How to Make an RV Awning Roller Lock

If you have ever had an awning fly off your RV while on the road, you know the results can be potentially devastating. In order to ensure the safety of your awning and those on the road, it is important to install an RV awning roller lock, which will secure the awning in place while driving. While locks can be purchased from RV dealers, you can easily make your own with materials purchased from your local hardware store.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Painter's tape Screwdriver Picture hanger (heavy-duty) Door catch spring Stainless steel hose clamp, four-inch Two S hooks Metal chains
Painter's tape
Screwdriver
Picture hanger (heavy-duty)
Door catch spring
Stainless steel hose clamp, four-inch
Two S hooks
Metal chains

Step 1

Place a piece of painter's tape on the rivet that secures the end cap located on the edge of the awning when it is in use.

Step 2

Awning roller with initial hardware in place. Steve Das/Dasplace.net

Open the awning and place in the upright and locked position. Secure the picture hanger onto the end cap using the hose clamp. The bottom of the hanger should be just above the rivet marked with painter's tape in order to prevent the system from slipping when pressure is applied.

Step 3

Insert the catch spring between the loop on the picture hanger and at the base of the awning's vertical support pole.

Step 4

Tighten the hose clamp on the hanger to create a tab that prevents movement. Using a screwdriver, create an opening between the hanger and the clamp large enough to slip an S-hook through the space.

Step 5

Hook the spring to the awning rod by inserting the S-hook through the picture hanger. Attach the metal chain to the bottom of the spring. Attach an S-hook to the bottom of the metal chain. Hook the S-hook through the foot of the rafter to lock the awning in place.

Tips & Warnings

Insert clear vinyl tubing over the metal chains to avoid damaging the side of the RV during travel. For ease of installation and removal, install the spring while the awning is in place on the roll. To keep the awning firmly locked in place, choose a length of chain short enough to keep the spring partially compressed while the awning is in the closed position.

Insert clear vinyl tubing over the metal chains to avoid damaging the side of the RV during travel.

For ease of installation and removal, install the spring while the awning is in place on the roll.

To keep the awning firmly locked in place, choose a length of chain short enough to keep the spring partially compressed while the awning is in the closed position.

Article Written By Gail Logan

Gail Logan is a magazine editor and freelance writer based in Atlanta, AL. She received her B.A. in Journalism from Patrick Henry College. For the past four years, she has written home design, travel and food features for national magazines, including "Coastal Living," "Texas Home and Living," "Log Home Design," and "Country's Best Log Homes." When not writing, she mentors inner-city children.

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