How to Replace a Camper Awning

Unfortunately, with the constant unrolling and re-rolling, the life cycle of an awning of an RV is less than that of the RV itself. To maintain optimal functionality, the awning should be replaced when it gets too damaged to remain useful. Or perhaps that bright yellow barbershop stripe isn't quite as fashionable as it was a few years ago. Maybe you want to upgrade it. Your reasons are up to you, but the task isn't necessarily easy. This is a process that really should be left to either experts or those who consider themselves experts. If you are not sure about your ability to replace the awning after reading this guide, it's best to go to a professional to do this job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Two props (such as sawhorses) Vise grips Awning user guide
Two props (such as sawhorses)
Vise grips
Awning user guide

Step 1

Release the travel locks on the awning arms, and position the lock to the "roll down" setting. If the positioning isn't possible, you should prop it.

Step 2

Insert the cotter pin. Each end cap has a series of holes that need to be lined up. Putting the pin in prevents the awning from slipping out.

Step 3

Remove the lag bolts that hold the rafters at the top of the trailer and the screws that keep the fabric on the trailer.

Step 4

Move the awning. With one or two helpers, take the awning and put it on the props (preferably sawhorses).

Step 5

Release the spring tension. Mount the awning tube on the sawhorses. Using vise grips, pull out the bolts on each end that are connected to the arms, along with the cotter pins mentioned before. Be careful, as there is quite a bit of energy stored in the springs. Once done, it's safe to remove the fabric.

Step 6

Take out the torsion assembly. On each end, drill out the three rivets, and then mark your place so you don't lose it when replacing the awning.

Step 7

Put the new awning fabric in. This part is long and requires patience. Thread in the new fabric with a helper and make sure that it lines up entirely. Tuck the awning cords into the tube.

Step 8

Put the torsion assembly back in. Use the marks that you made when removing it.

Step 9

Add the spring tension. Using your awning's user guide, find the spring tension needed for your model, and wind the spring that number of times. Insert a cotter pin to maintain the tension.

Step 10

Install the awning. From what you've done up to this point, you know where your awning was. Put your awning back where it was before, using the same techniques that had it latched there in the first place.

Tips & Warnings

Don't try to do this alone. If you think you can't do this, you can't do this. The spring tension process could cause severe cuts and bruises.

Don't try to do this alone.

If you think you can't do this, you can't do this.

The spring tension process could cause severe cuts and bruises.

Article Written By Vincent Runyon

Vincent Runyon is a writer working out of Portland, Ore. His work has been featured in "The Oregon Voice" and "Portland Monthly." Runyon received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Oregon. His greatest passions are traveling to new and different places and enjoying a good basketball game. Usually the two are mutually exclusive.

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