Slide-out Awnings - Are they worth it? - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 03-08-2017, 03:25 PM   #1
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Slide-out Awnings - Are they worth it?

A newbie here. Getting my first TT and it will have two slide-outs. A friend recommended getting awnings for the slide-outs.

Are they worth the cost, and what is there purpose?

Thanks
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Old 03-08-2017, 03:56 PM   #2
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Great question Cougar I would like to know as well. Where I am parked right now I get direct afternoon sun in the living room slide and wonder if this will help dissipate heat in the hot in the slide during summer here in TX.


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Old 03-08-2017, 04:15 PM   #3
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Some people swear by them, some swear at them...

I like them for several reasons, they do help keep some of the heat off the top of the slide keeping it cooler. Been there done that in Arizona with my 5'ver in August. Here on the right coast they help keep the small debris off the top of the slides that could damage the seals if you happened to pull the slides in with the trash on top.

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Old 03-08-2017, 05:22 PM   #4
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Here on the right coast they help keep the small debris off the top of the slides that could damage the seals if you happened to pull the slides in with the trash on top.
I'm in the Pacific Northwest and it would be more for to prevent the seal damage from debris and trash.

Any idea on what it should cost me for two slide-outs?
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Old 03-08-2017, 06:12 PM   #5
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Common Pre-Delivery TT Mods

Another question.

What are common mods that have proven beneficial to have the dealer install prior to delivery (e.g. slide-out awnings, mattress upgrades, Maxxair vent covers, etc)?

Thanks again for any input.

-Mike
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Old 03-08-2017, 07:21 PM   #6
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I would guesstimate ~$500-$750 installed depending on the size, color, brand and material. I usually don't pay the dealer to do anything... I like to tinker and don't trust the dealer to do it properly. Also if the dealer does something it gets rolled into the price of the unit and you have to pay interest on it if you are financing. FWIW my rule of thumb has been 10% of purchase price will be spent on upgrades and things that I want that didn't come on it, so far I have nailed it on 3 of the last 4 units I purchased.

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Old 03-08-2017, 10:51 PM   #7
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Well worth it. Saves seals on slides, helps keep water off and prevent leaks, and keeps debris off your slide, which if not swept off, will damage your seals. Less than $500 each.
Rusty
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Old 03-09-2017, 01:12 PM   #8
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I concur, we had 3 toppers installed while staying in Quartzsite, Az. In Nov.
Great for debris and rain, not so much for wind though! Very noisey. We have put our slides in during real windy times.
We paid about $450 each installed. All 3 were 12 feet long or more each too.
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Old 03-09-2017, 04:08 PM   #9
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My slide topper is a broom that cost's $8. I wouldn't consider one unless I was full timing or camped in the desert. I've seen first hand slideouts with awnings covered in pine needles. People forget to check and just roll them up. Even had a guy tell me he had a pine cone or 2 under his.
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Old 03-09-2017, 05:17 PM   #10
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Look around the campground. Your more expensive units all have them. I live in my unit 6 months of the year and have never met a person who regretted buying them. Besides, the fewer times I have to get on a ladder to clean my slide-outs or do repairs, the better. I've meet quite a few guys who have put them on themselves in under two hours and with little, if any problems. Betting there is a YouTube video. Probably cut the cost down to $200 or $300 each.
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Old 03-09-2017, 05:30 PM   #11
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Look around the campground. Your more expensive units all have them.Rusty
Ah, so now i'm stupid and poor?
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Old 03-10-2017, 10:26 AM   #12
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No, just pick one or the other! LOL. I guess it's just like a lot of things; some things are "must haves" for some people and for others you couldn't give it to them. Whatever works.
Rusty
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Again, no offense meant.
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Old 03-10-2017, 01:52 PM   #13
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Again, no offense meant.
None taken
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Old 03-10-2017, 02:10 PM   #14
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Lol. Us 213 slummers still get to camp in the nicer neighborhoods dawniewest. And it's fun to BBQ steaks just to spite them. Lol



But, I gotta admit I made me a slide out topper out of thin gauge aluminum with a turned long edge that sits nicely in the rain gutter.

It's a roof over the roof sort of thing. I'm a fulltimer, just like some of the big dogs.

So my slideout is always out.
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Old 03-10-2017, 03:55 PM   #15
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The toppers are a great idea. I hated getting on the roof when it was wet to get leaves and small twigs off the slide before putting it in. Me and a friend installed them. Just remember, take your time and silicone is your friend.
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Old 03-12-2017, 07:57 AM   #16
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My slide topper is a broom that cost's $8. I wouldn't consider one unless I was full timing or camped in the desert. I've seen first hand slideouts with awnings covered in pine needles. People forget to check and just roll them up. Even had a guy tell me he had a pine cone or 2 under his.


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