True Topper is THE COOLEST RV Slide Topper Device We've Ever Seen!

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True Topper is THE COOLEST RV Slide Topper Device We've Ever Seen!

Рет қаралды 52,079

Ай бұрын

Traditional slide toppers flap annoyingly in the wind, wear out too fast, and collect water that pools up and stretches the fabric. They're also clunky and unattractive. We had a fantastic new type of slide topper replacement installed on our new RV - the True Topper.
SAVE ON YOUR OWN TRUE TOPPER(S)
Tell them "RVgeeks sent me" to get a 5% discount
www.truetopperusa.com
Not ready to have the top of your slide cut off? The best replacement fabric we've ever seen, and used for years, is Tough Top Awnings.
SAVE ON TOUGH TOP AWNINGS AND SLIDE TOPPER FABRIC
Use code RVGEEKS at checkout for a 5% discount
www.toughtopawnings.com
‪@truetopper4418‬ ‪@outdoorsrvmfg‬ ‪@thompsonrvinc‬
Peter Knize & John Sullivan host The RVgeeks KZfaq channel and create original articles about RVing on their blog, TheRVgeeks.com. They also co-hosted the first 5 seasons of The RVers TV show on The Discovery Channel, PBS iTunes and other outlets, also serving as co-executive producers on the show. Full-Time RVers for more than 20 years, they share DIY RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks they've learned over more than 2 decades on the road.
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INSTAGRAM: / rvgeeks
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Sometimes we receive products for evaluation at no cost and may use affiliate links from which we earn commissions. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. But our opinions are our own. We only recommend products we believe deliver real value, that we can confidently recommend without reservation. You also won’t pay an extra penny by using our links, and in many cases can even get a nice discount! Thanks for supporting RVgeeks as we work to create helpful RVing-related content that we hope enhances your RVing life.
Even though we're handy RVers, we're not professional technicians. So although we're happy with the techniques and products we use, you should be sure to confirm that all methods and materials are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
Special thanks to our friends Bill & Mark for providing the location for us to shoot this video… and allowing us to moochdock there. 😊
#truetopper #slidetopper #rvslideout

Пікірлер: 87

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Save on your own True Topper(s). Tell them "RVgeeks sent me" and get a 5% discount! www.truetopperusa.com

@donaldbailey5576 28 күн бұрын

One benefit of awnings is that they create shade for the top of the slide. I do most of my camping in the southern states. It’s a huge benefit.

@RVgeeks 24 күн бұрын

Interestingly, @donaldbailey5576... there's a testimonial on True Topper's website where a customer did some testing with a temp gun... testing with and without the topper to see about heat transfer into the RV. Admittedly, his slide topper was black, not white... but he found that it was cooler inside the slide WITHOUT the topper (i.e. with the True Topper). While the topper fabric color was surely a factor, air flow could also play a part.

@joneyjimms1598 Ай бұрын

Totally agree! Took my 1991 Hitchhiker 2 over on mothersday. Dennis and brother installed on my 12 1/2 foot slider and it works great. You WILL NOT FIND ANYBODY THAT TREATS THERE WORK AS PROFESSIONALY AS THEM. Very very critique of themselves, treat the job as if they owned it themselves. Very proud of product an workmanship.😊

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@joneyjimms1598 So great to hear! We had the same experience.

@SpykersB Ай бұрын

😂 saw a little twig get a ride inside...was funny. Had toppers on my 5 slide 5er, n all did was worry about them getting ripped off every windy day. Hated worrying about them! So yes, if i ever get an rv with a slide again, this true topper i would definitely want. Great invention. 🍻

@davidmccartney7577 14 күн бұрын

If you looked close it came off, watch again😉

@SpykersB 14 күн бұрын

@@davidmccartney7577 how close do u think an iphone 12 mini will get u? 😂

@JerseyRV Ай бұрын

You guys are always on top of the best new products for RVers. 👍

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Thanks Bill! Looking forward to seeing you mañana!

@kenkiest3045 29 күн бұрын

We had our two slides done by True Topper last spring. We love them!

@RVgeeks 29 күн бұрын

@@kenkiest3045 Awesome! Us too! 😄

@InterGaycialFreedom 29 күн бұрын

This slide topper looks super effective. We are preparing for full-time rv living and will definitely look into this for our new rig!

@RV_Tips_Tricks_Travel 17 күн бұрын

It would be so much better if the True Topper was big enough to cover the entire depth of the slide, that would serve to protect the the entire slide when the slide is open and when closed it would cover at least a portion of the window blocking sunlight from inside your rig, reducing heat and keeping out uv rays from fading your furniture.

