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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Topic: Install - Lippert Solera Slider Awning Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 8:26am |
I purchased a Lippert Solera Slider Awning from etrailer.com and installed yesterday. The install was done on a 2015 178. The slider measured 73" from outside frame to frame. I chose the 6 1/2' awning which at 78" gives you 2 1/2" on each side. The awning was less than $200, free shipping. The larger the slide the more the price, for a 179 is north of $300 because the 179 has a much larger slide. The install took less than 2 hours and DID require help of a second person when putting poly cord in the keder rail. I chose white versus black just because I thought it would be cooler. One caveat - the awning comes with all hardware to include a awning rail (keder). I did NOT use it - I used the existing rail on my Pod. I did have to remove the drain spouts on Pod. I have added a link to the etrailer video on install of same awning on RP-180, good to have because install instructions supplied do not cover install on an existing rail.
Link: https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-solera-slide-topper-2017-forest-river-forester-lcv000165063.aspx
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 8:30am |
Here pic after install.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 9:44am |
Looks good Mike. A great mod. Anything that is dual purpose is a winner, slide top stays clean, and protects from rain/water intrusion..
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GlueGuy
Senior Member
Joined: 15 May 2017
Location: N. California
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 11:56am |
Mike, Does that have the cover over the fabric? Is that an option?
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 11:57am |
It does not nor have I seen that option.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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GlueGuy
Senior Member
Joined: 15 May 2017
Location: N. California
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 12:07pm |
Lippert calls it the Solera Shield. From their brochure:
The built-in Solera Shield is available on replacement slider and patio awning fabrics. It provides elegant and practical protection for your Solera vinyl or acrylic awning canopy. As the awning retracts, the aluminum Solera Shield automatically rolls up around the fabric to protect it against the elements during travel. Be sure to order your Solera Shield to match your hardware.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 12:37pm |
Saw that. Not offered by etrailer. Did see a video on a DYI cover made from vinyl gutter. The Solera Solar Shield appears to be aluminum and built into fabric.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Awchief
Groupie
Joined: 04 May 2018
Location: Biloxi, MS
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Posts: 83
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 4:05pm |
I got a couple of quotes from local shop to install a topper. They both wanted right at $250 just for the installation. The video makes it look very easy. I am inspired to give it a try. Thanks for the link and inspiration.
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Michael
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 4:08pm |
You can do it. Not that bad, let me know if you have any questions.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Camp town usa
Newbie
Joined: 26 Sep 2020
Location: Wi
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Posts: 32
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Posted: 28 Feb 2021 at 12:55pm |
I see the solera topper 6’6” notes the fabric is 6’1’. Im confused if the models have changed as suggestion for a 178 is the 6’6” unit. I am not able to confirm the slide length but forum posts say it’s 73”. Which size do I get 6’6” or 7’?
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