How to Add Tension to Solera Slide-Topper

Updated 06/19/2024 | Published 10/26/2019

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

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

Cindy

4/16/2020

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

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).

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

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

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?

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.