Changing a camper awning generally is a daunting activity, however it’s a needed one to maintain your RV in good situation. An awning gives shade from the solar, rain, and wind, and it might additionally assist to increase the lifetime of your RV’s exterior. In case your awning is broken or worn out, it is very important change it as quickly as attainable to stop additional injury to your RV.
There are some things it’s best to have in mind when changing a camper awning. First, that you must select the fitting awning on your RV. There are a number of awnings accessible available on the market, so that you must discover one that’s the proper measurement, form, and elegance on your RV. Second, that you must just remember to have the correct instruments and supplies to switch the awning. Lastly, that you must observe the producer’s directions rigorously to make sure that the awning is put in accurately.
Preparation: Instruments and Security Measures
Instruments Required
Earlier than commencing awning alternative, it is essential to collect the required instruments to make sure a clean and environment friendly course of. The next is an intensive listing of instruments you may want:
– Awning cloth
– Measuring tape
– Marker or pencil
– Scissors
– Ladder
– Screwdriver or affect driver
– Wrench or socket set
– Sealant
– RV awning cleaner
– Rags
– Gloves
Security Precautions
On your security, adhere to those precautions whereas performing awning alternative:
– Put on security glasses to guard your eyes from flying particles.
– Make the most of gloves to keep away from cuts and abrasions throughout dealing with.
– Work on a steady floor to stop falls.
– Safe the ladder towards motion for stability.
– Disconnect {the electrical} provide to the awning (if relevant).
– Keep away from working in inclement climate, akin to heavy rain or snow.
– If unfamiliar with electrical wiring, search help from a professional electrician.
– Get rid of outdated awning cloth and elements responsibly.
Eradicating the Broken Awning
Earlier than eradicating the outdated awning, be sure you have a brand new one prepared to put in. Comply with these steps to soundly and successfully take away the broken awning:
Unroll and Collect the Awning
- Pull the awning out all the way in which and safe it with the stress arms.
- Fold the awning again onto the curler by pulling it in the direction of the camper and securing it with the straps or velcro.
Detach the Cloth From the Curler
- Find the screws or bolts holding the material to the curler tube.
- Take away the screws or bolts and punctiliously slide the material off the curler tube.
Take away the Curler Meeting
- Find the brackets or screws securing the curler meeting to the camper.
- Take away the brackets or screws and punctiliously decrease the curler meeting away from the camper.
Safe the Awning Cloth
- Roll the awning cloth tightly and wrap it with a tarp or plastic to guard it from the weather.
- Retailer the awning cloth in a dry and sheltered location till the brand new awning is prepared for set up.
Making ready the Rollers and Meeting
Putting in the Rollers
1. Insert the top caps into the facet brackets of the awning cowl. Be certain the top caps match snugly and are oriented accurately to stop the material from fraying.
2. Thread the awning cloth by the curler meeting. Make sure that the material is centered on the rollers and runs easily with none creases or obstructions.
3. Slide the rollers with the material into the slots on the facet brackets of the awning meeting. Align the rollers and guarantee they match securely, stopping them from slipping out throughout operation.
Mounting the Cloth Help Bars
1. Connect the material help bars to the underside of the rollers utilizing the offered brackets. These bars assist maintain the material taut and forestall it from sagging.
2. Prolong the material help bars to their full size and insert the top caps into the brackets on the principle awning body.
3. Modify the stress of the material help bars by tightening the bolts or screws that safe them to the awning meeting. Guarantee the material is taut however not excessively stretched, stopping injury.
Putting in the Awning Body
1. Assemble the awning body in line with the producer’s directions. Sometimes, this entails connecting the facet brackets, high crossbars, and help legs.
2. Place the awning body over the present mounting brackets on the camper wall. Make sure the body is aligned and stage to stop uneven distribution of weight.
3. Safe the awning body to the mounting brackets utilizing bolts or screws. Tighten the fasteners securely to make sure stability and forestall the body from transferring throughout use.