@glennkennedy441 Ай бұрын

An interesting product, thanks for the demo....

@Mi_Tony 29 күн бұрын

Now tell them to make a cover like this to protect the awning when it’s rolled in. Also would help keep it protected from UV. I’d buy one of those in a minute!

@michaelmoran4716 27 күн бұрын

they have an Outdoors RV with aluminum metal protective cover on main awning, very cool

@joanmcerlean7158 Ай бұрын

Saw Chris and Aaron’s demo video too. I just think they look so much better. Sleek and well designed.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@joanmcerlean7158 We think so too! Glad someone finally decided to create a whole new take on slide toppers!

@WildBlueWanderers 26 күн бұрын

We had True Toppers installed earlier this year in Oregon. So happy we did this! (We did a quick video too) 👍🏻👍🏻 looks great

@timaz1066 21 күн бұрын

I have them on both of my slides on my 2000 Monaco dynasty and I love them.

@richsnead5875 26 күн бұрын

It must be pretty expensive since there's no hint at what the cost is. Interesting product.

@janehargis9301 Ай бұрын

Great video! I took notes for sure! There was some very soft lightly bouncy instrumental music playing throughout. Drove me nuts searching my place for it before finally realizing it was coming from my TV. Kinda weird and if I had even a slight hearing deficit I wouldn’t have heard it. Anyway, thanks again for a very informative video!

@milesandjohnsadventures 21 күн бұрын

Miles and I are going to check out this product!

@bobkillion9681 8 күн бұрын

It’s a cool deal, pricing is the same as most toppers, fabric is noisy in wind and can pool water stretching the material

@dankarau2307 Ай бұрын

The wear and tear on the EDPM/.TPO will be huge if in a sandy or just dirty area. We have traditional slide toppers on a 40' 5thwheel with no flapping because they have the additional aluminium cover that weighs down to topper a bit and prevents any flapping.

@bounderchris Ай бұрын

I have to agree. I looked up the tough top covers he mentioned in the beginning. If that gets rid of the flapping then I’m fine with the rest!

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Because the wipes are a very smooth plastic material, and the topper is actually quite light, there’s very little pressure on the top of the slide. But we’ll be sure to keep an eye on it, and keep you posted!

@dankarau2307 Ай бұрын

@@RVgeeks Thanks. When I looked into these a year or so ago, the cost to have them installed on my RV was very significant. That didn't even factor in the travel cost to go get them installed. To be a viable alternative for the masses, or to get manufacturers to use them from factory, they really need to get the cost down as the materials used are very inexpensive, but the labor is very high.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@dankarau2307 We’re guessing that this product will be like so many others, and that becoming more popular and widespread will help bring cost down over time. We hope so, since we think these should replace roller/fabric toppers on every rig someday. It would be great to have a new & improved standard!

@terry3193 Ай бұрын

Hi guys, I’ve seen a few videos of the True Topper and really like it. Definitely the future of toppers. I “think” one of the rv manufacturers are now installing these as standard equipment. I’d like to get these on our 45’, 4 slide Holiday Rambler Navigator and painted to match but might be too pricey. As usual…another great informative video. Thank you for sharing!👍

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@terry3193 Thanks Terry!

@RussellBond13 Ай бұрын

I wouldn’t say everybody could install it, but anyone with some skills can handle it easily. I also think I’d rather have a regular slide topper all things considered

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

We only showed them doing a few of the many steps involved. If you want to see pretty much the whole installation process, check out the Irene Iron Fitness KZfaq video. It's a pretty involved process. We're sure that a talented DIYer could handle it, but since they don't sell them as a kit, it's not an option anyway.

@jesusisalive3227 6 күн бұрын

Someone will offer a DIY version sooner or later.

@NissanPRO4X Ай бұрын

On my 2017 Image 2400BH rain noise was greatly reduced with my traditional slide topper. We also camp under pine trees where sap is an issue. I can see sap getting caught and spreading on the wiper.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Great points! We've had issues with sap on our slide toppers, too. It was always extra frustrating because if we didn't check and clean it off before closing the slides, it would roll into the fabric, and get the underside all sticky too. No good solution here except to check and clean before closing up. Love the forest, but hate the sap! As far as rain, we love it... the louder the better (within reason of course)! LOL Safe travels.

