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L.C.Gray · 01-03-2017, 12:57 PM

Finally got around to changing out the fabric on my awning yesterday. Other than the sheer size of it being a 20 footer, it wasn't too bad a job. Even with the new fabric throwing us a curve by not having one of the cords pre-sewn into the fabric and making a rookie mistake on the tensioner, we still got it done in about 2 hours. Dealer wanted $920 to replace it, We did it ourselves for $184. Don't be afraid to dive in, take your time and save the money doing it yourself.

Next DIY project coming up is adding a 2nd A/C unit.

Lrakeahs · 01-03-2017, 01:44 PM

Way to go!!!

Love the title of your thread.......my son used to always say that!

ModestMonk · 01-03-2017, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.C.Gray

Finally got around to changing out the fabric on my awning yesterday. Other than the sheer size of it being a 20 footer, it wasn't too bad a job. Even with the new fabric throwing us a curve by not having one of the cords pre-sewn into the fabric and making a rookie mistake on the tensioner, we still got it done in about 2 hours. Dealer wanted $920 to replace it, We did it ourselves for $184. Don't be afraid to dive in, take your time and save the money doing it yourself.

Next DIY project coming up is adding a 2nd A/C unit.

DIY is always more rewarding, the satisfaction of getting it done and have the $$$$ to spend on something else.

idnative1948 · 01-03-2017, 02:41 PM

You are a better DIYer than I am! I was askeered so took me about 4 hours first time I did it last year and mine was about 4ft narrower than yours! And yes, the $$ I saved bought 4 new tires..

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModestMonk

DIY is always more rewarding, the satisfaction of getting it done and have the $$$$ to spend on something else.

Mr_D · 01-03-2017, 02:45 PM

Yep, I've done several on my last rig, a friends rig and now one of the slide covers is going to need it.

skiles · 01-03-2017, 03:49 PM

I was thinking about doing that myself. I called my local trailer place, which is not a primary RV place and they quoted me $150 if I bring my own fabric. They've done good work for me before so I think I'll let them do it. Kudos on DIY though.

chaps2018 · 01-03-2017, 06:14 PM

Thanks for sharing your experience. It won't be too much longer for mine

schrederman · 01-03-2017, 08:31 PM

The only reason I clicked on this thread was because I saw a fine old Texas word in the title...

L.C.Gray · 01-04-2017, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiles

they quoted me $150 if I bring my own fabric.

The fabric was where the Stealer was going to make the most on the deal. They wanted close to $700 for the fabric and two hours shop time at $100+/hr.

I didn't mind the idea of the shop bill as much as I minded them marking the fabric up 400%.

I've gotten to where if I do farm out a job, I'll buy and bring the parts myself and only pay the shop labor.

Lifemember · 01-04-2017, 06:09 AM

You just made $368 dollars an hour.

wackymac · 01-04-2017, 06:29 AM

The DW and I replaced the fabric on our 16' awning a couple of years ago. The fabric came with instructions and I watched a couple of U-Tube videos. While I had it out I disassembled the awning tube, cleaned and greased the springs, the rods that held them and also the ratchet. That made the awning much easier and smoother to roll up. I don't think the dealer would have done that.

WeBeFulltime · 01-04-2017, 06:36 AM

In 2016 I replaced the 16' awning fabric and fabric on all 3 slide out awnings and it was a piece of cake with help from 1 person (son on awning and wife on slide out awnings). Didn't keep track of savings but was a BUNCH.

skiles · 01-05-2017, 04:28 AM

Reading this thread I'm becoming more inspired to try this myself.

bmurphy45 · 02-04-2017, 09:17 PM

Just did my 21 footer today. Sick with a bad cold but has to get it done. Took 4 hours because I was so sick! My experience same as OP's. Hardest part was getting the fabric in the groove and locked in with the spline. I found that a little silicon spray eased the process along!

I also wound one tensioner wrong way. Awning wouldn't go either way. Just sat there looking confused...me, not the awning! Apparently the direction arrows stamped into the end brackets clearly indicating which way to wind don't apply to dummies and men who are near death from the common cold. Someone not at death's door would have been able to handle it in two hours.

I hear a local hospital has opened a new ICU for men with colds. Think I may go check myself in. With all I saved I may be able to pay the bill!