Putting in the New Awning Cloth
Now that you’ve your new awning cloth, it is time to set up it. This course of is comparatively easy, however it requires some cautious consideration to element. Listed here are the steps concerned:
Step 1: Put together the Awning Body
Earlier than you possibly can set up the brand new cloth, that you must put together the awning body. Begin by cleansing the body totally with a gentle detergent and water. As soon as the body is clear, examine it for any injury. In case you discover any broken areas, you will want to restore them earlier than you possibly can set up the brand new cloth.
Step 2: Unroll the Awning Cloth
As soon as the awning body is ready, you possibly can unroll the brand new awning cloth. Begin by laying the material out on the bottom, proper facet up. Then, discover the middle of the material and mark it with a bit of tape or chalk. This can show you how to to align the material with the middle of the awning body.
Step 3: Connect the Awning Cloth to the Body
Now it is time to connect the awning cloth to the body. Begin by aligning the middle of the material with the middle of the body. Then, use a staple gun or a drill to connect the material to the body. Begin by attaching the material on the middle, after which work your means out in the direction of the sides. Be certain to drag the material taut as you staple it to the body in order that it’s wrinkle-free.
Step 4: Pressure the Awning Cloth
As soon as the awning cloth is connected to the body, that you must pressure it. This can assist to stop the material from sagging or flapping within the wind. To pressure the material, you will want to make use of a tensioning instrument. Begin by attaching the tensioning instrument to the middle of the material. Then, use the tensioning instrument to drag the material taut. Work your means out in the direction of the sides of the material, and make it possible for the material is evenly tensioned.
Step 5: Set up the Awning Help Arms
As soon as the awning cloth is tensioned, you possibly can set up the awning help arms. These arms will assist to maintain the awning prolonged and in place. To put in the help arms, begin by attaching the brackets to the awning body. Then, insert the help arms into the brackets and safe them with screws.
Step 6: Check the Awning
As soon as the awning is put in, it’s best to take a look at it to make it possible for it’s working correctly. Begin by extending the awning absolutely. Then, test to make it possible for the material is taut and that the help arms are securely in place. If the whole lot is working correctly, now you can take pleasure in your new awning!
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Put together the Awning Body |
| 2 | Unroll the Awning Cloth |
| 3 | Connect the Awning Cloth to the Body |
| 4 | Pressure the Awning Cloth |
| 5 | Set up the Awning Help Arms |
| 6 | Check the Awning |
Tensioning and Securing the Awning
As soon as the awning is rolled out and connected to the camper, it is essential to pressure and safe it correctly to make sure its stability and longevity.
1. Tensioning the Awning
Start by adjusting the tensioners positioned at every finish of the awning curler tube. Rotate them clockwise to tighten the material and forestall it from sagging. Keep away from overtightening, as this could put extreme stress on the material and {hardware}.
2. Securing the Awning to the Camper
Use the offered brackets, clamps, or screws to connect the awning securely to the camper’s sidewall. Guarantee a comfortable match to stop motion and wind injury.
3. Putting in Help Poles
Relying on the awning’s measurement and wind situations, you could want to put in help poles. Insert the poles into the designated slots on the awning arms and prolong them till they attain the bottom. Safe the poles with pegs or stakes to supply extra stability.
4. Checking the Pressure and Safety
After tensioning and securing the awning, test its stability by gently pulling on the sides. If there’s any motion or slack, tighten the tensioners or reinforce the attachments as wanted.
5. Issues for Wind and Rain
Retract the awning fully throughout heavy wind or rain to stop injury. If retracting the awning just isn’t attainable, decrease the arms to the bottom place to cut back wind resistance. Moreover, use windbreak helps or strengthened tarps to reinforce the awning’s wind resistance.
| Wind Pace | Advisable Awning Place |
|---|---|
| Beneath 25 mph | Absolutely prolonged |
| 25-40 mph | Lowered to lowest place |
| Above 40 mph | Retracted |
Connecting the Help Arms
Step 6: Connecting the Help Arms
The help arms present extra stability to the awning when it’s prolonged. They’re sometimes product of aluminum or metal and are adjustable in size to accommodate completely different heights and lengths of campers.
To attach the help arms:
- Find the brackets on the facet of the camper the place the help arms can be connected.
