[Land Yacht]

I noticed an issue with my ZipDee slide topper awning today. Not sure if it happened today, but expect recently if not today. The aluminum end cap broke and now the end cap is slanted (see attached pictures). Has this happened to anyone? I am thinking I should not put the slide back out till it is fixed. I am not in a place where I can fix it now. I am wondering if a hose clamp might pull it back in place and make it usable till I can get to an RV shop to get it fixed. We are planning to leave a week from tomorrow for a trip from Oklahoma back to Florida. I talked to Newell on another issue earlier this week, and Creslie said they were booked till December. I suspect this is something that any reputable RV place could fix. Any suggestions around Miami OK?

My concern is the topper not retracting if I put the slide out then I wont be able to drive till it is fixed or removed.

I read about Newell and Foretravel not using them anymore, and I would consider removing them, but what about sticks and leaves from trees? I don't want to have to pull out the ladder everytime I leave a wooded park. Also, what about when it is raining and you need to close the slide, doesn't water bead on the top and then come into the interior of the coach?

Thanks
Mike