What Size Slide Topper Do I Need? (How To Measure Guide)
Slide-out toppers are also known as slide-out awnings. No matter the name, the project of adding or replacing your slide-out topper is quite simple and it has been done in 20 minutes with 2 people handling the workload.
What size slide topper do I need? To find that size, all you will need is your tape measure and measure the overall width of the slide-out including flanges or trim. The good news is that these slide-out awnings come in sizes from 5 1/2 feet to 16 feet.
To learn more about how to measure and other important slide-out topper details, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can do this easy task yourself and in under 30 minutes. Take a few minutes to see how easy it is to do.
What Size Slide Topper Do I Need?
The first step in finding the right size of topper for your slide-out is to measure the front box width. You need to go from flange to flange and then add 2 1/2 inches on each side of the box to get the right size.
You want some overhang on either side to get the right fit. This is okay as the slide-out toppers are made to cover a variety of box widths so you can find the right awning size with ease.
For example, there is one model of slide-out topper that measures 156 inches wide. This size of topper will fit box sizes measuring between 146 to 151 1/2 inches. Once you get the size, the second step is to move on to deciding on which color you want your slide topper to have.
These accessories come in a variety of colors so you do not have to endure something that clashes with your RV’s colors. Measuring and finding the right size topper is not going to be your biggest RV headache.
How To Measure Slide Topper
If you can measure a traditional home’s walls, then you can measure your RV’s slide-out box. There is only one measurement you need, and that is the width of the box. It is best to have a second person helping you with this to make sure you get an accurate measurement.
Your helper holds the end of the tape at one end, making sure they are including the flange when they put the tape up against your slide-out. Then you pull the tape out and put it over the flange on the other side of the box.
The result you get needs to have 5 inches added to it to cover the excess overhang you will need to make your new awning work. It is best to measure twice to get an accurate reading on the width of your box.
Then go to your favorite RV supply or accessory store to find the awning that works best with your RV’s colors and the width of the slide-out.
Slide Topper Size Chart
Here is a handy chart you can use to help guide your purchase:
| Room Size | Recommended size |
| 56 to 61 3/4 inches | 66 inches |
| 62 to 67 3/4 “ | 72 “ |
| 68 to 73 3/4 “ | 78 “ |
| 74 to 79 3/4 “ | 84 “ |
| 80 to 85 3/4 “ | 90 “ |
| 86 to 91 3/4 “ | 96 “ |
| 92 to 97 3/4 “ | 102 “ |
| 98 to 103 3/4 “ | 108 “ |
| 104 to 109 3/4 “ | 114 “ |
| 110 to 115 3/4 “ | 120 “ |
| 116 to 121 3/4 “ | 126 “ |
| 122 to 127 3/4 “ | 132 “ |
| 128 to 133 3/4 “ | 138 “ |
| 134 to 139 3/4 “ | 144 “ |
| 140 to 145 3/4 “ | 150 “ |
| 146 to 151 3/4 “ | 156 “ |
As you can see, there is a pattern that has developed and if your slide-out is larger than 151 3/4 inches then you go up by 6-inch increments and add 5 inches for every increment you go up.
For example, the next size would be 152 to 158 3/4 (adding 6 inches to both sides of the measurement and then you would need a topper measuring 161 inches (adding 5 inches).
Keep in mind that you cannot skip any measurements in between your results and the last result we provided.
How Do You Measure a Slide Topper For Replacement Fabric?
In this case, you will need two measurements. The first one will be the actual width of your slide-out box, including the flanges and adding the 5 extra inches you will need. The second measurement will be from the outside front wall of the slide-out to the outside wall of your RV.
Make sure to extend your slide-out completely to make sure you get an accurate measurement. Replacing the awning is also easy and if you want to save money, you can do it yourself without too much hassle.
If you think this is an unneeded accessory you should be aware that the slide-out topper or slide-out awning does have a very legitimate purpose or two. One purpose is that it keeps leaves, snow, rain, and other debris out of your slide box.
Those items can lead to expensive repairs if you do not protect your slide-out. The second legitimate purpose is that the slide-out topper cuts down on possible maintenance that needs to be done.
The topper protects the seals from water damage keeping the slide-out from leaking.
Some Final Words
Adding a slide-out topper may be worth it as not only does it protect your mechanisms, but it also requires no additional work. The topper slides out when the slide-out does and recoils when the slide-out is closed. You do not have to do anything once it is installed except to check it for damage once in a while.