- Slide the help arms into the brackets till they’re absolutely engaged.
- Tighten the bolts on the brackets to safe the help arms in place.
- Measure the space between the top of the help arms and the bottom. Modify the help arms as needed to make sure they’re stage and supply ample help to the awning.
- As soon as the help arms are adjusted, tighten the bolts on the brackets to lock them in place.
Ideas for Connecting the Help Arms:
| Tip | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Use a stage to make sure the help arms are stage. | This can forestall the awning from sagging or turning into unstable. |
| Tighten the bolts securely. | Free bolts may cause the help arms to wobble or collapse, doubtlessly damaging the awning. |
| Examine the help arms repeatedly. | Search for any indicators of injury or put on and tear that will compromise their stability. |
Inspecting and Testing the Alternative Awning
1. Unroll and Examine the Awning
Unroll the brand new awning fully and examine it totally for any injury or defects. Test the material for any tears, holes, or stains, and make sure the seams are securely sewn.
2. Test the Vinyl Roofing
Study the vinyl roofing of the awning rigorously. Search for any cracks, punctures, or tears. Additionally, be certain that the seams are sealed correctly and freed from any gaps or uncovered areas.
3. Examine the Body
Examine the body of the awning to make sure it’s straight and freed from any bends or injury. Test all joints and connections for correct match and alignment.
4. Check the Curler and Motor
Check the curler and motor by working the awning a number of instances. Test if the awning rolls easily and evenly, and that the motor doesn’t make any uncommon noises.
5. Test the Cloth Pressure
Modify the material pressure by tightening or loosening the awning straps. Guarantee the material is taut and freed from any wrinkles or folds.
6. Check the Water Resistance
Utilizing a hose or spray bottle, simulate a rainfall and test if the awning successfully repels water. Examine the seams and edges for any leaks.
7. Examine the Awning Operation
Absolutely prolong the awning and observe its operation. Test if the awning stabilizes correctly with out extreme motion or swaying. Make sure that all locking mechanisms and help arms are functioning accurately.
| Check | Description |
|---|---|
| Prolong and retract | Test for clean operation and correct alignment. |
| Lock and unlock | Guarantee locking mechanisms securely maintain the awning in place. |
| Wind stability | Observe the awning’s resistance to wind and guarantee it stays steady. |
| Rain resistance | Check the awning’s potential to repel water successfully. |
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Awning Will not Prolong or Retract
Test the ability provide. Confirm that the battery is charged or the awning is plugged into an AC outlet. Examine the wiring for any free connections or shorts.
Awning Stops Mid-Motion
Study the awning arms for obstructions. Guarantee there are not any branches, leaves, or different objects interfering with the arm’s motion. Test the restrict switches on the awning motor. If caught, manually reset them.
Awning Cloth Rips or Tears
Assess the severity of the tear. If the tear is minor, it may be repaired utilizing a patching equipment. For in depth tears, think about changing the complete awning cloth.
Awning Cloth Stains or Discolors
Strive cleansing the material with delicate cleaning soap and water. Use a sponge or gentle brush to keep away from damaging the material. For cussed stains, seek the advice of an expert cleansing service.
Awning Pole Bends or Breaks
Substitute the bent or damaged pole. Choose a pole with the identical size and diameter as the unique. Safe the pole utilizing the suitable fasteners.
Awning Motor Failure
Test the circuit breaker or fuse. If tripped or blown, reset or change it. If the motor nonetheless doesn’t function, it might should be repaired or changed.
Awning Not Degree
Modify the stress on the awning arms. Use the offered instruments to stage the awning by tightening or loosening the bolts or screws.
Awning Leaks
Examine the awning cloth for any tears or holes. If discovered, patch or change the material. Make sure the awning is correctly pitched to stop water from pooling and leaking.
Examine and Clear Your Awning
Commonly examine your awning for any seen injury or put on. Test for any cracks, tears, or free elements. Clear the awning periodically utilizing a gentle cleaning soap answer and water. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or detergents.
Lubricate Transferring Elements
Lubricate any transferring elements, akin to hinges, rollers, and pulleys, utilizing a silicone-based lubricant. Apply the lubricant sparingly to keep away from attracting grime or particles.
