Debris Protection Awning, Slide Out

[Chickadee]

Newmar Owners:

Say, ..I was washing the rig a couple days ago and noticed that the middle seam (on the debris awning of the long, off door side slideout) was separating. That is that it appeared that the parallel double row of stitching had given way or blown out. Still looked attached near the top end of this row of stitching and at the lower margin as well, but was hoping to try re-stitching somehow to avoid replacing whole darned thing.

Some others have mentioned some kind of VERY effective tape, but I thought stitching w. a curved needle and some strong (waxed or non-waxed) cordage (thread) might do the trick.

Anybody have experience with this or have any suggestions???

Thanks. Steve

[VACMAN]

Hi Steve, I hate to hear about your awning.. I would think that you are on track by using a curved needle. I would guess by you being a full timer, and your awning being exposed to the suns UV rays more than most, that could be the reason the threads in the seam is giving away. I don't know what you could put on your other seams to block the UV, so you don't have the same problem pop up in other areas..Maybe some other member may have an idea of what to put on the seams.. I am sure you will work it out, anyway have a lot of safe travels...VACMAN...

[JC2]

This might work. RV Awning Repair Tape - Item - Camping World

We've used it in the past with good results.

[Chickadee]

JC2: Hey thanks for ref. to repair tape. Just can't figure how to apply it since seam separation is in the MIDDLE of this long long slideout and have to figure how to apply tape while applying opposite up pressure under the seam in order to press tape into place. I sure can't fit into the wedge shaped opening formed by the awning over the slide roof....just have to keep "noodling" it through. Thanks again. Steve

[Route 66]

Steve, you must be out of warranty.

[Chickadee]

Dirk: Yup!! Warranty expired August 28th....wouldn't ya know. I'll bet this seam separation had already started when we were back in Nappanee this past June....but hadn't noticed it then....darn!!! Steve.

[Route 66]

Since you're highline, why not give Carl a call and see if you can get any assistance?

[Chickadee]

Dirk: Thanks. I'll talk w. Carl and see what he might suggest. Steve

[CharlieM]

If you are going to use the curved needle. Use waxed heavy weight dental floss. Don't laugh, I used it for years sailboating to repair Dacron sails. It works very well, is cheap and durable.

r/Charlie

[Chickadee]

Hey Charlie & Lexanne:

Thanks for the tip re: use of heavy weight dental floss for sewing up this slideout awning seam. I kinda think you're right on target. If it'll hold a sail seam, it ought to do the trick on this awning material. Thanks again!! Steve

[Jetsmania]

Hi Steve! Let us know how you wound up repairing it. Thanks, paul

[Chickadee]

Hello Paul (Jetsmania): I WILL, however, haven't tackled it yet as we've been movin a bit till now. We're finally settled here in Ruskin, FL through January, and...once Ida gets through the Gulf, and the constant wind here abates, I think I'll get on the ladder and see how tough it'll be sewing up that seam. I sure hate to think about removing the canvass and I'd sure like to be able to sew it in place. Will let y'all know how it goes. Steve & Lynette

[Doc Mark]

Steve - if Newmar can't help, call the manufacturer direct. Our 03 KSDP delaminated & A&E sent us the replacement fabric no charge, all we had to do was put it in.

Mark

[Chickadee]

Paul (Jetsmania) & All:

Well, I've completed slide topper awning seam repair and can now only wait to see if it holds up.

I ended up restitching the two parallel rows of stitches from the awning cover brush end all the way down to the leading edge of the awning using a doubled, heavy gauged, waxed dental floss. This was done with the awning in-place (slide extended). I first attempted using a curved (upholstery type) needle, however, after breaking three of em, I switched to a heavy gauge straight needle that has a flattened, flaired point end which is slightly angled such that after inserting needle downward through first the overlying awning panel, then continuing down through the underlying panel, and then laying the needle flat against the seam line above the insert point, lifting both panels upward with slight tension on the needle, and using needle nosed pliers, I slid the needle down the underside of the two panels until the upward beveled point caught and subsequently penetrated both awnings and out the top of the seam line. (Whew!!..that's hard to describe). Though the stitches were more widely placed than the machine sewn original stitching, after completing both parallel rows of stitching it seems to be pretty well together tightly. I did take one more step by overlaying the newly stitched double row seam line with a "marine fabric" clear, reinforced tape from the brush line of the awning cover down to the leading edge right over the new stitches. This stuff is, among other uses, supposed to work well even on bimini top canvass used over boat cockpits, so I figured it might be worthwhile in this application.

Now all I can do is wait to see how she'll hold up in one of those high wind conditions . May be awhile, but will let ya know. At least I've delayed having to go through a full replacement.....but for how long?????

Steve & Lynette