How To Replace An Rv Awning

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It can be a difficult task, but replacing an RV awning doesn't have to be. Have you ever questioned why it's important how big your RV awning is? Alternatively, which fabric kind is ideal for your climate? There are many myths surrounding RV awnings, so learning the truth will help you choose wisely when it comes time to replace yours. Long-term time and financial savings can be achieved by selecting the proper size, fabric, and installation technique. Continue reading to discover more about replacing an RV awning!

TL;DR

Replacing an RV awning is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.

  • Measure the existing awning to determine the size of the replacement.
  • Choose an appropriate fabric for your climate and needs.
  • Install the new awning, ensuring it is securely attached to the RV.

With the right tools and materials, replacing an RV awning can be done quickly and easily!

Repair and learn about replacing your RV awnings fabric in our RVs awning replacement guide.

Do you have an awning on your camper?

Do you feel like it’s time for a new one?

Do you want to know how to replace a camper awning?

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to put up a fresh, new piece of awning fabric on your camper in no time. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to tackle this job on your own.

But how do you know it’s time to replace your awning? Here are three signs to look for:

  • There’s a hole in your awning.
  • Your awning’s color is faded and washed out.
  • Your awning is sagging badly.

There are other reasons you may want to replace your awning, too. Read on to learn all about how to do this!

MATERIALS Needed To Replace RV Awning Fabric

  • Two durable stepladders that are tall enough for you to be able to reach the top of your RV while still safely standing on them
  • A cordless power drill with several bit sizes, including the right size torque bit to match the screws on your awning hardware
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Marker
  • Wire cutter
  • Tape measure
  • Zip ties
  • Razor (or X-acto knife)
  • File
  • Silicone lubricant
  • Zip ties
  • Straight pick
  • Someone to help

How To Replace An RV Awning: New Fabric Installation STEPS

Are you ready to get started working on replacing your camper awning? Remember that each camper is different, but you’re probably going to end up following a fairly similar set of steps regardless of the design and type of camper you have. The steps below will help you get started and make sure you’re on the right track.

  • 1
    First, be sure you have a good replacement awning or replacement material that suits your camper. It doesn’t have to exactly match your old material, but be sure it’s the right type for use with your existing awning hardware.
  • 2
    Extend the existing awning out a little bit—you don’t need to open it all the way. You should be able to see a small hole on the side of the awning that should be facing out and away from the RV when it’s in the correct position.
  • 3
    Push the straight pick into the hole. This will pin the awning in place and make it much easier for you to work with.
  • 4
    Move to the other side of the awning and remove the metal cover at the top of the arm. You may need to pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, or it may just come off by hand.
  • 5
    Unplug the wires inside to turn off the power to the motor for the awning.
  • 6
    Move back to the other side of the awning and remove the cover at the top of the arm on this side. You should see two bolts underneath.
  • 7
    Use your power drill to remove these bolts, and take care to keep track of the nuts from the back of the bolts as well.
  • 8
    Remove the screws holding this bracket in place using your power drill. Then remove the bracket and secure the arm against the camper with a zip tie.
  • 9
    Use your power drill to remove the bolt holding the roller tube in place as well as the screws holding the fabric in place.
  • 10
    On the other side of the awning, repeat these steps to remove the bolts and bracket, zip tie the arms of the awning, and release the fabric.
  • 11
    Get someone else to help you for this step: pick up the roller tube and take it out of the arms on both sides of the awning.
  • 12
    Unroll the fabric so that it hangs down the side of your camper. Be careful not to scratch the camper.
  • 13
    Use the power drill to remove the rivets on the front of the roller tube. Mark the cap and roller with your marker for easy reassembly later, then slide the motor out of the tube.
  • 14
    Mark the slots in the tube with an A and a V to help you remember which side is for the awning and which side is for the valance.
  • 15
    Pull the roller out of the fabric with assistance, then slide the whole piece of fabric off the side of the camper.
  • 16
    Roll the fabric out and use your razor knife to cut the fabric away. You will probably need to use your flathead screwdriver to pry the old fabric out of the metal tracks, so take your time cutting and prying away the fabric until the metal track is free.
  • 17
    Spread out your new fabric over the old fabric and use your screwdriver once again to pry open the top of the metal track.
  • 18
    Spray the inside of this track with silicone lubricant.
  • 19
    Carefully slide your new fabric onto the lubricated metal track. Crimp the ends of the metal track so the fabric can’t slip out, using your wire cutters.
  • 20
    Spray the track on the camper with silicone lubricant.
  • 21
    Slide the guide into the track on your camper and make sure it’s centered. Clip off the beading to make it easier to reinstall the roller tube.
  • 22
    Thread the beading for the awning into the track you marked A and the valance beading into the track you marked V. Push the tube through the new awning fabric carefully and make sure everything is centered.
  • 23
    Reinsert the motor for the awning and use the pop rivet gun to put in new rivets to secure the motor safely to the end of the tube.
  • 24
    Get someone to help you roll up the awning onto the roller tube. Reinsert the ends of the tube into the tops of the arms, and replace the screw you removed. Remove the zip ties.
  • 25
    Plug in the motor and replace the brackets and covers you removed earlier. Replace the screws from the brackets as well.
  • 26
    Finally, reinstall the bolts and nuts behind the main bracket. Repeat this process on both sides.
  • 27
    Remove the straight pick and extend the awning. Congratulations! You’re finished.

Replace Your RVs Awning Today

Now that you’ve learned how to replace your awning fabric, you should be ready to get out there and do just that right away. But as you can see, this is a complicated and lengthy process, and you can’t do it without help. So what can you do to prolong the life of your awning fabric so you don’t have to do this too often?

For the most part, awnings should last about ten years. However, they may become damaged under certain circumstances. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Always be careful and go slowly when extending your awning and closing it again.
  • Never leave your awning open in wind and rain.
  • Remove your awning if there is a risk for strong winds such as hurricanes.

This is a great way to get started taking good care of your awning.

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5 Expert Tips for Replacing an RV Awning

  1. Measure the size of your existing awning before you purchase a new one.
  2. Choose an awning that is made from durable materials, such as vinyl or canvas.
  3. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before beginning the installation process.
  4. Secure the awning to the RV with strong and reliable hardware.
  5. Test out the new awning by opening and closing it several times before use.

ALSO: Consider hiring a professional to install your new RV awning if you are not comfortable doing it yourself!