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Slide-outs are an amazing invention because they allow you to expand your RV’s floor plan without creating a larger footprint.
But when you park and hook up in a campsite or RV park, you want the setup experience to be quick, easy, and painless. To that end, an RV slide topper can keep the elements and debris off your slides, so you spend less time cleaning up and more time relaxing.
Here, we’ll cover the best RV slide toppers on the market, plus offer advice on how to find the best RV slide topper for your needs (and your rig).
Table of Contents
- Protect Your RV Slide Out with These Slide Toppers
- Our Best RV Slide Topper Reviews
- Recap: Best RV Slide Topper
- Factors to Consider Before Buying an RV Slide Topper
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Protect Your RV Slide Out with These Slide Toppers
Best RV Slide Topper | Best For: |
Lippert RV Solera Awning | Overall Value |
Carefree SideOut Kover III | Durability |
SunWave Slide Out Cover Fabric | Awning Fabric |
Innova Trim to Fit Slideout Cover | Affordable |
Carefree White Slideout Cover | Easy Installation |
Our Best RV Slide Topper Reviews
Now that you know the names to look for, it’s time to discuss our RV slide-out awning reviews and why you’ll want to look for them.
Best Overall
Lippert RV Solera Awning
Now, this one here is the shining star of the lot. The Lippert RV Solera Awning has everything you could ask for in an RV slide topper. Need a 50-inch awning? How about a cover that seals off the slide room fully? Is cold resistance as low as -25°F something you need? As one of the best slide toppers around, Lippert RV Solera Awning has all of that.
On top of all of that, it’s decently easy to install! The mounting equipment and the RV slide topper fabric even come in matching colors.
It’s not hard to see why RV owners like this topper; it extends to a staggering length, offers heavy-duty weather resistance, and is simple to install. If you’re looking for a stable, reliable RV slide topper for the year-round RV lifestyle, this one could be for you!
- Select the size that extends a minimum of 2 ½" beyond each side of your slide box width
- Features white awning fabric and white hardware
- White 13' Solera Slider is 156" inches wide and has a box width range of 146" to 151¾" (Box width...
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Long extension range
- Full sealing
- Superior weather resistance
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Maybe a bit expensive
Best Heavy Duty Slide Out Topper
Carefree SlideOut Kover III
If durability is your number one concern for a topper, the Carefree Slideout Kover III is something to think about.
Made of sturdy vinyl and even sturdier aluminum, this polished piece is guaranteed to go great with your RV. It’s built to keep from caving in—and the way the cradle support is integrated, nobody will even notice all of the materials that went into the installation.
That’s not all, either: it’ll provide you and your vehicle with protection from all sorts of Mother Nature’s elements, from rain to wind to leaves.
There are a couple of things you’re going to want to know before you set your heart on this one, though. The first, most pressing thing is that it doesn’t come with a roller cover. The second thing is that some people find the instructions a little hard to follow.
If either of those issues is a deal-breaker for you, I’m going to suggest you try another slide topper for your RV.
- Automatically opens and closes with the room
- Shades the top of the room to help cool the interior
- The canopy helps protect the room from water, dirt, and debris when the room is extended
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Resilient against the elements
- Discreet supporting materials
- Structurally sound
Cons:
- Does not come with a roller cover
- Instructions may be hard to follow
Best Awning Fabric
SunWave Slide Out Cover Fabric
It’s like they always say: quality over quantity. That adage applies to fabrics as much as anything else. It’s why you should take a look at SunWave Slide Out Cover Fabric.
With 154 inches of fabric at your disposal, there’s no shortage of customization you can do with this stuff. Don’t worry about fraying it while cutting: that won’t be an issue. It’s not delicate stuff, either: it’s trusty ol’ vinyl. It can cover toppers with up to 50 inches of projection, too. That’s a pretty good range!
Here’s my one gripe with it: it only comes in one color—white. If you want a white RV slide topper, that’s great! If you’re looking for something more colorful, though, you’ll want to pass on this one.
- Replace your old and worn-out slide topper with Sun-Wave brand slide-out fabric!
- Will work with A&E and Carefree slide toppers!
- This fabric is 154" and is customizable to fit any slide topper size!
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Long range
- Durable material
- Won’t fray when cut
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
Most Affordable Slide-Out Cover
Innova Trim to Fit Slideout Cover
Times are tough right now. It’s entirely possible you don’t have a lot of money to spend on RV slide-out covers. Not to worry! The Innova Trim to Fit Slideout Cover has you covered. This slide cover won’t cost you a fortune.
It’s good quality for the price, too—in fact, it’s one of the best RV slide toppers out there. The unhemmed sides make it so that you don’t have to worry about a downpour of rain making a small lake out of your RV slide topper. Meanwhile, the tough awning keeps the wind from making too much racket. Best of all, fraying won’t be an issue with this cover.
Are there any drawbacks? Not really. It’s a pretty sound RV slide topper. It comes in black and white, giving it twice the chromatic range of some toppers on the market. The only pressing issue is that it only extends to 42 inches, which may not be enough for some RVs. I’d say that overall, though, you’re not going to go wrong with this one.
