Replacing Your Camper Awning: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing an awning on a camper is a complex task that requires multiple people and a lot of time. The process involves removing the bolts holding the awning to the camper, taking out the screws holding the fabric to the track, sliding out the fabric, unlocking the spring, removing the roller tube, installing the new fabric, and reassembling the awning. It is important to keep track of the number of rotations when unlocking the spring to ensure proper reinstallation. Additionally, it is recommended to use silicone lubricant to ease the installation of the new fabric. While it is possible to do this as a DIY project, it may be best to consult a professional for assistance.

Removing the roller tube

Cover the upper awning brackets with electrical or masking tape. This will prevent the brackets from scratching the side of your camper. If your awning is old, use a sharp edge to cut away any sealant that connects the fabric to the track. Scrape away any debris from inside the track with a sharp edge.

Spread the end of the track with a flat-blade screwdriver. Place it between the two pieces of the track that hold the fabric inside. Apply downward pressure to the screwdriver to lever the pieces apart, making it easier to remove the fabric.

Pull the awning tube out of the track gently. Get two helpers to hold the awning 3 to 4 inches off the ground. Then, begin pulling the tube off the track to the front or rear of the camper. Walk the awning out completely until it's free. Ensure you have plenty of room in front of or behind the camper before attempting this step. If the fabric is stuck in the track, ask a third person on a ladder to help pull it until it slides more easily. If you don't have any helpers, elevate the awning legs with bricks.

Removing the awning fabric

Now that the roller tube has been removed, it's time to focus on taking off the old awning fabric. This process will require some tools and a helping hand or two.

Lock the Rear Spring

First, locate the two springs inside the roller tube, one at each end. Lock the spring on the rear or left side of the awning by removing the black plastic cap and inserting a Phillips-head screwdriver. This will prevent the spring from unwinding as you work.

Remove the Right Arm

Next, go to the front or right side spring. Release the tension by loosening the bolt that holds the arm to the roller tube. Remove the bolt and the arm, then reinsert the bolt and cover the bracket with tape to protect it from scratches.

Release Spring Tension

Now, focus on releasing the tension in the spring. Clamp a vice grip onto the bolt and lift it slightly to release the pressure. Flip the control lever to the "Rolled Up" position and carefully unroll the awning. Make sure to count the number of rotations required to unwind the awning fully, as you will need to replicate this when reassembling.

Mark the Lever Position

Before removing the spring assembly, it is crucial to mark the position of the control lever on the roller tube with a felt or permanent marker. This will ensure that you can reassemble the awning accurately.

Remove the Rivets

To remove the spring assembly, you need to take out the pop rivets holding the end cap in place. Use a cordless drill to loosen the rivets, and then tap them with a hammer to remove them completely. Rotate the roller tube to access the second rivet if needed.

Slide Out the Spring Assembly

Once both rivets are removed, gently slide out the entire right-side spring assembly from the roller tube. Set it aside carefully on a clean surface.

Unwind the Old Fabric

Now, with the help of an assistant, slowly unwind the old awning fabric from the roller tube. Take your time and do it one turn at a time. If the fabric is stuck, you may need to cut it with a razor knife between the channels that hold the valance and the main awning.

Attaching the new fabric

Spray the Channels with Silicone Lubricant

Use a silicone spray lubricant with a nozzle and apply it to the channels on the roller tube. Hold the nozzle about 1-2 inches from the channels and release the trigger every 1-2 seconds to avoid over-application. Try to spray the lubricant evenly across each channel.

Slide the Beads into the Channels

Note the marks you made on the roller tube. The beading on the main awning side goes into the track with the straight line, while the beading on the valance side goes into the channel marked with a "V". Gently pull the end along the tube to feed both beads into the channels simultaneously.

Centre the Fabric

Use a tape measure to ensure the fabric is perfectly centred between each cap. This step is crucial as the fabric will not roll into the tube properly if it is not centred correctly.

Roll the Fabric onto the Roller Tube

Roll the fabric counterclockwise onto the roller tube, taking your time to ensure it is rolled as evenly and smoothly as possible. This step is much easier with 1-2 friends helping you.

Reinsert the Spring Assembly

Line up the awning control lever with the mark on the side of the tube and reinsert the spring assembly. Ensure the rivet holes line up, then use a pop riveter to replace the rivets in the end cap and securely fasten it to the roller tube.

Retighten the Spring Assembly

Attach vice grips to the roller tube bracket and click the awning control lever to the "roll-down" position. Rotate the spring counterclockwise to retighten it, counting the same number of rotations as when you removed the spring earlier. Keep a tight hold on the vice grips during this step.

Reattach the Right Awning Arm

After the spring assembly is tightened, remove the protective tape from the right bracket and snap the support arm into place. Then, remove the screwdriver from the left side of the roller tube and replace the black plastic track.

Extending the camper awning

To extend a camper awning, first ensure your camper is levelled and stabilised. Check that the awning has enough clearance to extend completely, and that your door isn't in the way of its path. If you're operating the awning manually, ensure the awning has clearance and the door is closed. Loosen the awning arm knobs and open the tabs to separate the inner arm from the outer arm. Use the awning rod to engage the 'Roll Down' switch, and then use the rod to pull the awning strap and extend the awning. You may need to pull one side out first and then the other to even the awning up. Slide the vertical arm pieces forward and latch them in place, then tighten the knobs. Finally, extend the opposite arm until the awning is even.

Using the correct tools

Electric Drill

An electric drill is necessary for removing the bolts and screws that hold the awning in place. Use the drill with the appropriate-sized bolt tip to remove the bolts and screws. Place the removed bolts and screws into labelled plastic bags and set them aside.

Step Ladder

When removing the bolts that hold the awning to the top of the camper, you may need to use a step ladder to reach them easily.

Flathead Screwdriver

A flathead screwdriver is useful for prying open the end of the track that holds the awning fabric. Insert the screwdriver into the end of the track and move it up and down like a lever to pry it open. This will make it easier to remove the fabric.

Tape

Use masking tape or electrical tape to cover the sharp edges of the metal brackets at each end of the awning's roller tube. This will prevent scratches on your camper or injuries to yourself.

Vise Grip

A vise grip is a tool that can be clamped onto the bolt of the awning leg to release built-up pressure. After releasing the pressure, flip the lever to the "roll-off" position and use the vise grip to unroll the spring. Count the number of rotations so you can re-roll the spring the same number of times when reassembling.

Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is useful for loosening pop rivets that hold the endcap of the roller tube in place. Drill the pop rivets and then tap them with a hammer to remove them completely.

Box Wrench

Use a box wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the awning leg to the roller tube. Remove the bolt and set it aside, then reinsert it and cover the exposed bracket edges with tape to prevent scratches.

Silicone Spray Lubricant

Spray silicone lubricant into the channels of the roller tube before inserting the new awning fabric. This will make it easier to slide the fabric into the channels.

Pop Riveter

After reinserting the spring assembly into the roller tube, use a pop riveter to replace the rivets in the endcap and securely fasten it to the tube.

Frequently asked questions