Community Forums

P J Johnson · 05-05-2011, 05:28 PM

I have a Dometic 19' awning with a slight bow in the roller, thanks to a 5 min downpour. I can still use it, although it's not a smooth operation anymore. I would like to replace it and wondered if it was something I could do myself. I can order the part from local RV dealer. If anyone out there has done the job I would appreciate some insight as to what I can expect.

Tha_Rooster · 05-05-2011, 05:40 PM

Have you tried to bow it in the other direction?

Teachrz · 05-05-2011, 06:43 PM

I replaced my roller tube about 2 months ago. It requires some patience and a good rivet gun. I don't like fighting with the springs and almost lost a thumb due to carelessness. I found it easier to tighten the springs by getting someone to help me remove the arms from the wall and rotate the entire arm. This allowed me to have better control. It took about 12 turns on each side.

JimM68 · 05-05-2011, 08:18 PM

I replaced an entire awning once, roller with springs pretensioned and new awning fabric all ready on it. Not real hard, 2 guys on ladders just walked it up the molding and onto the coach.

ahicks · 05-06-2011, 05:42 AM

It's not hard, but I wouldn't try it without help. The springs are where you need to really pay attention, both unloading and re-loading them. The tube replacement is relatively easy. We left the fabric attached to the coach and unrolled it, letting it hang on the side of the coach. Then we slid the tube off, the new one on, and reassembled.

Have you talked with your insurance company regarding storm damage?

ga traveler · 05-06-2011, 07:19 AM

I have done many of these. You have to unload the spring(as the previous post said) You must have two people. If you are going with a vinyl fabric, you have to thread the fabric in carefully, to keep from peeling the vinyl back as it goes into the tube. You might consider switching to acrylic fabric.