@tomd.benjamin762 Ай бұрын

Cool, not sure I’m 💯 % convinced … but I like the concept.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Completely understand. We weren’t totally convinced either… until we had one! 😄

@TRIPURAVillageRide Ай бұрын

Good motor home

@susanmartinriecks1843 Ай бұрын

Would be interested in feedback from folks who have the True Topper AND who do a lot of winter camping. Wondering how well the True Topper deals with heavy snow and ice. Maybe now that you have an ORV (known for being capable of handling the colder weather), you can test your True Topper and report back?

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Are you suggesting that we camp in the COLD?!?! How dare you! 😂 Seriously though, if we do, we'll be sure to report back. Also, there's a video we saw where someone showed their True Topper in the snow: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mr58qth-sNPImHU.html

@susanmartinriecks1843 Ай бұрын

@@RVgeeks Um, guys? Didn't you read the fine print on your ORV purchase contract? All of us who have ORVs are OBLIGATED to do some cold weather camping ON PURPOSE at some time during our ownership of the ORV rig! I'm sure it's in there! 😂😉

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@susanmartinriecks1843 Guess we should have read the fine print! 🥶😜😂

@TheMyersAdventure 4 күн бұрын

I think this would be great! My only concern is what happens when your slide isn’t level or not in sync? Would it damage that topper?

@RVgeeks 2 күн бұрын

Great question! Since the True Topper rests very lightly on top of the slide, and glides/slides smoothly on a hard rubbery sweep, we don’t think it could catch on or damage the top of the slide. But we always extend and retract the slide while level, and if the slide motors went out of sync enough to torque the room very much, we’d likely stop the movement quickly anyway.

@TheMyersAdventure 2 күн бұрын

@@RVgeeks our large slide has had to have the camber done by Lippert and we have to get it done again. We only use RV parks and mostly on bases, so they are concrete pads. We go back again to get it done next month. We’d love something like this, but still concerned our slide would break that.

@RVgeeks 2 күн бұрын

@@TheMyersAdventure Worth inquiring about through the True Topper website. They surely know if there’s any risk at all.

@davide8629 Ай бұрын

Looked into this to replace existing slide topper but they need to cut off the upper flange of my Tiffin slide room. I wasn’t comfortable with that so passed. Don’t recall the price but it wasn’t cheap but not ridiculously expensive.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@davide8629 We were nervous too, but the experience of friends, and great word of mouth in general gave us a lot of confidence. Worked out great, so we’re happy we overcame our concert.

@airizonneed1403 Ай бұрын

How do they address the removal of the old fabric topper and any mounting holes?

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@airizonneed1403 Great question! Because ours came with no slide topper, we’re not sure. But if we remember right, our friends Chris and Aaron of Irene Iron Fitness may have had slide toppers removed. If so, their detailed installation video would show how that’s handled.

@falcon7350 Ай бұрын

Love the videos but that's a big no to this one. the upper part may be ok to cut off smaller slides outs but its there for a reason. on longer slides this adds a lot of force on the remaining ends. as your RVs twists going down the road adds unwanted force to all parts. some slides are 2000 lbs in them and the center of the slide pushes on the side wall mounted to the roof member. nice ideal but you own it after words

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@falcon7350 We think that True Topper is working with some manufacturers to see about making them available as OEM equipment. Should that happen, we’d imagine that not only will be manufacturers be satisfied that whatever they install will be structurally sound, but it would probably reduce the overall price as well. We’re eager to see where these go as they get more and more out there. We really love the concept, it’s working great for us, and we hope it’s super successful.

@rjahn3000 Ай бұрын

I wonder how hard it is to replace those rubber seals that clean the top of the slide?

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@rjahn3000 Not sure, but they appeared to us to be slid in from the end, so probably pretty straightforward.

@Norman1965arg 26 күн бұрын

I thought the topper keeps the sun and the elements off the top, I don't know how much it cost but is like a giant squeegee concept.

@RVgeeks 26 күн бұрын

@@Norman1965arg The primary purpose of slide toppers is to prevent water and debris from being pulled into the RV when the slide is being closed. That’s exactly what this does, but a different (and we think, better) way. Since the top of the slide room is made from the same material as the roof of most RVs, there’s no more reason to protect it by covering it then there is need to protect the roof of an RV by covering it.

@MASONROSS69 Ай бұрын

What if the slide out roof membrane needs replaced?

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@MASONROSS69 The True Topper pivots right up out of the way, so it should be no problem.

@MASONROSS69 Ай бұрын

@@RVgeeks What about the ramp?

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@MASONROSS69 It was secured down with adhesives, so we think that it can either be removed, or the membrane could just be replaced right up to it, and re-sealed. Hope it’s a LOOOONG time before having to think about it though!

