Replacing an RV awning requires removing the old one, finding a suitable RV awning replacement, prepping for installation, and properly securing the new one to your RV’s substructure. All of that can be tricky, especially the last part. Fortunately, you can contact trained RV technicians at your nearby Camping World to help.
Whether you’re proceeding independently or contacting professional help, these tips will teach you how to replace an RV awning, how to replace RV awning fabric, and more.
How To Replace an RV Awning
There are two basic steps to replacing an RV awning: removing the old awning and installing the new one. Of course, you may be in a different situation if your original awning has been torn free of your RV’s sidewall (been there, done that, not fun!). If so, you must have your RV’s exterior inspected for additional damage.
But here are some basic tips for those who simply want to complete a removal and replacement.
- Measure the size of your original awning from awning arm to arm to determine the replacement awning length.
- Find a compatible OEM replacement by contacting a retail specialist with your awning length, make, and model.
- Select a project partner. Awning removal and replacement is a two-person job, at minimum.
- Consider professional assistance. The tension placed on the awning assembly can make this a hazardous DIY project for inexperienced RVers. You’ll be working up on ladders, handling power tools, dealing with an assembly under tension, and laboring with the assembly’s weight for removal and replacement.
Technician Tip: Even trained technicians are oft-injured when dealing with RV awnings and slide toppers. It’s a smart idea to schedule a service appointment for this technical RV repair project.
How To Remove an RV Awning
With the inherent risks of completing this installation at home outlined, let’s proceed to some helpful tips for those who feel experienced and confident enough to tackle this RV awning renovation.
Due to the weight and awkward nature of awning assemblies, you’ll need 2-3 people to help you remove an RV awning. RV awning arms can easily bend if you’re not careful, which may necessitate a larger fix. To begin, consult your owner’s manual for specific RV awning removal instructions and safety precautions, as the process can vary from model to model.
Here are the general steps to give you an idea of the RV awning removal process:
- Roll out the awning about 12 inches.
- Remove the polycord screws holding the awning fabric in the awning rail.
- Secure the roll tube to the head assemblies using cotter pins.
- Have two helpers support the assembly while you remove the lag bolts, which are holding the awning to the RV.
- Remove any remaining hardware holding the awning to your RV. If a rain gutter extension is present, it may be necessary to remove it.
- Have the helpers walk the assembly toward the front or back of your RV as you slide the awning fabric out of the rail extrusion.
- Set the awning assembly down gently to reduce the possibility of damage.
- Remove the awning rail extrusion if replacing it.
How To Install an RV Awning
Putting a new awning on your RV must be done carefully, but it can be a DIY task if you’re up for the challenge. Read this guide to RV awning replacement if you haven’t yet chosen whether to install a manual or electric RV awning as your replacement.
RV Awning Kit Essentials
With your choice made, you’ll need to purchase an RV awning kit that comes with the following parts:
- Wall bracket
- Outer arm
- Inner arm
- Pitch arm
- Roller tube
- Awning fabric
If you choose a kit for a manual box awning, it should also come with a crank wand. Manual RV awnings come with an awning rod to flip the lever and hold the strap as you retract the awning. For manual and electric awning installations, you’ll need to purchase a compatible awning rail extrusion separately.
RV Awning Installation Instructions
From there, follow the installation instructions with your kit. But here are the general steps:
- Place butyl tape on the back of the awning rail extrusion and install it so it is perfectly level across the top of your RV.
- Use your silicone spray to lubricate the awning rail, and use self-tapping screws to secure the rail extrusion.
- Install wall brackets according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Attach the awning roll tube to the awning arms and secure it with screws.
- FIND SOME HELPERS!
- Hold the awning against the side of the RV (2 people) and walk it from front to back or back to front (whichever is easiest, depending on the awning location) while you feed the awning fabric through the rail extrusion. Keep the awning arms parallel to avoid damage to the arms and fabric.
- Level the arms and place one screw into each side to hold it in place. Then add another screw to each side for additional security.
- Extend the awning and install the remaining hardware on the awning arms, using butyl tape or silicone sealant to prevent leaks around screw holes.
- Secure the awning arm mounting locations and retract the awning, ensuring the fabric doesn’t wrinkle or bunch.
- Place polycord screws at both ends of the awning fabric to keep it in place.
Can You Replace Just the Fabric on an RV Awning?
If your RV awning fabric is the only damaged component, that’s all you’ll need to replace. As always, check with your awning manufacturer to ensure you get the right fabric to fix your RV awning. Learn how to replace RV awning fabric.
RVers love using their awning to relax in the shade on warm summer days. But proper use and care can help you avoid learning how to replace an RV awning the hard way. Here are a few awning care and maintenance tips.
Do you have any questions about replacing an awning or RV awning fabric? Let us know in the comments below.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and not intended to take the place of professional service providers. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or advice contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog.
