The awning on your RV is an important aspect of your setup. It makes an outdoor living space, protects you from the weather, and gives you a cool place to relax on hot summer days. It can ruin your plans and make your trip less enjoyable if it is damaged, deformed, or too worn to fix. If your roof has been damaged by wind, mildew, or years of sun exposure, it doesn’t have to be hard to find the right fix. If you want to fix anything quickly or do a full update, a universal RV awning replacement can be the ideal alternative for you. It will be cheap and work with your RV.
Before you start looking at fabric swatches or buying hardware, you need know what causes awning damage, when to replace it, and how to choose a system that works for your rig and lifestyle.
In This Article:
Reasons why awnings get damaged
A lot of things happen to RV awnings. Wind is one of the most common reasons, especially if the awning is left open during sudden gusts or heavy storms. Even a light breeze can bend arms or rip fabric if you don’t pull the awning back in time.
How much sun you get is another huge thing that matters. UV rays damage down the fabric over time, causing it to fade, become brittle, and break. When there is a lot of moisture, like from rain or humidity, mold and mildew can also grow. This weakens the cloth and makes it smell awful.
Other types of damage include broken or bent arms, electric versions that don’t operate, or cloth that falls apart at the roller. Some of these faults can be repaired, but a lot of RVers consider that buying a new one is a better and longer-lasting choice.
When to get a new one
It’s not hard to spot problems with awnings, including major tears, broken components, or arms that don’t go back up as they should. But some appear out of nowhere. Watch out for:
- When you hold the cloth up to the light, the transparency is inconsistent or has tiny holes in it.
- Tension that isn’t even or that is sagging
- When you pull back, the motor makes loud or straining noises.
- Leaks that keep happening through seams or stitches
- Support arms that are bowed and don’t line up right anymore
If you have more than one of these problems at the same time, it can be cheaper to replace the complete awning, including the fabric and fasteners, than to fix each section separately.
Picking the right replacement
It’s important to know the details of your RV because not all of them have the same awning system. There are both powered and manual versions of conventional awnings. There are many sizes of roller tubes, lengths of cloth, and ways to mount them. Knowing the make, model, and size of your awning is the first step to attaining the perfect fit.
If your existing brand isn’t available anymore or your hardware is too old to work with new parts, a universal replacement can be the answer. These kits can be utilized with a wide range of RVs and can be installed by different brands and in different places. Most of them have pre-sewn polycord edges, reinforced fabric, and materials that are just as strong as those created for some brands.
Pay attention to how you take the measurements; measure the awning from end cap to end cap before you buy it. Also, check the roller tube’s diameter. It’s also a good idea to decide early on if you want to keep your current hardware or get a new motor and arms for a full system overhaul.
Do you want to install it yourself or hire a pro?
It’s not too hard to change an RV awning, but you’ll need to plan ahead and get someone to help you. A lot of RVers can do it themselves if they are just changing the cloth. They just need a step ladder, some basic tools, and some patience.
If you’re upgrading the hardware, going from manual to electric, or acquiring a bigger size, it might be worth it to hire a pro to complete the task. This is especially true with awnings that go on the roof, slide toppers, or models that need to be rewired to start the engine.
Always do precisely what the manufacturer says, and safety should come first. Some sections of awnings are under stress, which could damage you if you don’t treat them right.
Improving your replacement
Getting a new awning is another way to make your RV life better. There are a variety of stylish replacement fabrics that come in pretty patterns and won’t fade. Some of them even have covers that reflect heat, which keeps the area under the canopy cooler.
You could want to add things like LED light strips, side panels for increased privacy, or automatic wind sensors that pull the awning back when the wind picks up. These changes might not be needed, but they can make a big difference in how pleasant and easy things are, especially for people who live in their RVs full-time or travel a lot.
How to take care of your awning to make it last longer
If you take care of your new awning after you put it up, it will last longer. If it’s windy, stormy, or you’re driving, pull the awning back. Wash the linen with mild soap and water on a regular basis to keep mildew from forming. Before you roll it up, make sure it is thoroughly dry.
Check the tension and lubricate the moving parts at least once a season to make sure everything is working right. Putting a cover over the awning when you store it in the winter will also protect it from damage from the sun and the weather.
Last Thoughts
At first, replacing a broken RV awning might seem like a hassle, but with the right equipment and a positive mindset, it can be a simple upgrade that makes your excursions much better. If you know what your options are, you can get back to enjoying the shade, scenery, and comfort that make RV living so fantastic. This is true whether you want to replace the cloth or improve the whole system.
If you prepare properly, take a few essential measurements, and buy good gear, you can get back to lounging under your awning in no time. There won’t be any flapping, spilling, or drooping.
