Replace Awning Fabric

[Art E]

My awning needs to be replaced. Is this something I can I do with help from a friend or two? If so, can I add a metal weatherguard (weathershield) as well? I just want to replace the fabric, the hardware is all in good shape.

[tmh462]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art E My awning needs to be replaced. Is this something I can I do with help from a friend or two? If so, can I add a metal weatherguard (weathershield) as well? I just want to replace the fabric, the hardware is all in good shape.

What brand awning do you have?

[RickO]

I've never done it but I'm sure a search of our forum will give you a good education on the subject and experts will certainly chime in soon. I do know that it's certainly doable with the help of at least one friend but you have to be carefull of the spring tension on the awning roller.

Good luck...

rick

[tmh462]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO you have to be careful of the spring tension on the awning roller.

Yes, most of them are very effective fiberglass, finger, and aluminum sheet removers.

[TXiceman]

My wife and I have replace a vinyl awning canopy. I have also replaced springs, but you need some one to show you how to do it safely the first time. It is not hard work if done correctly. But the spring can take off finger, break arms, etc.

As to the metal weather cover, you will have to check with the manufacturer.

Ken

[ChrisNiemann]

agree with the metal cover, due to "not so smart people" i also have to agree with the spring part. However, as stated above, if you have help and PREPARE FOR THE WORST you will be just fine! Just remember to take your time and MARK EVERYTHING!

after you get your awning off of your RV, take off the side (i'm paraphrasing this a lot) anyway, with the vise grips on, count how many times your spring "unwinds" so you know to go back and tighten the spring that many times. to weak and it won't roll back up (my newbie employee learned that). to tight and you take the chance of breaking your internal spring.

where are you from if you don't mind?

[Art E]

Thanx for all the advice and encouragement. I'm now leaning toward leaving it to the pros. BTW I'm from Millbrook, Alabama.

[RVhauler]

It is quite simple to do if you have sufficent help (not sidewalk superintendents) and take your time with each step. Releasing tension and rewinding tension on springs is the hardest part and is really quite easy after you have done the first spring and got the hang of it. Once you remove the stops (normally screws) from the fabric ends the fabric (metal wrap also) will slid out of the grooves. Clean and spray grooves with silcone spray prior to reinstalling new fabric/shield

[ChrisNiemann]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVhauler It is quite simple to do if you have sufficent help (not sidewalk superintendents) and take your time with each step. Releasing tension and rewinding tension on springs is the hardest part and is really quite easy after you have done the first spring and got the hang of it. Once you remove the stops (normally screws) from the fabric ends the fabric (metal wrap also) will slid out of the grooves. Clean and spray grooves with silcone spray prior to reinstalling new fabric/shield

oh yeah..

wait...... spray with silicone? never heard that one, i was about to agree with spraying with like WD40 or something to help slide it in, also take a small file and file down the small opening where you insert the awning, not a have to, but takes down the chance of snagging it.

it really is quite simple though, i think the hardest part for me was getting my retarded and somewhat intoxicated best friend, his dad, and my father inlaw to cooperate and actually listen to the sober one... LOL but if one sober guy and 3 intoxicated individuals can do it, i'm sure you can too!

[H. Miller]

Not sure I understand allowing the spring to "rewind".................
Two people (not three, certainly not four) can unroll the awning and at full extension you merely pin the roller, thru small holes provided, to the fixed part of the awning mechanism. Larger nail or smaller screwdrivers work well. With the roller "pinned" the awning replacement was easy. Wife and I did 3 in less than 1/2 day with the last one taking less than 45 minutes. The awning mfg. web site has a blurb on "how to".
Our awnings were mfg. by Carefree of Colorado.

[adj]

I, also, have pinned an awning(slide) roller and removed/repaired the awning material. Just make sure the pin is being held in by the roller tension.

[jetfromtn]

there is a good article at rv-motorhome-answers that will answer a lot of your questions.
________________
Jim & Tanya
07 Coachmen Pathfinder
07 HHR

[ChrisNiemann]

pinning it works, its kinda one of those "to each their own" type of things, i chose to unwind it so there was NO spring tension cause I didn't know what i was dealing with the first time, now that I know there isn't THAT much tension on it, I would be up for just pinning it next time...

[Art E]

Wow, you folks are great. I had been wondering why I had to worry about the spring and was thinking I could just roll out the owning and work from there. Looks like that's the way to go, just have to make sure I pin it properly. Sounds good to me and thanks to all.