Patio Awning Fabric Replacement

[2-bone]

I need to replace my patio awning fabic on my 2004 Winnebago Brave. After searching previous posts I have determined that it is a risky job due to the spring tension on the roller. My thoughts after looking at the way the fabric is installed on the roller is to cut a slot in the end cap inline with the slot where the fabic bead slides onto the roller with the awning in the opened position and simply slide the fabric off the tube, I know this sounds too easy so what am I missing? Has anyone tried this method with success or failure?

[Jim Stewart]

I believe that the fabric is what keeps the roller in tension, but I am not sure. You would need to have the awning out to do what you are proposing. If you remove the fabric while the awning is out, the awning roller will spool backward with the roller tension. You would then have to unwind and pin the roller anyway to get the new fabric on.

[2-bone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Stewart I believe that the fabric is what keeps the roller in tension, but I am not sure. You would need to have the awning out to do what you are proposing. If you remove the fabric while the awning is out, the awning roller will spool backward with the roller tension. You would then have to unwind and pin the roller anyway to get the new fabric on.

Jim, Thanks for your response. If I cotterpinned it in the opened position, would that not hold the spring from unwinding with the fabric removed?

[Jim Stewart]

Might work, what brand awning is it?

Instructions for A&E

http://hmcclub.homestead.com/awning_...structions.pdf

[Gary RVRoamer]

Changing the fabric isn't hard. The warnings about the spring tension are just that: warnings so you will be aware. Forewarned, it is not hard to deal with. Changing the fabric is a straight-forward task if you have a helper. Very awkward by yourself.

Yes, you can put a pin in the roller tube to hold the spring in tension. In fact, that is exactly how it is done on some models that already have the slot in the end cap for sliding the fabric through. If you get A&E fabric, it will come with detailed instructions for your model.

[quikduk]

Gary,

What about Carefree awnings? I too need to replace the patio awning fabric and the slide toppe fabric. I can get them direct from Carefree but would a good boat cover/top shop be an equal choice?

Ken

[hdossett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2-bone Jim, Thanks for your response. If I cotterpinned it in the opened position, would that not hold the spring from unwinding with the fabric removed?

This is basically what I did replacing my slide cover fabric. It had about two wraps of fabric left on the roller when fully extended. Had to finish unrolling it and place the pin, (I used a 10-penny finish nail). On one of covers, I only got the nail in part way and my had started slipping on the roller. Bent the nail. Not an issue with the patio awning! Getting the fabric on was fun! Co-pilot helped, holding excess up with a broom! I would think with the patio awning, it might take three and 1/2 men, or at least a long time as a loner! Not a problem, just get some help if you can!

Good luck

Wait a minute, doesn't the patio awning lock in the open position, until you flip the lever to roll it back up?

Harold