Guide on Replacing an RV Awning

Changing an RV awning can be a significant undertaking due to wear and tear or for a fresh appearance. With the right preparation and some helping hands, you can complete this task in a single afternoon! Begin by extending the awning and then proceed to remove the roller tube and fabric. Next, install the new fabric and reattach the tube to your RV.

Get a Replacement Awning Fabric Measure your awning's dimensions between the caps and purchase a replacement fabric of the appropriate size from a home hardware store. Opt for high-quality, heavyweight, tight-weave vinyl for optimal results, and refer to the manufacturer's instructions for fabric recommendations.

Detach the primary bolts securing the top of the awning to the RV's side. There are typically 2 bolts on each side of the awning, totaling 4 bolts. Use a cordless drill with a bolt extractor tip matching your awning's bolt size to remove them.

• If your awning legs reach the ground, don't worry about the awning falling—the spring tension in the roller tube combined with the legs attached to the RV's base will keep it in place.
• For awnings that fold against the RV, hold firmly onto the bracket at the left end of the roller tube to prevent the spring from unwinding.

Unscrew the two small screws that secure the fabric in the track. You'll find one screw at each end of the awning, totaling 2 screws. These screws are attached to the RV via the long, horizontal metal plate holding the track and can be removed using an electric drill.

• If preferred, use a screwdriver instead of an electric drill.

Release the awning arms from their brackets and extend them to the ground. The brackets are located on the RV's side at the lower end of the awning arms. Pull them outward away from the RV to release them, then extend them until they touch the ground.

• Pull down the bottom of the awning arms to extend them fully to the ground.
• On certain RV models, you can also extend the arms upward against the RV instead of downward.

Unroll the awning about 1 foot (0.30 m) away from the RV. Begin by flipping the control lever on the roller tube's right side as if extending the awning fully. Use the awning rod to pull the roller tube out approximately 1 foot (0.30 m) from the RV.

• Ensure both arms are resting on the ground, unrolling the fabric about 1 foot (0.30 m) away from the RV.

Protect the upper awning brackets using electrical tape or masking tape. This step prevents scratches on the RV's side. For older awnings, carefully remove the sealant connecting the fabric to the track using a sharp tool.

• Apply tape before sliding the awning off the RV.
• Clean any debris from inside the track using a sharp tool.

Widen the end of the track using a flat blade screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver between the track pieces holding the fabric. Apply downward pressure to separate the pieces, facilitating fabric removal.

• Expand the end of the track to 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) for optimal results.

Gently remove the awning tube from the track. Have two helpers lift the awning 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) off the ground. Then, pull the tube along the track towards the front or rear of the RV until it's completely free.

• Ensure there's ample space in front of or behind the RV before pulling the awning out.
• If the fabric is difficult to slide, consider having a third person on a ladder assist.
• If helpers aren't available, use bricks to elevate the awning legs.
• Handle the awning tube with care once removed.

Secure the rear spring of the awning. Locate the two springs in the roller tube—one at each end. Lock the spring at the rear (left side) of the awning by removing the black plastic cap. Insert a Phillips head screwdriver to keep it in place.

• Keep the screwdriver in the rear spring position.

Dismount the right arm from its bracket. Move to the front, which is the right side of the awning, release the tension from the spring, and loosen the bolt securing the arm to the roller tube. Remove both the bolt and the arm, then reinsert the bolt and apply tape to the bracket for protection against scratches.

Release the tension of the awning spring. Securely grip the vice grips on the bracket of the right awning leg. Lift the grips slightly to release pressure from the awning control lever. Flip the lever to the 'Rolled Up' position and carefully unroll the awning.

• Count the rotations needed to fully unwind the awning for future rolling.
• Release the vice grips after completing the task.

Mark the position of the awning control lever using a felt marker. Always do this step before removing the spring assembly from the right side of the roller tube. It ensures precise reassembly of the awning in the original position.

• Avoid using permanent markers!

Extract the rivet from the end cap. Use a cordless drill to remove one of the pop rivets securing the end cap to the roller tube. Then, eliminate the remaining part of the rivet using a hammer and punch by striking the top of the rivet while holding the punch directly above it.

• Ensure the punch is perpendicular to the awning for proper removal.

Eliminate the remaining rivet. Have one person at each end of the roller tube to rotate it, granting access to the remaining pop rivet on the opposite side of the end cap. Drill and punch it out as previously done with the first rivet.

Remove the right spring assembly by sliding it off. After removing both rivets, carefully slide out the entire spring assembly from the roller tube on the right side. Place it on a clean surface once done.

• Ensure both rivets are removed before sliding off the right spring assembly.

Slowly unwind the old awning fabric to take it off. Lift the roller tube and unwind the fabric gradually, one turn at a time, until it's completely off the tube. It's helpful to have a friend assist for smooth removal.

• Mark two lines on the roller tube using a felt marker—one to indicate the main awning channel and the other as a guide for the decorative valance channel.

Cut the fabric into two sections if it's stuck on the tube. Use a razor knife to cut between the two channels holding the valance and main awning. Cutting the vinyl into separate pieces makes it easier to slide each piece out of the rubber tube.

• Skip this step if you can remove the fabric in one piece without difficulty.

Apply silicone lubricant to the channels. Spraying silicone lubricant into the channels facilitates easy sliding of the new fabric. Maintain a distance of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) from the channels and release the trigger intermittently to avoid excessive application.

• Ensure even application of the lubricant across each channel.

Insert both beads into their respective channels. Take note of the markings on the roller tube—the bead for the main awning side should align with the straight line track, while the valance side's bead aligns with the V-shaped channel. Carefully guide the fabric along the tube to slide both beads into their designated channels.

• If possible, enlist two helpers to hold the rolled-up fabric off the ground. Alternatively, use bricks to support it.

Ensure the fabric is centered between the endcaps. Use a tape measure to verify that the fabric is perfectly centered between the end caps. Do not proceed until the fabric is accurately centered, as it may cause issues when rolling into the tube.

Roll the new fabric onto the roller tube. Always roll the fabric counterclockwise for optimal installation. Take your time to ensure smooth and even rolling of the fabric.

• If available, enlist the help of 1 to 2 friends to make this step easier.

Reinsert the spring assembly into the end of the roller tube. Align the awning control lever with the marked position on the tube, ensuring the rivet holes also align. Use a pop riveter to reinstall the rivets in the end cap, securely fastening it to the roller tube.

Readjust the tension of the spring assembly by rotating counterclockwise. Secure vice grips to the roller tube bracket, set the awning control lever to roll down, and rotate the spring counterclockwise to retighten. Rotate the same number of times as when initially removing the spring.

• Maintain a firm grip on the vice grips throughout the rotation.

Reconnect the right awning arm to the roller tube. Once the spring assembly is properly tightened, remove the protective tape from the right bracket and snap the support arm back into position. Then, remove the Phillips screwdriver from the left side of the roller tube and reinstall the black plastic track.

Position the roller tube onto the track and secure the new awning in place. Reattach the 2 small screws that prevent the fabric from sliding, followed by reattaching the main bolts—2 on each side and 4 in total. Use a cordless drill with the appropriate bolt tip for this task.

• If your awning folds into the side of your RV, compress the spring and hold the bracket to the left of the roller tube before securing the bolts.