How to Add Tension to Solera Slide-Topper

Question

Question:

How do you put more tension on topper? When it rains the water stays on top of the topper and makes it sag. Thanks for your help

asked by: Ralph

0

Expert Reply:

When installing/adjusting the Solera RV Slide-Out Awning # LCV000163285 tension is applied by rotating the awning roller 14 times. This should apply the needed spring tension so that the fabric doesn't billow in the wind or leave enough slack that it sags when collecting some rain water.

Also make sure that you have at least a slight decline from the awning rail to the end of the fabric so that water can flow off the awning.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Brent

5/23/2020

Looking at the slide out, the right side has lost all tension. Left side is still under tension. How do I reset tension on one side?

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Chris R.

5/26/2020

I wonder if the spring/cotter pin holding it in place is broke or missing. I would remove the awning and see if you can find a spring on that side (it isn't anything more than a cotter pin) - if it's loose or gone, replace it and try winding the roller back up for proper tension when re-installing. Let me know if this doesn't help.

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Cindy

4/16/2020

My slide topper has lost all tension. How do I correct/get tension back?? 2019 install.

Reply

Chris R.

4/17/2020

If it's completely lost tension, you will have to actually remove the awning so that you can unwind it and then wind it back again for proper tension. When you re-mount the awning the roller should be rotated about 14 times (Lippert recommends between 12 and 16).

Reply

Tj B.

9/23/2020

@ChrisR Thank you for these details. The one detail I don’t see in all of these answers for the Solera Slide out awning is, which direction and how do you wind it? Do you take each end off the tube and wind it and then screw it back down? Wind which direction? Thank you

Reply

Jon G.

9/23/2020

@TJB You will roll the tube forward to add tension to the spring bar. From my understanding you won't need to take off the ends of the tubes. Jump to the 8:45 minute mark of this video and I think Shane does a good job at showing and explaining what to do.

Helpful Links

tv-install-solera-rv-slide-out-awning2019-grand-design-reflection-lcv000165062.aspx

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See All (14) Replies to Cindy ∨

Answer 1

According to Solara (Lippert), the correct number of turns to set the proper tension of their slide toppers like #LCV000163285 is between 12 to 16 turns, so I'd consider 14 to be a pretty good happy medium.

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Answer 2

To adjust the tension on your Solera RV Slide-Out Awning, #LCV000163285, you'll want to remove the slide topper from the brackets and reroll the awning roller 14 times to add enough tension to the springs. You'll also want to ensure…

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Answer 3

If the fabric on your Solera RV Slide-Out Awning - 6'7" Wide - 48" Projection - White #LCV000163285 is laying loose with no tension you've most likely lost the required amount of tension on your tension springs.…

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Answer 4

Put the pin back in and wind it 12-16 times rolling it towards the camper to put the correct tension in the slide topper #LCV000163285 before installing it. This will give you the correct amount of tension for extending and retracting the awning.

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Answer 5

You'll have to remove the roller tube on the Solera Slide-Out Awning #LCV000163285 and reroll the fabric and then reattach the roller to the arms. The manufacturer recommends rolling it completely back up and then unrolling it only one…

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Answer 6

Tension can be adjusted to loosen your Solera RV Slide-Out Awning, #LCV000163285 if you choose to. However, you are probably just fine and you want tension to hold the fabric tightly so as to not sag. Yes, there will become a point when too much…

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Answer 7

I have a solution for you, but my contact over at Lippert tells me that you won't be able to replace just those casings on Solera Slide-Out Topper. The parts you need are the Replacement Idler Head and Roll Tube for Solera RV Slide-Out Awning…

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Answer 8

With the Solera slide toppers we offer like the part #LCV000163285 the correct amount of tension is 12-16 turns before attaching the fabric to the rail.

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Answer 9

You do not have to remove the entire slide topper to be able to replace the Idler Head and Roll Tube #LC87FR for your Solera slide topper. A second person will be able to support the weight of the tube and fabric in place while the assembly is…

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Answer 10

Did you have have the awning roller wound too tight when you initially installed it? At the time of installation the awning roller should be wound 12-16 rotations to put sufficient tension on the springs. Sounds like you may have yours wound too…

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Answer 11

The crazy rough bouncing of the rear suspension is due to the very high spring rate of the rear suspension. The very high towing capacity of your early model F550 is kind of a double edged sword in that you have the ability to tow way more weight…

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Answer 12

For replacing the Drive Head #LC34FR and Idler Head #LC87FR on a Solera Slide Topper you will want to completely remove the slide topper from your RV/Camper. You will need to insert a pin into the end of the tube end cap(see image) to keep the…

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How to Add Tension to Solera Slide-Topper

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