Sustaining the performance and aesthetics of your RV is paramount. Amongst its important parts, the awning performs a vital position in offering shelter and safety. Nonetheless, over time, put on and tear or unexpected circumstances might necessitate its alternative. Changing an RV awning is a job that requires cautious planning and execution. This complete information will stroll you thru the step-by-step course of, empowering you to revive your RV’s awning to its former glory.
Earlier than embarking on the awning alternative journey, meticulous preparation is vital. Before everything, making certain the security of your RV and your self is non-negotiable. Park your RV on a degree floor, interact the parking brake, and disconnect {the electrical} energy. Collect the required instruments and supplies, together with a brand new awning cloth, a wrench or socket set, a ladder, and security glasses. Moreover, enlist the help of a buddy or member of the family to facilitate the method.
With the preparatory steps full, the precise alternative process can begin. Start by retracting the outdated awning cloth and eradicating the top caps that safe it to the curler tube. Subsequently, unbolt the curler tube from the RV’s sidewall and thoroughly detach it. Measure and minimize the brand new awning cloth to the suitable size, making certain it extends past the curler tube on each side. Slide the brand new cloth onto the curler tube and reattach the top caps. Lastly, reinstall the curler tube onto the RV’s sidewall, safe it with bolts, and prolong the brand new awning to confirm its correct operation.
Gathering Important Supplies
Getting ready for an RV awning alternative requires meticulous gathering of important supplies. Here is a complete information to make sure you have the whole lot you want:
Supplies for Awning Substitute
– Awning Cloth: Choose a sturdy and UV-resistant cloth designed particularly for RV awnings. Decide the suitable measurement and elegance to match your current awning.
– Awning Arm Kits: Consisting of help arms, brackets, and {hardware}, these kits present the framework for suspending the awning cloth. Guarantee they align with the size and weight capability of your RV.
– Awning Rollers: These cylindrical metallic tubes facilitate the retraction and extension of the awning cloth. Select rollers that align with the material’s width and size.
– Awning Springs: These heavy-duty springs help within the easy operation of the awning, making certain it retracts and extends effortlessly. Decide the suitable spring pressure for the scale of your awning.
– Cloth Retainers: These parts connect the awning cloth to the rollers and stop it from billowing or separating throughout use. Choose retainers appropriate with the material and curler system.
– {Hardware} Equipment: This package contains bolts, nuts, washers, and different {hardware} vital for securing the awning parts and mounting the awning to the RV.
– Awning Motor: The motor powers the awning’s retraction and extension. Decide the required motor measurement and voltage primarily based on the awning’s dimensions and weight.
– Awning Management: The management system means that you can function the awning remotely. Select a management that may face up to outside situations and supplies the specified degree of performance.
Eradicating the Previous Awning
1. **Collect instruments and supplies:** You may want a ladder, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, and a brand new RV awning.
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Retract the awning: Manually or electrically retract the outdated awning fully into its casing. This may make it simpler to work on.
Detailed steps:
- Find the awning management change or crank deal with.
- If utilizing a change, merely flip it to the "retract" place.
- If utilizing a crank deal with, flip it clockwise till the awning is totally retracted.
- Be sure that the awning cloth is neatly rolled up contained in the casing.
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Disconnect utilities: Flip off the ability to the awning motor (if relevant) and disconnect any gasoline traces.
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Take away the top caps: Use a screwdriver or wrench to take away the screws or bolts holding the top caps in place.
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Detach the awning arms: Loosen the bolts or screws that safe the awning arms to the RV physique. Use a wrench or a socket wrench for this job.
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Unfold and take away the awning cloth: As soon as the arms are indifferent, the awning cloth may be unfolded and thoroughly eliminated.
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Eliminate the outdated awning: Comply with correct disposal pointers to your space to eliminate the outdated awning.
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Clear the mounting floor: Wipe down the mounting floor on the RV physique to take away any grime or particles earlier than putting in the brand new awning.
Getting ready the Curler Tube
The curler tube is the guts of your RV awning, so it is important to organize it correctly earlier than putting in the brand new cloth. Here is easy methods to do it:
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Take away the outdated cloth. To do that, merely unroll the awning and detach the material from the curler tube. You need to use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to take away the screws or bolts that maintain the material in place.
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Clear the curler tube. As soon as the outdated cloth is eliminated, clear the curler tube with a moist fabric to take away any grime or particles. You can even use a gentle detergent if the curler tube is especially soiled.
