Solera Slide Topper Awning

[LClarkx2]

I recently have bent the slide topper awning rods on my Citation. I suspect it was because I tried to overextend the slide out.

Anyone else experience this?

[cpmath]

Looks to be you're the only one who has done this.

[Bob Denman]

How can you over-extend a slide?
Unless it's laying on the ground next to your rig: it's a pretty fool-proof thing...

[Judge]

Take a look in the DRV section and you will see a large slide laying on the ground next to the rig. Anything is possible! [emoji6]

[Bob Denman]

Yup!


http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1559565680

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

How can you over-extend a slide?
Unless it's laying on the ground next to your rig: it's a pretty fool-proof thing...

It's all I could imagine what had occurred. What else would be the problem? I'm going to the dealership this morning.

[The Gritz Carlton]

If you are referring to the side brackets that hold the awning "axle" in place, it could be that moisture has entered a small leak somewhere and the base material they are bolted/screwed into have become weak or the mounting screws/bolts just need tightening. If you're referring to the actual "axle" itself, it may be that you've hit something like tree branch and bent it. Can you attach a picture of the area?

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

If you are referring to the side brackets that hold the awning "axle" in place, it could be that moisture has entered a small leak somewhere and the base material they are bolted/screwed into have become weak or the mounting screws/bolts just need tightening. If you're referring to the actual "axle" itself, it may be that you've hit something like tree branch and bent it. Can you attach a picture of the area?

I'm referring to the axles or the rods that secure the awning to the outside of the slide.
No I definitely did not hit any obstacles.

Both rods on each side are bent approximately at the same angle. They are touching the side of the rig. It appears the awning wasn't extending as much as the slide out was. Maybe an issue with the awning topper roller?

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by LClarkx2

I'm referring to the axles or the rods that secure the awning to the outside of the slide.
No I definitely did not hit any obstacles.

Both rods on each side are bent approximately at the same angle. They are touching the side of the rig. It appears the awning wasn't extending as much as the slide out was. Maybe an issue with the awning topper roller?

I had this happen on my coach. A 60 mph gust hit me wen I was bucking a 40 mph head wind. The topper unfurled. When it retracted, it bent both arms against the slide and broke one of the brackets. My topper is a C of C. I replaced brackets and readjusted the gust locks - so far so good.

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by Beau388

I had this happen on my coach. A 60 mph gust hit me wen I was bucking a 40 mph head wind. The topper unfurled. When it retracted, it bent both arms against the slide and broke one of the brackets. My topper is a C of C. I replaced brackets and readjusted the gust locks - so far so good.

Interesting. I live in Texas, so wind gusts are a daily occurrence. During our last trip, we encountered a lot of gusting winds. Strangely enough, both of my topper arms are bent against the slide and one bracket is bent. I've submitted a warranty claim with LCI. No response yet.

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by LClarkx2

Interesting. I live in Texas, so wind gusts are a daily occurrence. During our last trip, we encountered a lot of gusting winds. Strangely enough, both of my topper arms are bent against the slide and one bracket is bent. I've submitted a warranty claim with LCI. No response yet.

Pictures of my Citation slide topper.

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by LClarkx2

Pictures of my Citation slide topper.Attachment 17884Attachment 17885Attachment 17886Attachment 17887

That is odd. What are those bracket arms? Are they hollow aluminum?

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by LClarkx2

It's all I could imagine what had occurred. What else would be the problem? I'm going to the dealership this morning.

Since the motors that move the slides are pretty "torquey": if the mechanism that rolls up your toppers binds up...

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Since the motors that move the slides are pretty "torquey": if the mechanism that rolls up your toppers binds up...

Understand and good point. I'll ensure the topper awning mechanism moves smoothly before replacing the rods and bracket.

[Bob Denman]

But you have to remember that my free advice only comes with a "double your money back" guarantee...

Good luck!!

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

But you have to remember that my free advice only comes with a "double your money back" guarantee...

Good luck!!

Thank you. :-D

[cmills1334]

have had this problem since i bought my 31w thor been replaced 3 times each time different shops think the have it figured out now extended war wants no part of it

[LClarkx2]

Originally Posted by cmills1334

have had this problem since i bought my 31w thor been replaced 3 times each time different shops think the have it figured out now extended war wants no part of it

Damm. Not sure I like that at all. I hope I have a more positive result.

[gibbyid]

Looking a my 28 Z Thor could not find a place to attach rod bracket closer on slide out so the rod is to long and at that length will bend.

[Beau388]

In my case, the C of C gust locks were not properly set at the factory. The brackets are made of 14 ga steel and it take a great force to bend them. I know as I tried to straighten mine. Long toppers have two gust locks that engage an adjustable block. The problem is the slide movement engages the locks during the last two inches of travel. If the locks are not engaged until the last 1/2 inch of travel there is insufficient force to set the lock against the block. Also if the slide creeps out during travel, it will release the gust locks. I just went through 40 mph gusting to 55 mph head winds, heading south on I-57 driving 60 mph. The gust locks held.