- Fits Carefree SideOut Covers and A&E Slidetoppers under 93" without alumaguard and slide extensions...
- Electronically welded polycord hems that slide into awning rail and awning roller will not leak or...
- Raw edge to sides of heavy-duty 15 oz. 1000 denier vinyl fabric, allowing to cut to exact length of...
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Low price
- Robust protection from the elements
- Resistant to fraying
Cons:
- Shorter extension length than some other models
Easiest Slide Out Awning to Install
Carefree White Slideout Cover
Installation can be a real hassle, especially if you’ve got the wrong topper. Thankfully, I know just the solution: The Carefree White Slideout Cover. Depending on how fast you work, you can install this versatile topper in less than half an hour. It’s lightweight, too—22 lbs! Nobody I’ve seen has had anything negative to say about the installation process.
Here’s the hitch, though: some customers have reported their order, not including mounting brackets. Make sure you know what’s coming with your order. If you can afford it, you can purchase mounting brackets separately. However, if you can’t afford a separate order (or don’t want to make a separate order), pass on this one.
- Product Type: Auto Accessory
- Package Quantity: 1
- Package Dimensions: 12.7 cms (L) x 43.18 cms (W) x 241.3 cms (H)
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Good warranty
Cons:
- Have to order brackets separately
Recap: Best RV Slide Topper
- Lippert RV Solera Awning – Overall Value
- Carefree SideOut Kover III – Durability
- SunWave Slide Out Cover Fabric – Awning Fabric
- Innova Trim to Fit Slideout Cover – Affordable
- Carefree White Slideout Cover – Easy Installation
Factors to Consider Before Buying an RV Slide Topper
All of the top picks listed above have handy features and highlights, but how do you choose? These are some factors you should take into account before making your purchase.
Does It Come With All the Parts I Need (Or Don’t)?
As you saw in the list above, not all RV awnings come with all of the parts you need for installation. For some people, this isn’t a problem. Some people already have the parts they need and would be better off not getting an extra set of parts with their slide toppers. Other people are fine placing separate orders for parts.
If that’s you, then opt for a cover that’s just the cover. If you need additional parts for installation, though, then go with a product that’s guaranteed to have them.
Necessary or Unnecessary Additional Features?
If you are looking to purchase an RV Slide Topper, then this is something to heavily consider. Every slide topper you will look at will have its own set of special features and unique gadgets that might catch your eye. Whether it be automatic features, innovative material, etc.
Although these may look tempting, if you are in a financial situation where you know this is not necessary, then please don’t fall victim. People pay loads of extra money for all of these qualities that you may find are completely useless on the road. Do your research beforehand and know your budget before buying something you know you might not need.
Will It Weather the Weather?
If you live the RV life, then this question will be top of mind for you. What good is a stay in Alaska if your slide topper can barely handle Oregon? What fun is a trip to Florida if the heat in Colorado is a bit much for your cover?
Always make sure you read up on the temperatures a given topper can take. There are plenty on the market that can take on the heat and the cold. Granted, if you’re only traveling to very mild, temperate locales, then heat or cold resistance may not be such a big issue for you.
However, you should consider other weather factors, too. Can your topper handle the rain? How about fall weather in general—can it deal with leaves coming down on it? It’s not just the immediate temperature you have to consider; it’s the overall climate. You’ll want something that’s climate-proof for everywhere you want to go.
You also may want to consider protecting your seals. This will ensure a long-lasting, smooth sliding topper for your RV. Some of the most durable toppers will also prevent mildew from building up inside your seals, and on the fabric as well. So watch out for cheap materials that will haunt you in the long run.
How Big is It?
Make sure you’re buying something that fits your RV. The last thing you’ll want is to invest your hard-earned money into a cover that’s too big or too small. Some covers are designed to be cut down to size, but that won’t help you if it’s too small in the first place.
Thankfully, some brands offer specific topper models in different sizes. Of course, you might need to head out and climb up a ladder to measure properly. Be sure to note the width of your slide box—and then add 2.5 inches to that.
How Much Does It All Cost?
This one might seem obvious, but it can be easy to lose sight of it if you’re not careful.
If you’re in a place financially where you can afford to buy the most expensive topper on the market, then go ahead and do that (as long as it meets all of your criteria)! If not, consider a less expensive model. Remember, price doesn’t always equate to quality; you saw that the Innova Trim to Fit Slideout Cover is a fine piece of equipment at a steal.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has given you some good direction about which RV slide topper is right for you. We’ve given you five of the best slide toppers to read about and provide you with some ideas of what to consider before buying. Check out some frequently asked questions below as well. And if you have other questions about slide toppers and awnings, hop over to Brian’s guides on installing awnings, cleaning awnings, and best RV awnings.
Overall, our top recommendation is the Lippert RV Solera Awning, because it’s easy to install and is packed with features to make your next RV trip more comfortable. Convenience plus the comfort of home means you can stay protected and cozy on the road.
Visit our best RV covers for bad weather for our top picks and reviews!