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Examine the curler tube. Earlier than putting in the brand new cloth, it is important to examine the curler tube for any injury. Search for any cracks, dents, or different injury that might compromise the integrity of the curler tube. Should you discover any injury, it is best to substitute the curler tube earlier than putting in the brand new cloth.
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Apply a lubricant. As soon as the curler tube is clear and inspected, apply a lubricant to the tube. This may assist the brand new cloth roll easily and stop it from sticking to the tube.
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Set up the brand new cloth. As soon as the curler tube is ready, you possibly can set up the brand new cloth. To do that, merely align the material with the curler tube and connect it to the tube utilizing screws or bolts. You should definitely tighten the screws or bolts securely in order that the material is held in place.
Putting in the New Awning Cloth
1. Begin by eradicating the outdated awning cloth from the awning body. To do that, merely untie the ropes or straps which might be holding the material to the body.
2. Measure the size of the outdated awning cloth and minimize a brand new piece of material to the identical size.
3. Lay the brand new awning cloth over the awning body and middle it. Then, tie the ropes or straps to the body to safe the material in place.
4. To make sure that your awning cloth is correctly tensioned, you’ll need to regulate the strain screws on the awning body. To do that, comply with these steps:
– Find the strain screws on the awning body. They’re normally situated on the ends of the body.
– Flip the strain screws clockwise to tighten the material.
– Flip the strain screws counterclockwise to loosen the material.
– Tighten the material till it’s taut, however not too tight. You must have the ability to push on the material together with your finger and it ought to give barely.
– As soon as the material is correctly tensioned, tighten the set screws on the strain screws to maintain them in place.
5. Lastly, unroll the awning and take a look at it to ensure that it’s working correctly.
Attaching the Awning to the Curler Tube
As soon as the awning cloth is hooked onto the awning rail, it is time to connect it to the curler tube. This course of entails the next steps:
- Slide the keyhole finish of the material into the monitor on the curler tube. The keyhole finish will likely be on the top of the material that’s reverse the awning rail.
- Pull the material taught and insert a bolt via the opening within the cloth and into the curler tube. You could want to make use of a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the bolt.
- Minimize off any extra cloth. As soon as the material is hooked up to the curler tube, you possibly can minimize off any extra cloth. You should definitely go away just a few inches of additional cloth so to tuck it underneath the awning curler.
Suggestions for Attaching the Awning to the Curler Tube
- When attaching the awning cloth to the curler tube, remember to maintain the material taut. This may assist to stop the material from sagging or tearing.
- Use a bolt that’s the appropriate measurement for the opening within the cloth. A bolt that’s too small is probably not robust sufficient to carry the material, and a bolt that’s too massive might injury the material.
- As soon as the awning cloth is hooked up to the curler tube, you possibly can tuck the surplus cloth underneath the awning curler. This may assist to maintain the material from getting caught within the wind or rain.
Troubleshooting Issues with Attaching the Awning to the Curler Tube
You probably have any issues attaching the awning cloth to the curler tube, right here are some things you possibly can strive:
- Test to ensure that the keyhole finish of the material is correctly inserted into the monitor on the curler tube. The keyhole finish ought to match snugly into the monitor.
- If the bolt isn’t going via the opening within the cloth, chances are you’ll have to widen the opening or use a smaller bolt.
- You probably have any extra cloth, you possibly can minimize it off. You should definitely go away just a few inches of additional cloth so to tuck it underneath the awning curler.
Reattaching the Awning to the RV
After you have the brand new awning in place, it is time to reattach it to the RV. This course of is usually a lot simpler than changing the awning cloth, because it merely entails reinserting the awning into the brackets that held it in place beforehand.
Step 1: Align the Awning
Raise the brand new awning into place and align it with the brackets on the RV. Make it possible for the awning is dealing with the proper route and that the perimeters are aligned with the perimeters of the brackets.
Step 2: Slide the Awning into the Brackets
Gently slide the awning into the brackets. You could want to make use of a rubber mallet to faucet the awning into place. Watch out to not injury the awning or the brackets.
Step 3: Safe the Awning
As soon as the awning is in place, insert the bolts or screws to safe it to the brackets. Tighten the bolts or screws till the awning is cosy. Don’t overtighten the bolts or screws, as this will injury the awning or the brackets.
Step 4: Check the Awning
Open and shut the awning to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. If the awning doesn’t open or shut easily, examine for any obstructions or injury.