@joebudde3302 Ай бұрын

The only thing I can think of on a downside is the inability to keep "bird poop" from entering the RV. A traditional ST can not remove BP either but it rolls up outside the RV. Still seems like more positive for True Topper.

@NoGasWelcomeAboard Ай бұрын

Also, before retracting True Toppers after longer dusty/desert stays you might still want to wipe the slide roof off using a pole extension and damp microfiber towel OR rinse them off like you showed. Otherwise dirt and sand could be dragged across your slide roof, with some inevitably getting by those sweepers. Like their simplicity. However if one wants window awnings, those would still need to be to added.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

We do tend to keep things clean, so up on the roof a lot, and will be sure to check for bird droop periodically!

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

We’ll be sure to keep the roof of the slide clean, but it will be easier than cleaning under slide topper fabric (since they don’t stop dust from accumulating either). We’ll keep you posted!

@BC-te9ow Ай бұрын

I know you guys stay on top of maintenance, but over time I would consider eternabond tape on some of those seams around the ramp they installed. Look’s great 👍.

@Itsa_Mea Ай бұрын

Have you seen an install video? Worth the watch. The ramp is bonded. Way more stable and permanent seal than eternabond.

@BC-te9ow Ай бұрын

@@Itsa_Mea Actually haven’t. Just paranoid myself about seams and exposure to elements.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

Check out the detailed video our friends Chris & Aaron of Irene Iron Fitness posted here on KZfaq. That ramp is incredibly well sealed!

@Itsa_Mea Ай бұрын

@@RVgeeks that's where I had seen it!!

@davidmccartney7577 14 күн бұрын

Yep, I’m getting these installed on our new Alliance when we get it😎🇺🇸

@marksr1907 Ай бұрын

But the top bracing of the slide also serves to provide structural integrity and a seal against the wall that's under pressure when the slide is in. Removing the upper horizontal support is a huge problem - it's not just a fiberglass trim piece.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@marksr1907 We understand that people may have concerns. But as we ourselves, and our friends Chris & Aaron (who’ve had multiple True Toppers longer than we have), can attest, whatever the theoretical situation, we’ve had zero problems, and the slide works identically to the way it came from the factory, including closing and sealing normally. Look for these to start appearing as OEM gear without structural changes needed beyond the omission of the top flange. We’re incredibly impressed with the real life operation of the topper, and the slide, and haven’t seen reason for any concern.

@greg9323 19 күн бұрын

I don't think of this as a slide topper but a slide-sweep.

@RVgeeks 18 күн бұрын

It performs the most important functions of a traditional slide topper - preventing water or debris from coming into the RV (or getting crushed into the top flange) as the slide retracts. It just does it better, and looks better, all while allowing access to the top of the slide for cleaning and sealant inspection. It’s a better mousetrap in most ways, and once people get used to it, it will likely become the standard, or at least very common. After 20 years of full-timing with traditional toppers, True Topper addressed our biggest annoyances with them (pooling water / sagging fabric; allowing water that got under the edge during windy rainstorms to get under the fabric… and into the RV; flapping in the wind; blocked access for cleaning and seal/sealant inspections & maintenance; clunky, ugly design. We would never go back to old slide toppers.

@DennisWintjes2 Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Like #17

@garyag45 Ай бұрын

🤛👍🦅🙏😎🇺🇸

@thecherryrvlife Ай бұрын

The only thing that concerns me is the sun beating down directly on the top of the slide and transferring heat to the interior. We spend a fair amount of time in the South (even in the summer) for work and family reasons - I like that, conceptually at least, the fabric slide topper is keeping the direct sun off the top of the slide.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

We had the same thought, but since the top of the slides are white, and there are TONS of rigs out there with no slide toppers at all, we weren't too worried. Then we read the test done by Mellow Honek (included on the True Topper website testimonials page), and it wasn't an issue for him (although he had a dark slide topper as I recall). We've been in some VERY hot weather lately (haven't we all?!) and the air conditioning has kept up easily... even running off our battery/solar bank!

@M.Campbell 16 күн бұрын

It looks like a slide scraper.

@RVgeeks 16 күн бұрын

@@M.Campbell It’s actually a slide squeegee, and does an awesome job!

@jesusisalive3227 6 күн бұрын

That would not be hard to install at home.

@neilrankin9945 Ай бұрын

I agree with you, much better design but $1000 a slide is very steep.

@RVgeeks Ай бұрын

@@neilrankin9945Hey Neil! We know they’re more expensive than regular slide toppers, but those are also pretty pricey for what they are. At least these provide something great! We expect they’ll come down if/when more mass production follows wider use. Hoping to see them as OEM gear.