Install - Lippert Solera Slider Awning

Message Share Topic Printable Version Google Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks reddit Facebook MySpace Newsvine Furl Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic

   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

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Google Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks reddit Facebook MySpace Newsvine Furl Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	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
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 8:30am
	Here pic after install.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	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..

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2627	Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 11:56am
	Mike, Does that have the cover over the fabric? Is that an option?
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 11:57am
	It does not nor have I seen that option.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2627	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.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	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.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Awchief Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 04 May 2018 Location: Biloxi, MS Online Status: Offline Posts: 83	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.
	Michael

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 4:08pm
	You can do it. Not that bad, let me know if you have any questions.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Camp town usa Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2020 Location: Wi Online Status: Offline Posts: 32	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’?