Step 5: Lubricate the Awning
To maintain the awning functioning easily, lubricate the transferring components of the awning with a silicone-based lubricant. This may assist to stop the awning from sticking or binding.
Step 6: Examine the Awning Frequently
Examine the awning commonly for any indicators of harm, similar to tears, rips, or fading. Should you discover any injury, restore it promptly to stop additional injury. A desk summarizing the steps is offered under:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Align the Awning |
| Step 2 | Slide the Awning into the Brackets |
| Step 3 | Safe the Awning |
| Step 4 | Check the Awning |
| Step 5 | Lubricate the Awning |
| Step 6 | Examine the Awning Frequently |
Adjusting the Awning Arms
As soon as the brand new awning cloth is put in, the awning arms must be adjusted to make sure correct pressure and help for the material. This entails adjusting the size of the awning arms to match the gap between the curler tube and the rafter on the RV.
To regulate the awning arms, comply with these steps:
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the adjustment bolt on the awning arm. It’s normally a hex bolt or a wing nut situated close to the hinge level of the arm. |
| 2 | Loosen the adjustment bolt utilizing a wrench or pliers. |
| 3 | Lengthen or shorten the awning arm to match the gap between the curler tube and the rafter. |
| 4 | Tighten the adjustment bolt to safe the arm in place. |
| 5 | Repeat the method for the opposite awning arm. |
| 6 | Test the strain of the awning cloth. It ought to be taut however not overly tight. Alter the arm size as wanted. |
| 7 | As soon as the awning arms are correctly adjusted, the awning ought to prolong and retract easily with none binding or sagging. Check the awning’s operation just a few occasions to make sure it’s working appropriately. If any points come up, seek the advice of the producer’s directions or search skilled help. |
Sealing and Waterproofing
1. Examine Current Awning
Completely examine the awning for any indicators of harm, similar to tears, holes, or UV degradation.
2. Clear and Dry Floor
Clear the floor the place the brand new awning will likely be put in with a moist fabric and gentle detergent. Permit the floor to dry fully.
3. Apply Primer (Optionally available)
For higher adhesion, apply a primer particularly designed for awning materials to the set up space.
4. Place New Awning
Fastidiously place the brand new awning over the set up space, making certain it’s correctly aligned and centered.
5. Safe Awning
Safe the awning to the RV utilizing the offered {hardware}, similar to bolts, screws, or self-tapping screws.
6. Seal Joints
Apply a beneficiant quantity of sealant to all joints and seams across the awning, together with the place the awning cloth meets the RV physique. Use a high-quality sealant designed for outside use and UV resistance.
7. Set up Finish Caps
Set up finish caps on the ends of the awning to stop water and particles from getting into.
8. Apply Waterproofing Remedy
To reinforce the waterproofness of the awning, apply a waterproofing remedy particularly designed for awning materials.
Supplies Required:
1. Waterproofing Remedy (e.g., Scotchgard, ReviveX): Protects the awning cloth from water stains and repels moisture.
2. Tender Material or Sponge: Apply the remedy evenly and gently.
3. Water Supply: Rinse off extra remedy after utility.
Steps:
a. Clear the Awning: Take away any grime or particles from the awning cloth with a moist fabric or brush.
b. Apply Remedy: Apply the waterproofing remedy in accordance with the producer’s directions, utilizing a tender fabric or sponge to unfold it evenly over your entire awning floor.
c. Permit Adhesion: Permit the remedy to soak into the material for the beneficial period of time.
d. Rinse and Dry: Use a water supply to softly rinse off any extra remedy. Permit the awning to air dry fully.
Testing the Performance of the Awning
1. Unfurling and Rolling Again
- Unfurl the awning fully utilizing the motor or guide crank.
- Guarantee easy operation with none snags or hesitations.
- Roll again the awning and examine if it retracts evenly and securely.
2. Inspecting Cloth Situation
- Study the awning cloth for any rips, tears, fading, or mildew.
- Test for correct pressure and make sure the cloth isn’t sagging or buckling.
3. Inspecting Help Arms
- Examine the help arms for any bends, cracks, or unfastened connections.
- Guarantee they’re sturdy and supply satisfactory help to the awning.
4. Checking Motors and Gearbox
- For motorized awnings, examine the motor for any uncommon noises or vibrations.
- Examine the gearbox for any leaks or injury to the gears.
5. Verifying Electrical Connections
- For motorized awnings, guarantee {the electrical} connections are tight and freed from corrosion.
- Test for any unfastened wires or broken terminals.
6. Inspecting Curler Tube
- Study the curler tube for any dents, bends, or rust.
