Aftermarket Solera Slide Out Awning Installation on Thor 5th Wheel

Question:

Hello Im looking at ordering one of the Solera Slide-Topper slide out awnings for my 2000 Thor Wanderer Deluxe fifth wheel. It didnt have one. My slide out measures exactly 12 ft and 11 inches wide from the outer edge trim of the flange on the sides of the slide out. Im assuming I would need the 13.5 ft model I want it in white to match my fifth wheel in order to overlap both sides by approx. 3inch on each side. My question is that I have a rain gutter feature mounted on the trailer that runs right along the top edge of the slide out. It extends approx. 3inch plus on the sides of the top of the slide out flange. It is probably around 1inch and would appear to prevent water from entering the top of the slide out. Its screwed in with screws underneath a flexible moulding and has a whole lot of silicone on it to prevent leakage. Should I leave this feature in place I dont want to create more problems trying to remove it and patching holes and will it cause any interference with the installation of the new awning mount on the side. Is there a specific measurement for the distance above the slide out to accommodate the pitchinch of the awning? Would the new mounting channel be far enough above the existing rain gutterinch to not cause a problem with the Slide Topper operation upon closing it against the side of the trailer? I hope Ive been clear on this. I just dont want any interference with the new unit and want to avoid any binding between the existing gutter and the upper awning channel. You guys are great! Thanks for any feedback you might provide.

asked by: Stewart P

Expert Reply:

The complete Solera 13-1/2-Foot Slide Topper Awning kit # LCV000163300 that you referenced is your best option for a white awning based on the details you provided.

Installation of the kit's included awning rail will require that the Thor give you a minimum of 3-inches above the upper edge of the slide room. This minimum 3-inches is from the actual top surface of the slide box itself up to the bottom of the rail. Do not measure from any molding around the opening. This 3-inch mounting rail placement will ensure an appropriate pitch for rain run-off.

Do please note that Lippert stresses that all screws supporting the awning assembly MUST
have a backer within the structure of the wall of the unit. Refer your unit's VIN to for proper location of awning rail mounting screws.

Ideally you will have enough space for the 1-inch awning rail to be positioned as described without interfering with your rain gutter, which is certainly a feature it is best to retain. If you need to re-position the rain gutter you'll need to check with Thor and use new silicone sealant to ensure the gutter is reinstalled waster-tight.

In a separate email I sent to you the complete aftermarket installation manual so you can see the instructions ahead of time.

expert reply by: Adam R