Question Tensioning a Carefree Slide Topper

[Neal]

My full wall slide topper seems to have too much slack. I'd prefer it be tighter like the other slides. Is there a process to adjust the slack and tension the topper?

 

[Chuggs]

Yes...but it is done before the topper is slid into the track. They slide a web strap with the plastic beading sewn into one end. Wrap it around the roller a bunch of times...and pull. It pre-tensions the roller. Then they install the topper fabric.

 

[Buly]

Mine are loose too. It bothers me, but yet to find someone to tighten them.

 

[boomer]

According to Newmar they are slack at the front of the coach to allow for drainage and other stuff. This is apparently a design "Feature"

 

[Buly]

My toppers collect lots of rain water. I have to lower the front end to dump the water, before retracting the slide, or the water gets pushed inside the coach.

 

[FL-JOE]

My full wall slide topper seems to have too much slack. I'd prefer it be tighter like the other slides. Is there a process to adjust the slack and tension the topper?

Yes...but it is done before the topper is slid into the track. They slide a web strap with the plastic beading sewn into one end. Wrap it around the roller a bunch of times...and pull. It pre-tensions the roller. Then they install the topper fabric.

Just stumbled across this old post.

I had my toppers replaced Monday. I watched and assisted through the whole process. The two techs had done numerous Carefree toppers of several different years and models. When we were doing the FWS it came up about the slack at the front of the coach but the topper being tighter at the back. The older tech told me that Carefree only put a spring in the rear and not in the front. He said there was nothing we could change to make the front as tight as the back.

Anyway, my new Stone Vos toppers fit about the same as my old Carefree, except they are thicker, darker, and I don't have to look at unraveling threads.

 

[Rich-MLsRV]

Attached is the Carefree service manual. @Neal - I think you have the SOKIII on the FWS. In the manual there is section (page 11) on replacing the spring. You could use that information to adjust the tension. Looks to be a bit of a challenge. @FL-JOE you are correct that the spring is only on the rear.

I used the info in the manual to help me replace the FWS topper.