- Make sure the tube is straight and rotates easily.
7. Checking Wind Sensors (if Geared up)
- If the awning has wind sensors, take a look at their performance by manually creating some wind motion.
- The sensors ought to set off the awning to retract routinely.
8. Inspecting Distant Management (if Geared up)
- For motorized awnings with distant management capabilities, examine the performance of the distant.
- Guarantee it operates the awning easily and with none delays.
9. Extra Testing for Sliders and Cable-Pushed Awnings
- Sliders: Test the slider tracks for any particles or obstructions that might hinder easy operation.
- Cable-Pushed Awnings: Examine the cables for any rust, fraying, or stretching. Guarantee they’re correctly tensioned and securely hooked up to the awning and help arms.
| Check | What to Test |
|---|---|
| Unfurling and Rolling Again | Easy operation, no snags or hesitations |
| Inspecting Cloth Situation | No rips, tears, fading, or mildew |
| Inspecting Help Arms | No bends, cracks, or unfastened connections |
| Checking Motors and Gearbox | No uncommon noises, leaks, or broken gears |
| Verifying Electrical Connections | Tight and freed from corrosion |
| Inspecting Curler Tube | No dents, bends, or rust |
| Checking Wind Sensors (if Geared up) | Set off automated retraction upon wind motion |
| Inspecting Distant Management (if Geared up) | Easy and fast operation |
| Extra Testing for Sliders | Clear and debris-free slider tracks |
| Extra Testing for Cable-Pushed Awnings | No rust, fraying, or stretching of cables |
Sustaining the New Awning
As soon as your new RV awning is put in, correct upkeep is essential to make sure its longevity and performance.
Common Cleansing
Cleansing the awning commonly removes grime, particles, and chicken droppings, stopping buildup and injury. Use a gentle cleaning soap resolution and a tender fabric.
Lubrication
Lubricating the awning arms and different transferring components reduces friction and ensures easy operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant each season or as wanted.
Inspection
Examine the awning commonly for any indicators of harm, similar to rips, tears, or unfastened cloth. Deal with any points promptly to stop additional issues.
Storage
When the awning isn’t in use, retailer it correctly to guard it from the weather. Absolutely retract the awning and canopy it with a protecting cowl.
Retraction in Windy Situations
Retract the awning promptly when wind speeds attain 20 mph or greater. Extreme wind may cause injury to the awning and the RV.
Keep away from Obstacles
Be sure that there are not any obstacles within the awning’s path when extending it. Objects like tree branches or energy traces can injury the awning or injure folks.
Use Awning Stabilizers
Awning stabilizers present further help and stop the awning from swaying in windy situations.
Common Cloth Remedy
Treating the awning’s cloth with water repellent or UV protectant options helps resist fading, mildew, and water injury.
Skilled Inspection
Take into account scheduling an expert inspection of your RV awning each 2-3 years to make sure its total well being and security.
Troubleshooting
| Downside | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Awning does not prolong/retract easily | Lubricate the transferring components or examine for obstacles. |
| Rips or tears within the cloth | Restore or substitute the broken cloth promptly. |
| Awning arms squeak | Lubricate the arms and examine for unfastened bolts. |
The best way to Substitute an RV Awning
Changing an RV awning generally is a daunting job, however it’s one that may be completed with the appropriate instruments and slightly little bit of endurance. Listed below are the steps on easy methods to substitute an RV awning:
- Collect your instruments: You have to a ladder, a drill, a screwdriver, a socket wrench, a tape measure, a degree, and a caulk gun.
- Take away the outdated awning: Begin by eradicating the screws that maintain the awning in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, the awning may be lifted off the RV.
- Set up the brand new awning: Place the brand new awning on the RV and align it with the holes within the roof. Use the screws to safe the awning in place.
- Caulk the seams: As soon as the awning is put in, caulk the seams across the edges to stop water from leaking in.
- Check the awning: Open and shut the awning to verify it’s working correctly.
Folks Additionally Ask
How a lot does it value to exchange an RV awning?
The price of changing an RV awning will differ relying on the scale and sort of awning you select. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a brand new awning.
How lengthy does it take to exchange an RV awning?
Changing an RV awning can take wherever from just a few hours to a full day, relying on the scale and complexity of the awning.
Can I substitute an RV awning myself?
Sure, it’s doable to exchange an RV awning your self. Nonetheless, you will need to have some primary DIY abilities and to comply with the directions rigorously.
