Slide topper installation

[DJP6371]

I own a 2017 Jayco Eagle 336FBOK and will be installing 3 slide toppers on it on Tuesday.

I have looked at a number of threads that indicate the necessity of taking care as to where the installation is made for the support rail, with regards to proper backing behind the fiberglass.

The schematic diagrams sent to me by Jayco are of little assistance as to exactly where proper backing areas are.

Above each of my slide outs I have a rain gutter… Is it a reasonable assumption that that rain gutter is installed on a properly backed support? If that is the case would it not be appropriate to carefully remove the rain gutter and use that location as the installation spot for the slide topper rail?

There’s also varying thoughts on whether to mount the topper brackets on the outside lip of the slide out or within the frame of the slide out.

Suggest? Experiences?

[RoadrunnerII]

Double check your rain gutter... It may have the c track in it.
That said we had the dealer install 3 slide toppers as part of the new purchase. The two large rear toppers pooled water constantly in the rain.
Retensioning helped but did not fix. Ended up the dinette slide the dealer added a new c track 2-3 inches above the original eavestrough c channel. We added a centre support to the kitchen slide and retensioning fixed it.
I think as long as you hit each metal stud with a screw it won't be an issue. The other screws are only in the fiberglass
YMMV

RoadrunnerII

[RipinSC]

They are referring to the brackets that mounts to the slide. If you don’t screw them into a solid backed surface they will pull out. Jayco mounted one of my toppers only into the fiberglass side wall. It pulled out and destroyed the awning. Good thing it was under warranty. On 2019 model eagles, they need to be mounted to the slide upper trim piece. If in doubt, have them installed by an rv dealer.

[DJP6371]

What’s the best way of finding the the metal studs?

[RoadrunnerII]

Dew in the morning when cool. Will show up on the fiberglass
You could try a stud finder but those normally check for density
Or just match up with the screws holding the existing eavestrough.
On the slideout wall you need to mount the brackets such that the screws get into the woodframing that holds the slide roof. Too high you are in just the aluminum lip or making a hole on the backside into the rubber roof.
Too low you are into just the fiberglass. It is likely only 1 x 2 piece.

RoadrunnerII