How to Put an Awning on a 5 Wheel Camper RV

Some owners of RVs and fifth-wheel campers are by nature do-it-yourselfers. Even if you're new to the DIY game, installing an awning on your camper is a relatively simple project to undertake, one that can be completed in a few hours. You can buy an awning kit that includes all the necessary hardware, and beyond that the only tool you'll need is a power screwdriver.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Tape measure Power screwdriver/drill Awning kit
Tape measure
Power screwdriver/drill
Awning kit

Step 1

Purchase an awning that is the correct size for your RV. This is the most important step of the installation process. If your awning is sized incorrectly, it may interfere with the workings of windows and storage compartments. Take your measurements from the top railing/rack to the ground for the height. Measure the width starting from a point on one side of the door that is beyond the windows, compartments and obstructions (or floor brackets where the bottom of the awning will attach). Measure to the same point on the other side of the door.

Step 2

Attach the awning railing to the top of the RV. Use the screws and bolts that came with the awning kit when you purchased it. Place the railing in the position that you measured in Step 1, and tighten the screws using a power screwdriver.

Step 3

Unroll the awning and slide the upper awning arms in place on the upper railing. Continue to hold the awning taut with one hand. Adjust the tension knobs on the upper railing on each side of the awning.

Step 4

Open the support legs and prop their ends against the ground under the RV to mark their place.

Step 5

Attach the bottom brackets using the screws and bolts that came with the awning kit. Use the position of the support legs as a guide for where to place the brackets. Then attach each leg to a bottom bracket.

Resources

RV Awnings

Article Written By Tracy Morris

Tracy Morris has been a freelance writer since 2000. She has published novels and numerous online articles. Her work has appeared in national magazines and newspapers including "Ferrets," "CatFancy," "Lexington Herald Leader" and "The Tulsa World." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Arkansas.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...