How to replace a Dometic Deluxe Slide Topper slide out awning. The Deluxe is a newer model from Dometic that has a different look.
Tools Needed:
1. A couple sturdy ladders
2. A power drill
3. Spray silicone lubricant
4. A straight pick
5. And of course your new vinyl Tough Top slide out replacement awning/topper
Step One: Extend the slide room all the way out
Then remove the anti-bellowing device on the roller tube.Next remove screws from the channel on side of RV. Usually there is a screw at each end.
Step Two: Unroll the fabric off the tube
Grab the roller tube at front end of RV and unroll the fabric off the tube. Once the roller tube is visible, pin it with the pick tool to keep it from unrolling. You do not want to loose the spring tension on the roller.
Step Three: Remove the awning fabric from the RV
You’ll want to remove the fabric from whichever end is easiest to remove the fabric off of awning rail on the RV. If you’re doing a bedroom slide out you’ll want to remove the fabric toward the rear end of the RV rather than pulling the fabric all the way toward the front end of the RV. Here its helpful to have another set of hands pulling on the fabric either on the RV or the slide out but one person can perform this function. This can be done from whatever end you wish to do it. Give it a good tug and it should free up.
Step Four: This is a good time to perform some maintenance on your RV
You can inspect and clean off the top of your slide out AND most importantly be sure to spray the rubber seal at the top of the slide room with Rubber Seal Conditioner. This should be done on the sides of the room opening as well but this can be done at any time as long as the room is out.
Step Five: Install your new Tough Top Awning Fabric
There are a number of things you need to do before installing your new awning fabric.
First, spray both the channel on the RV as well as the awning channel on the roller tube with spray silicone.
Next, pry open the end of the channel on the RV with a good sized screw driver where you will be installing the new fabric to make it easier to guide the new awning onto the RV. Opening the end of this channel on the RV provides another function is that it will be less likely to cut or pierce your new awning fabric. Take notice of this when installing the new awning on the RV.
One last thing. You also need to prepare the channel on the roller tube for the new awning. You want to enlarge the end of the channel by filing both sides which will make it MUCH EASIER to introduce the plastic tubing on your new awning into the channel. Inch the fabric into each channel alternating from the RV to the roller tube. Take your time here and be patient. After all you only have to do it once.
Step Six: Grab the roller tube, take some of the tension off the tube, and remove the pick that is holding the roller tube in place, and allow the tube to slowly tighten the new fabric. This is a good time to eye ball both ends of the awning fabric to see that they line up with each other. If they are off very much the fabric will not roll straight when you slide the room back in. It’s a good idea to run the room in and have someone watch how the fabric tracks. It should track straight. Do this once and then inspect your new awning with slide room out. The fabric should be uniformly tight. If not the slide out may not be perfectly perpendicular to the RV which is something which will have to be addressed.
Step Seven: Replace the Anti- Bellowing Device
Most likely the old screw holes will not line up since your new awning is custom made for your RV. The anti-bellowing device should be at 11 am position on the passenger side and 1 pm on the drivers side.
Congratulations on the installation of your new Tough Top Slide Out Awning. You’ve saved yourself a considerable amount of money and you know the job has been done right. If you have any questions or need some assistance don’t hesitate to give us a call.