Hello all fellow campers! Can't wait to start camping , first one in a week, going to Gettysburgh. ( Drummer Boy Camp Ground ) On to the topper, We have been camping for a number of years, Our last camper did have the topper on it, After five years , the material started to rot and rip. Yes it was nice to not get those leaves, small branches on the top of the slider, But with this new camper, I will trade that for the shade on the camping side with those two awnings. I now take a leave blower and just blow off the stuff that is on top. A little extra work when packing up. but only take about 5 or so minites. All enjoy the new camping season.