Slideout awning cover removal

[dwaynebmsg]

Recently, I have been getting water inside my coach when the slides are in. Today I visually inspected the seals and discovered that the problem is the fabric of the topper is not quite fully retracting and a small section is falling down between the slideout wall and the RV wall. This allows water to run down the side of the slideout into the RV, seals are OK. I found that there is a build up of leaves, pine straw and tiny twigs between the fabric roll and the awning cover. My question is how do I take the cover off to clean it out. The awnings are Carefree and original to the coach. First question is, has anyone removed the awning cover and how? I see that there are two end caps that are held on by three or four screws. Second question, if I remove the end caps will it just allow the cover to come off or will it also release the fabric roller mechanism? Thanks!!!

 

[435-fht]

I just went through this with my Seneca.

In the first picture you posted, remove the screw on the upper right, both sides. The cover swings out and disconnects at the bottom. Depending on the length, I suggest you have somebody on the other end when you swing out the cover. I did it by myself, and my cover (about 6' long) disconnected and I almost dropped it on the ground.

Here's the thread, with a few pictures, on my Carefree topper cover;

Slide Topper on Seneca XT

Anybody know what brand of slide toppers are used for the Seneca XT's? Or more importantly, how do I maintain them? They don't appear to be Lippert/Solara. Lately, the topper over my bedroom slide retracts about every other time. Today, I used a broom handle to hold the topper material up, so...

www.jaycoowners.com

When I re-installed the cover, I worked from the middle, and got it somewhat close to position. I taped it in place with blue painters taped, while I worked it into proper position from each end.

 

[dwaynebmsg]

Thanks for the response. I found a couple of Youtubes that showed me exactly what you said! I could not believe how much rotten leaves, twigs, and pine straw was packed into the cover. I cleaned everything out but the fabric is still loose when the slide is closed. My next step is to try and add at least one more turn to the spring to create more tension.

 

[435-fht]

Mine didn't have very much "stuff" collected inside the cover, but the awning wasn't retracting. I used a broom handle to lift it out of the way while the slide retracted. I laid the loose fabric over the side. By the time I climbed down from my ladder, the fabric retracted very quickly. This was before I removed the cover.

When I had the cover removed, I sprayed a little WD 40 into the ends and the fabric retracts every time.

This is my first slide topper with a cover, and I'm less than impressed.

 

[dwaynebmsg]

Hmmm, WD 40. I'll spray the mechanism tomorrow. Mine retracts but is not tight enough. When closed, there is about 4" hanging down that gets caught between the slide and RV wall.