Retailer Your Awning
When not in use, retailer your awning in a clear and dry location. Keep away from storing it in direct daylight or excessive temperatures.
Restore Minor Harm
Minor injury, akin to small tears or punctures, will be repaired utilizing a patch equipment or awning restore tape. Clear the broken space and apply the patch in line with the producer’s directions.
Substitute Awning Cloth
If the awning cloth has develop into badly broken or pale, it might should be changed. Contact an expert RV technician for help with this activity.
Upkeep and Look after Your New Awning
Inspecting and Cleansing Your Awning
Examine your new awning each week or two, cleansing it as wanted. Use a gentle cleaning soap and water answer and keep away from harsh chemical compounds or detergents that might injury the material. A easy material or gentle brush ought to suffice for cleansing.
Lubricating Transferring Elements
Lubricating the transferring elements of your awning will assist to maintain it working easily and forestall untimely put on and tear. Use a silicone-based lubricant sparingly to keep away from attracting grime and particles.
Storing Your Awning
When not in use, your awning ought to be saved in a clear and dry location. Keep away from storing it in direct daylight or excessive temperatures. If attainable, retailer the awning in a climate-controlled setting.
Repairing Minor Harm
Minor tears or punctures in your awning cloth will be repaired utilizing a patch equipment particularly designed for awning cloth. Be certain to scrub the broken space totally earlier than making use of the patch in line with the producer’s directions.
Changing Awning Cloth
If the awning cloth has develop into irreparably broken or pale, it might should be changed. This can be a complicated activity that ought to be undertaken by an expert RV technician.
10. Unfurl Your Refreshed Cover
As soon as the awning cloth is securely connected to the curler tube, it is time to unfurl your newly changed cover. Begin by gently elevating the curler tube and securing it on the desired peak utilizing the help arms. Slowly prolong the awning cloth by pulling it outwards and attaching it to the help arms at predetermined intervals. Be certain the material is taut, however not excessively tight, as this might trigger injury. Enable the awning cloth to accept a couple of moments earlier than you absolutely prolong it to stop any sudden or uneven actions.
As soon as the awning is absolutely prolonged, examine it for any wrinkles or creases. If any are current, gently clean them out by working your hand alongside the material. You might also wish to use a gentle brush to take away any particles or grime that will have gathered throughout the alternative course of.
Together with your camper awning焕然一新, now you can sit again, loosen up, and benefit from the outdoor with out worrying about rain, solar, or wind. Invite family and friends over for a gathering, take pleasure in a quiet meal, or just absorb the fantastic thing about nature. Your renewed awning gives a comfy and welcoming house the place you possibly can create lasting reminiscences.
Substitute Camper Awning
Changing your camper awning is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of hours. Listed here are the steps that you must observe:
1. Security first: Earlier than you start, be certain the awning is retracted and the ability is disconnected.
2. Take away the outdated awning: Take away the arm brackets from the facet of the camper. Then, rigorously roll up the awning cloth and take away it from the curler tube.
3. Set up the brand new awning: Insert the brand new awning cloth into the curler tube. Then, connect the arm brackets to the facet of the camper and set up the brand new awning cloth.
4. Check the awning: As soon as the brand new awning is put in, retract and prolong it a couple of instances to verify it’s working correctly.
Folks Additionally Ask
How a lot does it price to switch a camper awning?
The fee to switch a camper awning varies relying on the dimensions and kind of awning you select. Nevertheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a brand new awning.
How lengthy does it take to switch a camper awning?
Changing a camper awning is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of hours.
Can I change a camper awning myself?
Sure, you possibly can change a camper awning your self when you have some primary instruments and expertise. Nevertheless, in case you are not snug doing it your self, you possibly can rent an expert to do it for you.
What are the various kinds of camper awnings?
There are three principal kinds of camper awnings: handbook, electrical, and slide-out. Handbook awnings are operated by hand, whereas electrical awnings are operated by a motor. Slide-out awnings are connected to the facet of the camper and slide out while you wish to use them.
