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

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).

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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

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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 (18) Replies to Cindy ∨

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.

Reply

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

Hey Rob! I'm assuming you have a Solera awning, is that correct? Unfortunately, the bracket is not something that is available separately. I know it isn't ideal but, the only way to replace the bracket is with the Replacement Support Arm…

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Answer 3

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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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 revolution…

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Answer 6

Thanks for the great question. Not knowing how far either side has slipped I would remove all tension for the arm and start over at zero tension. To add tension to your Solera RV Slide-Out Awning - 6'7" Wide - 48" Projection - White…

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Answer 7

Thanks for the pictures! It appears you're needing the: -Replacement Drive Head and Roll Tube for Solera RV Slide-Out Awning #LC34FR. Since just the hex bracket at the end of the roll tube is not available separately, you'll need to replace…

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Answer 8

Using these two products together is going to be a little bit of overkill, but I spoke with RoadActive Suspension and they mentioned that as long as your current bump stop (which would be replaced by a Timbren system) sits inboard towards the center…

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Answer 9

As for comparing the Timbrens #TGMRCK15S to the Roadmaster Active Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit #RAS54FR on your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 (4x4), the answer really depends on how much you tow or need suspension support for your Chevy.…

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Answer 10

On your Solera RV Slide-Out Awning, #LCV000163289, and other similar awnings. Each end has a clip in it to release the the spring inside the roller to provide the tension on the canopy. What you will need to do is pull the box in and on each end of…

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Answer 11

The amount of times you'd need to wind a Solera awning when installing it is 14 times. The part number you have 285148 matches up with the #LC87FR.

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Answer 12

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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How to Add Tension to Solera Slide-Topper

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