Replace RV Awning Fabric Easily & Cost Effectively
About a year into fulltime RV life, our RV awning fabric started to rip away from the frame. It took about six months of countless rolling and unrolling, rain, wind, etc. to get to the point where it was time to do something about it. Replacing the camper awning fabric seemed like an expensive and daunting task. No way we would ever be able to do it ourselves. Welp, it turns out I was wrong. We were able to replace the RV awning fabric ourselves! With a little research, teamwork, and patience, we found the right awning for our rig, removed the old one, and installed the new one. Here is everything you need to know about replacing an RV awning!
Step 1: Measure your RV awning
Measuring your RV awning is an essential step before ordering a new fabric. Proper measurements will ensure that you order the correct size and avoid the hassle of returning the wrong fabric. It's important to measure the awning fabric accurately to avoid any issues during the replacement process.
To measure your RV awning, you will need a measuring tape and a marker.
Retract the awning completely to make sure that it is in a compact and uniform position. This will allow you to measure the length and width of the awning fabric accurately.
Measure the length of the awning fabric. Measure the length of the awning fabric from one end to the other. Measure from the center of the awning roller tube to the center of the awning arm on the opposite side. Make sure to measure the length of the fabric, not the length of the roller tube or the awning arm.
Measure the width of the awning fabric. Measure the width of the awning fabric by measuring from one side of the fabric to the other side. Make sure to measure the width of the fabric, not the length of the roller tube.
Double-check the measurements. Double-check the measurements to ensure that they are accurate. If the measurements are not accurate, you may end up ordering the wrong size of fabric.
Step 2: Buy RV awning fabric
Buying an RV awning can be a great investment. A new awning can not only improve the appearance of your RV but also provide protection from the elements and increase the livable space of your RV. There are several types of RV awnings available, including manual, electric, and hybrid awnings. Manual awnings require you to manually extend and retract the awning, while electric awnings can be extended and retracted with the push of a button. Hybrid awnings combine the features of manual and electric awnings, allowing you to easily adjust the awning using a crank handle.
Besides the size of your new RV awning, another thing to take into consideration is fabric. High-quality awning fabrics are durable and can withstand the elements, including UV rays, wind, and rain. Look for fabrics that are made from materials like vinyl or acrylic, as these materials are weather-resistant, mildew-resistant, and long-lasting. Some RV awnings come with additional features that can make them more convenient and comfortable to use. For example, some awnings come with built-in LED lights, which can provide extra lighting at night. Other awnings may come with a privacy screen, which can provide additional privacy and shade.
Camper Awning Brands
There are a handful of awning brands that are heavy duty and waterproof that I would recommend.
Step 3: Gather Tools Needed for RV Awning Replacement
Before starting the process of replacing your RV awning fabric, having all the necessary tools and equipment ready to roll will make things go quickly and seamlessly. Here are the tools you will need to replace your RV awning fabric:
Screwdriver: You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the fabric in place.
Pliers: Pliers will be useful for removing any cotter pins or other hardware that may be holding the fabric in place.
Ladder: You will need a ladder to access the awning and work on it safely. Note we only had a step ladder and it worked great!
Utility knife: Use a utility knife to cut the old fabric away from the roller tube and the awning arms.
Awning rail lubricant: Use awning rail lubricant to make it easier to slide the new fabric into the awning rail.
Awning cord: Awning cord is a tool that will help you to feed the new fabric into the awning rail.
Drill: If the screws holding the awning fabric in place are difficult to remove, a drill can be used to remove them.
Assistant: It's helpful to have an assistant to help you hold the fabric in place while you attach it to the awning arms.
Safety gear: Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask while working on your RV awning. Note we had no safety gear and survived!
Step 4: Remove your old RV awning fabric
Extend the awning fully. Extend the awning fully to its maximum length. This will allow you to access the fabric and roller tube easily.
Remove the end caps. Use a cordless drill to remove the end caps at each end of the awning roller tube. The end caps are usually held in place by screws or bolts. Keep the screws or bolts in a safe place as you will need them later.
Remove the fabric from the awning rail. Starting at one end of the awning, carefully remove the old fabric from the awning rail. Use pliers to grip the fabric and gently pull it out of the rail. Work your way along the length of the awning until you have removed the entire fabric.
Remove the fabric from the roller tube. With the fabric removed from the awning rail, it's time to remove it from the roller tube. Start by cutting the fabric where it attaches to the roller tube using scissors or a utility knife. Be careful not to damage the roller tube or the fabric.
Remove the fabric from the arms. Once the fabric is detached from the roller tube, it's time to remove it from the arms. Starting at one end of the awning, carefully remove the fabric from the arms. Use pliers to grip the fabric and gently pull it out of the arm channel. Work your way along the length of the awning until you have removed the entire fabric.
Clean the awning. With the old fabric removed, it's a good idea to clean the awning frame and roller tube with a soft cloth and mild soap. This will help to remove any dirt or debris and ensure a clean surface for the new fabric.
Step 5: Replace RV awning fabric
Now that you have removed the old awning fabric from your RV, it's time to replace it with a new one. Here are the steps to follow:
Attach the new fabric to the roller tube. Start by attaching the new fabric to the roller tube. To do this, align the fabric with the roller tube and use a pop rivet gun to attach it to the tube. Start at one end of the tube and work your way along the length, attaching the fabric securely.
Install the new fabric into the awning rail. With the new fabric attached to the roller tube, it's time to install it into the awning rail. Starting at one end of the rail, insert the fabric into the rail channel. Use your fingers to guide the fabric along the rail, making sure it is properly seated.
Install the new fabric into the arms. Once the fabric is installed in the awning rail, it's time to insert it into the arms. Starting at one end of the arm channel, insert the fabric into the channel. Use your fingers to guide the fabric along the channel, making sure it is properly seated.
Reattach the end caps. With the new fabric securely in place, it's time to reattach the end caps to the roller tube. Use the screws or bolts you removed earlier to attach the end caps to the tube. Tighten the screws or bolts securely.
Test the awning. With the new fabric installed and the end caps securely attached, it's time to test the awning. Use the awning controls to retract and extend the awning to ensure that it operates smoothly and that the new fabric is properly installed.
How much does it cost to replace RV awning fabric?
The cost to replace RV awning fabric can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the awning, the type of fabric used, and the location where the replacement is done. Generally, the cost to replace an RV awning can range from $200 to $800 or more.
Best Replacement RV Awning Fabrics
Polyester fabric is a budget-friendly option for camper awning replacement fabric. It's lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to mildew and UV rays.
Vinyl fabric is a popular choice for RV awning replacement fabric due to its durability and resistance to mildew and UV rays. It's also easy to clean and maintain.
Acrylic fabric is another popular choice for RV awning replacement fabric. It's lightweight, breathable, and mildew resistant.
I hope this guide makes the process easier for you. Trust me, if we can do it, so can you. Happy travels and we hope to see you on the road!
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