How to Install a Retractable Awning on a Camper

Lean the awning against your camper, and measure its length, so you can predict how far out the awning will project.

Do a little imagining and picture where you'd like your awning to be. The height of the awning will affect what kind of shade it casts at different times of day. Generally, you want to place the awning brackets above the camper's windows. You should also examine your camper to see if it already has a built-in space to mount the awning from. If this is the case, you don't need to add any brackets.

Note: Some campers may have bracket holes already built into them. If this is the case with your camper, skip this step and move to step 5.

Use chalk or masking tape to mark where you will drill the bracket holes. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the brackets end up perfectly level.

Drill the holes for the brackets. Take care to drill them exactly where you marked with the chalk. For safety reasons, make sure there is no power going to the camper, as cutting or drilling into a powered camper could lead to electrocution.

Install the brackets using the installation equipment, which should have come with them. Follow the directions provided by the awning manufacturing company, and be careful not to break the brackets during installation, as they may be prone to snapping.

Carefully slide the awning completely into the slots created by the brackets, and tighten the bolts by hand. The screws should be fairly tight, but do not use a power drill, as this could cause damage to the bolts.

Climb a stepladder so you can reach the awning, and use your hands to turn the knobs on either side of the awning. This extends it by adjusting the tension springs. Adjust the awning to your liking, sit back, and enjoy the cool shade.