If you’ve followed us for very long, you know that 1) Slide topper replacement is our absolute favorite DIY RV project (easier than expected, better quality than OEM, saves a ton of $$) and 2) We think Tough Top Awnings makes the finest replacement fabric on the market… and is a fantastic company to boot.
After nearly 13 years on the road, we’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to suppliers of RV services and equipment. So when we purchased our first Tough Top Awnings slide topper replacement fabric over three years ago, we immediately knew we were dealing with a great company. Responsive customer service, fast shipping and top quality products.
We’ve since had enough experience with Tough Top Awnings to recognize that Ray & Tyler run a truly wonderful company, and we’re proud to call them friends.
We recently visited their new production facility in Vancouver, WA (where they also do installations), and they showed us how to replace the fabric on a Carefree of Colorado Omega. Since that model combines a slide topper and window awning all in one, you might expect replacing it to be a complicated job. As it turns out, it’s actually a snap!
Check out the video to see how easy it is to replace the Omega. If you have a different model slide topper, or have a main awning to replace, our entire video series on fabric replacement is listed below.
Visit www.ToughTopAwnings.com and enter the
Discount Coupon Code “RVGEEKSROCK”
for a 5% discount on your entire order!
Previous Related Videos:
Looking for a tutorial on how to replace a different brand/model of slide topper or awning?
Featured & Related Products:
- Tough Top Awnings (Get a 5% Discount when you use code “RVGEEKSROCK” at checkout)
- Locking Oil Filter Wrench
- Folding 7′ Step Ladder
- Dewalt Cordless Drill
- Tape Measure
- Silicone Spray
- Utility Knife
- Pop Rivet Tool
- Pop Rivets
- Cable Ties – 11″
- 8″ Wire Cutters
- 10″ Flat File
- Torx Bit Set
Nancy Hatterman
Thursday 16th of November 2017
I know it has been a couple of years since you recorded this but do you know what color was used for this particular replacement?
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 16th of November 2017
Hi Nancy! We're 99% sure that is Tough Top Awnings' "gray" 15 oz heavy duty fabric, which is perfect for slide toppers. But if you want to be 100% sure, you can call Tyler at (360) 980-0537 to confirm. Let him know you want the same fabric he demonstrated replacing in the "Omega" slide topper video with the RVgeeks, and he can check the video and confirm. But looking at it again, we're actually 99.9% sure it's gray! Don't forget to tell Tyler "RVGEEKSROCK" to save 5%! Actually, since your timing happens to be just about perfect, we'll let you in on a little secret. Next week we'll be announcing a sale on Tough Top replacement fabric, using a special limited-time code. Don't tell anyone we told you though! ;-) Just be sure you're subscribed so you'll get the announcement.
Tom Ryan
Friday 5th of May 2017
Dear RVgeeks,
We used your how-to tutorial methodology to remove/repair/reinstall our Omega Slide Topper. Although one RV repair specialist prescribed complete replacement, we found the 15 year old topper fabric was fine; the original thread used to stitch the channel rod had begun to disintegrate, however, causing the topper to partially pull away from our RV.
Here's how we fixed it:
First, we followed your step-by-step tutorial to rotate, clamp, drill and remove the slide topper (easy). Then we purchased UV-resistant outdoor heavy duty polyester thread and restitched the channel rod. (We also replaced the 3/16" plastic rod itself, as it had begun to fall apart.) Then we continued on your tutorial path: lubing and reinstalling the topper, being careful to get a correct alignment. As a final measure, we also replaced the original pull-down straps using much the same methodology.
All in we spent $5 for thread from a fabric store and $6 apiece for replacement pull-down straps on sale from LazyDays. The 3/16" plastic rod was donated by our local Carefree awning dealer (thanks to Art's RV in Glen Ellyn, IL).
My wife and I spent no more than three hours total on the whole project.
Considering we didn't have to replace the slide topper awning in lieu of a simple repair, we figure your how-to tutorial saved us several hundred dollars.
Thanks again!
TheRVgeeks
Friday 5th of May 2017
Hi Tom! Thanks so much for sharing your excellent story of DIY RVing at its finest. Great to hear that we were helpful, but you sure did take it to the max, saving a ton of money, and obviously deriving lots of satisfaction in the process. Nicely done!
Jason Holt
Friday 11th of March 2016
Will do. Thanks!
Jason Holt
Friday 11th of March 2016
Your videos are great. Appreciate the insight. I have 2 questions. 1- how do you tell the difference between and Omega and an Omega 2? I believe the spring broke in my awning and not sure what parts I need in order to fix it. 2- do you have a video or tutorial on replacing the spring in the Omega Awning? Thanks in advance. Jason
TheRVgeeks
Friday 11th of March 2016
Hi Jason. Not sure of the difference between them, but Tyler at Tough Top Awnings is the guy to call. He knows more about this than anyone we know, and is happy to help if he can. His phone number is on their website http://toughtopawnings.com. Be sure to tell him the Geeks say hi.
Paul Morgan
Thursday 21st of January 2016
Is vinyl fabric better than acrylic fabric? I see a substantial difference in pricing...
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 21st of January 2016
We replaced all of our slide toppers with the 15 ounce vinyl, and couldn't be more satisfied. If you have technical questions about the pros and cons of each type, best to reach out to Tough Top Awnings and talk to Tyler.