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

Replacing the awning on your camper is a simple process, but it does require some helping hands. The first step is to purchase a replacement awning, ensuring that it is the correct size for your camper. Once you have the new awning, you can begin to remove the old one by releasing it and rolling it down. This involves disconnecting the bolts and screws that hold the awning in place and unwinding the fabric. It is important to note the tension on the springs during this process as it will need to be replicated during the installation of the new awning. After removing the old fabric, you can install the new fabric by threading it onto the tube and reconnecting the necessary hardware. Finally, test your new awning to ensure it moves easily.

Removing the roller

The first step in replacing the awning on your camper is to remove the roller. This will involve a few steps and will be easier with a couple of people to help.

Firstly, locate the bolts that are holding the awning to the top of your RV. You will find these on either side of the awning. Use a cordless electric drill to remove these bolts. It is a good idea to put the bolts into a labelled plastic bag so that you can find them easily later.

Next, you will need to remove the screws that are holding the fabric to the track. There is a set of screws at each end of the track holding the fabric in place. Again, use your electric drill to remove these and place them into a separate labelled bag.

Now, head to the bottom of your RV and find the brackets that are holding the legs in place. With the help of another person, pop these legs out of the brackets. Then, extend the legs and stand them up so that the awning is propped up.

At this point, you will need to flip the control lever to extend the awning by about 30 cm. You will find the control lever on the right side of the awning's roller tube. Once you have done this, use an awning rod to pull the awning away from the RV by the same amount.

Now, cover the sharp edges of the metal brackets at each end of the roller tube with masking tape or electrical tape. This will prevent you or your RV from getting scratched.

Next, use a flathead screwdriver to pry apart the end of the track. Stick the end of the screwdriver into one end of the track and move it up and down like a lever to open it up. If there is any old sealant connecting the fabric to the track, cut this away.

Finally, with the help of one or two other people, slide the fabric out of the track. Have one person at each awning leg, and, if needed, a third person to tug the fabric along the track. Slowly lower the awning to the ground and place it on a set of cinder blocks or bricks.

Removing the spring

Lock the rear spring

Find the black plastic cap on the left side of the roller tube. Remove the cap and insert a Phillips-head screwdriver into the hole to lock the spring in place.

Remove the right arm

Go to the front (or right) side spring and release the tension. Loosen the bolt holding the arm to the roller tube and remove the bolt and arm. Reinsert the bolt and cover the bracket with tape to protect it from scratches.

Release the spring tension

Clamp a vice grip onto the bolt and lift it slightly to release the pressure. Flip the lever to the "Rolled Up" position and carefully unroll the awning. Count the number of rotations required to unwind the awning fully, as you will need to wind it up later.

Mark the location of the awning control lever

Before removing the spring assembly, mark its location on the roller tube with a felt marker. This will ensure that you can reassemble the awning in the exact same spot.

Remove the rivets

Drill out the pop rivets that hold the end cap onto the roller tube. Remove the rivets with a hammer and punch. Rotate the roller tube to access the second rivet and repeat the process.

Slide off the spring assembly

Once both rivets are removed, gently slide the entire spring assembly out of the roller tube. Place it on a clean surface.

Replacing the old fabric

Now that the tube is free of attachment, it's time to lift it out of place and unroll the awning fabric. Ask a helper to stand at the other end of the tube and work together to roll the fabric off so that the bare metal is exposed. Note the channels that the fabric is tucked into and mark them with a permanent marker. Typically, there are three channels, but the fabric is only inserted into two of them. If your awning has a valance, draw a "V" next to the top channel that the valance is tucked into.

At this point, you can slide the old fabric off the roller tube. It may be easier to slice the fabric down the middle, between the two channels, with a knife first so that you can slide the fabric off in two pieces. Once the fabric is removed, discard it.

Before inserting the new fabric, spray silicone lubricant into the channels you marked. Get a spray silicone lubricant with a nozzle, place the nozzle into the channel, and squeeze the trigger as you walk alongside the roller tube. Do not use silicone caulking, as this is not the same thing.

Now, it's time to insert the new awning fabric. Position the new fabric over the front of the roller tube, tucking the ends of the fabric into the channels you marked. Ensure that the fabric is centred and that the valance is in the channel marked with a "V". Awning fabric has beading inside it, so make sure that this beading is inside the channels.

Hold the fabric firmly to either side of the two channels and slowly walk down the length of the tube towards the end, pulling on the fabric as you go. The silicone lubricant should make this step easier, but if needed, spray more lubricant into the channels.

Finally, roll the fabric onto the roller tube with one to two other people. Have one person at each end of the roller tube and work together to roll the fabric around the tube, lifting the tube as you pull the fabric under it. Use a third person to help smooth the fabric as needed.

Reassembling the awning

Now that you've removed the old awning, it's time to reassemble the new one. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Reinsert the spring assembly and the pop rivets: Pick up the spring assembly and slide it back into the roller tube. Rotate the endcap until the line you made earlier matches up with the awning control lever. Use a pop riveter to reinsert the rivets. Do the top rivet first, then rotate the tube and do the bottom one.

Clamp the vise back on and rotate it the same amount as before: Place the vise grip back onto the bolt. Lock it into place, then rotate it counterclockwise, counting the rotations as you go. Stop when you reach the number you counted when disassembling.

Remove the vise, reattach the awning leg, and peel the tape off: Take the vise grip off first, then pop the awning leg back into place and reinsert the bolts and screws. Peel the tape off of the bracket.

Snap the bracket legs back in, then remove the tape and screwdriver: Take the legs that are attached to the RV and lower them into the legs on the ground. Snap them back into place, then peel the tape off of the top brackets. Remove the screwdriver from the back/left end of the roller tube and replace the plastic cap.

Clean and lubricate the track, then cover the open end with tape: Cover the end of a flathead screwdriver with a paper towel, then stick it into the track. Slide the screwdriver back and forth along the track to remove any dirt. Lubricate the track, then cover the split end with tape. Spray the inside of the track with spray silicone lubricant.

Slide the fabric into the track with the help of two other people: Have a person hold up each awning leg. Get a third person to slide the end of the fabric into the split end of the track. Walk alongside the RV, tugging on the fabric as you go.

Remove the tape from the brackets and screw them back into place: Prop the legs on the ground and roll the awning out by 1 foot (30 cm). Remove the tape from the brackets, then screw them back into place. If you haven't already, snap the legs back into place at the base of the RV.

Reinsert the screws: Find the screws that held the awning fabric to the track. Place them back into the track and screw them in. Your awning is now complete.

Measuring and purchasing a replacement awning

Before you start, it's important to know the exact measurements of the awning you need for your camper. Measure from the ground to the top railing/track attached to the top railing shell frame of your RV – this is the height. For the width, measure the same distance on both sides of the door, ensuring there are no windows or compartments that the awning will block.

When purchasing a replacement awning, make sure to buy one that is the correct size and suitable for the make and model of your camper. You can buy awnings at a local retailer or online. It's best to buy vinyl or canvas awnings, as they are easier to repair if they get damaged.

If your awning has a valance, you will need to ensure that the new awning fabric you purchase includes this feature.

Frequently asked questions