Canopy Kingpin

How To Install A Camper Awning

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For those who are not familiar with the procedure, installing a camper awning might be a daunting endeavor. Many people have misconceptions about the necessary equipment and supplies, as well as the time and labor, to finish the task. Do you know what kind of drill bit is required for metal drilling? Do you understand the significance of utilizing sealant to guarantee a tight fit? Continue reading to find out more about how to properly install a camper awning and why knowing these specifics is crucial for a successful installation!

TL;DR

Installing a camper awning is an easy and cost-effective way to add extra living space to your RV.

  • Measure the area where you want to install the awning.
  • Secure the mounting brackets to the side of your RV.
  • Attach the awning fabric and hardware to the mounting brackets.

With an awning, you can enjoy outdoor living in comfort and style!

Do you have a camper that is in desperate need of an awning?

Do you want to find out how to install a camper awning without needing to hire someone to do it for you?

Are you worried you may not have the experience it takes to get this job done without assistance?

If so, don’t be—if you can operate a power drill and have a friend to help hold the awning, then you’ll be able to install it with no trouble! And that’s what this article is here for.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to choose the right awning and get started installing it, too. You’ll be ready to get your awning set up and prepared for summertime, and your whole family will be thrilled with the prospect of having a more comfortable camper experience, too.

Remember, when choosing your new awning, you need to pick something that’s the right size for the type of camper you have. Some campers are considerably larger than others, so make sure you’re shopping for the proper size of awning. If you are replacing an existing awning system, be sure to choose one that is the same size as the old one, so you can use some of the existing hardware as well.

Don’t forget to pick a camper awning that’s compatible with your camper, too! Some campers have different rails and tracks for their awnings than others, and some types of fabric are not ideal for certain types of campers, either. With the right attention to these details, you’ll be ready to learn how to install awning on camper correctly the first time without running into any snags along the way.

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to camper awning installation, so what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

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Materials
How to Install a Camper Awning
Conclusion
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Materials

  • Awning fabric and hardware kit
  • Power drill (cordless is best) and bits
  • Socket wrench
  • Wrench
  • Someone to help

How to Install a Camper Awning

If you’re ready to get started installing your camper awning, it’s a good idea to first familiarize yourself with all the different types and options out there. There are several different varieties of camper awnings, and you’ll need to make sure you choose the proper kit before you ever open anything or begin the installation process. Here are some of the different kinds of awnings you may encounter when you go shopping:

  • Window-only awnings: These are small awnings that only cover the windows on your camper. This is an old-fashioned style but it is still quite popular for keeping the camper’s interior cool in the hot sunlight.
  • Window-door awnings: This is the same as the window-only awning, but it also includes a smaller awning over the door.
  • Slide-out awnings: These awnings are designed to keep the slide-out roof of your camper safe from rain.
  • Patio awnings: This is the type of awning most people think of when they consider installing an awning on their campers. This is the large “porch” variety that extends from the entire side of the camper and offers a lot of shade and comfortable seating for you and your whole family.
  • Automatic awnings: This type of awning can be extended with the push of a button as opposed to needing to be pulled out and reeled in every time you want to use it.
  • Manual awnings: This is the opposite of the automatic awning, and it requires some strength to be able to operate correctly and safely.

Remember that your experience may be slightly different, and if it is, that’s okay! Each awning is different, and of course, depending on the brand you choose, you may have a slightly different installation process than the one outlined below. However, for the most part, you should be able to follow these steps without any trouble and get your awning put in place like a true pro in no time.

  • 1
    Begin by removing the old brackets from your previous camper awning, if you had one.
  • 2
    In the same locations, install the new mounting brackets. This is important to do even if you are installing the same type of awning, in case the brackets have been worn down. You will need to use a power drill for this step.
  • 3
    Slide the arms of the awning into the assembly for the roller tube. Using a socket wrench, fasten the pieces together with a screw. Do this for both sides.
  • 4
    Get someone to help you install the awning to the RV.
  • 5
    Slide the cord on the awning into the awning rail and then pull it through the awning rail all the way to the end of the camper. Ensure everything is centered before you continue.
  • 6
    Push the bottom of the awning arm into the bottom mounting bracket on both sides.
  • 7
    Using your power drill, attach the screws to the top of the mounting bracket pieces firmly on both sides of the camper.
  • 8
    Use a wrench to remove the pins from the roller tube. This will allow the springs to unwind properly when you’re using the awning.
  • 9
    Extend and retract the awning a few times to make sure everything is installed correctly and functioning properly. Adjust as needed.
  • 10
    Set the set screw on the arms of the awning to hold it in place during travel.
  • 11
    Congratulations! You’re all finished.

Conclusion

Do you feel confident in your awning installation abilities? By following the steps above, you’ll be ready to use your new camper awning in just a couple of hours at most. Just remember to be sure you have a friend or an adult family member to help you out, since the awning is very heavy and may be dangerous to try to install on your own.

awning replacement

Of course, you may be wondering why you need an awning on your camper at all. It’s perfectly comfortable inside the camper, so why should you worry about adding more shady spaces outside it? Here are some of the great benefits you can expect to enjoy when you’ve got an awning in place on your camper:

  • You and your family can spread out more. Especially if you have a larger family or older kids who want more of their own space, this can make or break the next family vacation.
  • You’ll have a comfortable place to spend time if it starts to rain on your trip. Your whole trip won’t be ruined if this happens and you have an awning to sit beneath.
  • Your camper will be more valuable if you choose to sell it in the future.
  • An awning can help protect the camper from sun damage when it is extended as well.

Spend some time getting to know your new awning and you’re sure to find even more great reasons to have it!

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5 Essential Tips for Installing a Camper Awning

  1. Measure the area where you plan to install the awning and make sure it is large enough to accommodate the size of the awning.
  2. Check that your camper has all the necessary mounting hardware, such as screws, bolts, and brackets.
  3. Read through the instructions carefully before beginning installation. Make sure you understand each step before proceeding.
  4. Securely attach the mounting brackets to your camper's walls or roof. Use a level to ensure they are even and straight.
  5. Carefully slide the awning into place and secure it with screws or bolts. Make sure everything is tight and secure before using it.

ALSO: Consider purchasing an awning cover for extra protection from sun, wind, and rain!