, about 7-8 inches round and put 2 each under each slide topper. no problem after that.

[BigJohnD]

I made some long a-frame type outfits out of PVC with foam padding that slide under ours to keep the water from pooling, BUT, we full time, and they are under there for long periods of time. I wouldn't bother if we were weekend warriors. Ideally, you'd just install the toppers with more pitch if doing yourself. Just did my father in laws and made enough pitch to avoid the pooling. Not enough pitch on mine since the rail went over where the old gutter above the slide was.