Does The Factory Rain Gutter Need To Be Removed When Installing A Slide Topper?

Updated 08/04/2026 | Published 07/30/2026

Question:

To install a slide topper on a 2019 Coachmwn Freedom Ezpress 192rbs, what do you do with the factory rain gutter installed above the slide? Does it need to be removed?

asked by: David W

Expert Reply:

Hey David, thanks for reaching out. On most 2019 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS trailers, the factory rain gutter stays in place. It does not get removed just because you're installing a slide topper. The slide topper's awning rail mounts above the slide opening, and the gutter is only removed if it physically prevents you from mounting the rail at the correct height.

The key measurement is the distance from the top of the slide-out flange to the bottom of the awning rail. We recommend mounting the awning rail approximately 3 inches above the top of the slide flange. If the gutter allows you to hit that measurement, leave it alone. If the gutter forces the awning rail lower than that, then the gutter needs to be removed or relocated before installing the topper.

The etrailer RV Slide-Out Topper # e47QV you were looking at is 132" wide overall. It's intended for slide outs between 122" and 127-3/4" wide.

What is the width of your slide out?

expert reply by: Jesse M