I just returned from the Tampa RV show and noticed the new 2017 IH and Realms do not have slide toppers. I am new to the RV world and wanted to know if this is something that would be necessary to have if ordering a new coach? FYI - Foretravel had a very nice exhibit at the RV show with some beautiful coaches for the public to view. Thanks.
I prefer no toppers ... no flapping in wind storms at night, looks better, no maintenance except keeping the slide tops free of leaves and pine straw before retracting them to keep junk from getting caught under the bladder.
If you ever go in freezing weather the toppers can be a problem. If they get wet then freeze you can't get the slide in because they won't roll up. However you still have to get ice off the slide before retracting. I don't see much value in them either but if you want them I'm sure Foretravel will install them as an option.
There was quite a discussion on this topic on another forum recently. Long story short, people either love them or hate them - nothing in between. It is a moot point for us, since we don't have any slides.
We like ours and always have them extended. Must retract the LR awning in wind over 15+ mph.
We had no toppers then we had them installed. We decided to put them on after a heavy rain. We did the "foretravel tilt" before we brought the sides in but still had plenty of water inside. Never had the issue after the toppers or issues with the toppers.
But it does come down to personal choice.