Installing Camper Awning Fabric: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the awning fabric on your campervan is a simple process, but it does require a few pairs of hands to help you out. First, you'll need to gather your tools: gloves, silicone spray, a screwdriver, a power drill, a tape measure, and a stepladder. You'll also need to purchase an inexpensive awning installation tool to make things easier. Next, you'll need to remove the old awning fabric by unscrewing the awning support and removing the screws that lock the fabric in place. Cut the old awning in half above the roller and then make another cut down the roller in one of the grooves. Pull out the piece with the slot on the end cap, and drill a hole to create a new slot for the other piece to slide out of easily. You can then remove the larger piece by sliding it out of the guide near the roof. Now it's time to install the new fabric. Apply silicone spray or baby oil to the grooves to help the new fabric glide on more easily. Make sure the fabric is oriented properly and start sliding the plastic piece into the upper groove. You'll need to descend the ladder and guide the fabric into the new slot you made in the roller. Keep working the fabric back and forth until it's completely on and in the middle of the roller. Finally, put the locking screws back in on both sides of the awning fabric and screw the upper right awning support back into place. And there you have it—your new awning fabric is now installed!

Removing the old awning

Firstly, you will need to gather the right tools for the job. For installing an awning, you will need strong work gloves, silicone spray, a flat-head screwdriver, a power drill, a tape measure, and a stepladder. It is also recommended to purchase an inexpensive awning installation tool to make the process easier.

Now, let's get started with the removal process:

• Extend your awning and unscrew the awning support on the right. Keep the screws safely for reinstallation.
• Inspect the awning bracket for any damage and replace it if needed.
• Cover all the sharp edges of the support with painter's tape to prevent any damage to the new awning when it is installed.
• Remove the small screws that lock the awning fabric in place. These can be found on both the left and right sides of the awning. Keep these screws safely for later use.
• Cut the old awning fabric in half, starting somewhere above the roller.
• Make another cut down the roller, ensuring it is within one of the grooves and between the two points where the fabric is connected to the roller. This will make it easier to remove the fabric in two separate pieces.
• Pull out the piece that has a slot on the end cap. For the other piece without a slot, drill a hole at the end that lines up with the slot, and use a hacksaw or Dremel to cut a new slot. Smoothen the new slot so that there are no burs or sharp edges that may damage the new awning fabric.
• Pull out the larger piece towards the right so that it slides out of the guide near the roof.
• You do not need to remove any other awning supports.

And there you have it! The old awning fabric has been successfully removed, and you are now ready to install the new replacement fabric. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully and work with a helper for an easier process.

Installing the new fabric

Once you have the new fabric, you can start the installation process.

Firstly, apply a silicone spray or baby oil to the grooves on the roller and the upper groove or guide near the roof. This will help the new awning fabric to glide on more easily.

Next, flare open the top edge of the groove or guide on the roof with a screwdriver, as this can still catch on the new fabric. Again, cover any sharp edges with painter's tape.

Now, you can start sliding the new fabric into the upper groove. Ensure the fabric is oriented properly and kept straight. You will only be able to insert the new fabric 12-18 inches before you need to descend the ladder and guide the fabric into the new slot you made in the roller. Keep working the replacement fabric back and forth until it is completely on and in the middle of the roller. Make sure the fabric on the roof is perfectly aligned with the roller.

You will notice there is another slot in the roller and a separate piece of plastic cording. You will need to fold the awning into that second slot. To make this easier, you can use an installation tool. Once the fabric is folded into the groove on the right side of the roller, put the plastic cord into the groove on top of the fabric, acting as a second attachment point. Put baby oil in the groove and continue folding the fabric, pulling the plastic cord all the way down until it reaches the end.

You may be able to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the end of the cord and pull it through the slot, rather than pushing it through from the right. Cut off any extra cord on either end.

Now, climb back up the ladder and put the locking screws back in on both sides of the awning fabric. Put some fresh silicone sealant into the holes that the large screws came out of and screw the upper right awning support back in using the same holes.

Finally, reconnect the torsion assembly and rivet it back into place. Reconnect everything as you found it before and test your handiwork to ensure the awning moves easily.

Using tools like power drills and screwdrivers

To install a camper awning, you'll need a few tools, including a power drill and a screwdriver. Here's a detailed guide on how to use these tools for a successful installation:

Gather Your Tools and Materials:

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials. In addition to your power drill and screwdriver, you'll need:

• Work gloves for protection
• Silicone spray to lubricate the parts
• A tape measure to ensure accurate measurements
• A stepladder to reach the awning safely

Remove the Old Awning Fabric:

Start by extending your awning and unscrewing the awning support on the right using your power drill or screwdriver. Save the screws for later. Inspect the awning bracket for any damage, and replace it if needed. Cover any sharp edges with painter's tape to prevent damage to your new awning.

Next, remove the small screws that lock the awning fabric in place on both the left and right sides. Again, save these screws for reinstallation. Now, you can cut the old awning fabric in half above the roller. Make another cut down the roller in one of the grooves, allowing you to pull off both pieces separately.

Prepare for the New Awning Fabric:

Before installing the new fabric, apply silicone spray or baby oil to the grooves on the roller and the upper guide near the roof. This will help the new fabric glide on smoothly. Use your screwdriver to flare open the top edge of the guide if needed. Ensure that any sharp edges are covered with painter's tape.

Install the New Awning Fabric:

With your new awning fabric, start by sliding the plastic piece into the upper groove, keeping the fabric straight. You may need to climb up and down the ladder to guide the fabric properly. Work the fabric back and forth until it is completely on the roller and aligned properly.

Secure the Awning Fabric:

Once the new fabric is in place, climb back up the ladder and reinsert the locking screws on both sides of the awning fabric. Apply fresh silicone sealant to the holes and screw the upper right awning support back into place. Your new awning fabric is now installed!

Tips for Success:

Throughout the process, pay attention to safety. Wear gloves and protective eyewear, and exercise caution when working at heights. Additionally, work in an organised workspace, laying out your tools and materials systematically to make the installation process smoother.

Working with others to slide the fabric

Firstly, ensure you have at least two other people assisting you. This not only makes the task more manageable but also safer. With a team in place, you can then begin the process of sliding the fabric.

One person should hold each awning leg, lifting them off the ground. Simultaneously, begin walking alongside the camper, heading towards the end of the track that was previously pried open with a flathead screwdriver. If needed, enlist a third person to help tug the fabric along the track, ensuring it moves smoothly.

Once you have reached the end of the track, carefully lower the awning onto the ground. Consider placing cinder blocks or large bricks under the awning roller for additional support.

If you are working on a manual awning, it is essential to use velcro straps or bungee cords to secure the awning arms. This will prevent the awning from accidentally opening during transit.

By following these steps and working collaboratively, you will be able to efficiently and safely slide the fabric during the installation of your camper awning.

Reattaching the awning

Now that you have your new awning fabric, you can begin the process of reattaching it to your RV. This process is essentially the reverse of the removal process.

First, you will need to reinsert the torsion assembly and rivet it back into place. Then, reconnect the awning arms to the roller tube using a bolt. Make sure to use fresh silicone sealant in the holes for the bolts.

Next, you can begin to slide the new awning fabric into the track. This is much easier with a few pairs of hands to help. With a person holding each awning leg, and another person sliding the fabric into the track, walk alongside the RV, tugging the fabric as you go.

Once the fabric is in the track, you can screw the locking screws back into place on both sides of the awning. Reattach the awning legs to the RV and snap them back into place.

Finally, test your awning by rolling it out and in again to ensure it moves smoothly.

Frequently asked questions