Is there something wrong with your awning? The culprit might be a faulty arm, and replacing it can breathe new life into your outdoor space. These arms should be replaced periodically to avoid excessive stress on the awning. Thus, replacing them is a necessary maintenance function. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step of awning arm replacement.
Maintenance of awning arms is essential, whether fixing a broken mechanism, twisted arms, or upgrading the arms from an existing setup. We’ll help you with everything from when a replacement must be made to selecting the correct arm and performing the installation. With the fancy of RV awning arm replacement parts, you can completely redesign your overhang and enhance your outdoor life.
Table of Contents
ToggleAwning Arm Replacement—What Is It?
Changing the support arms of a movable awning, like on an RV or other similar outdoor structures, is the same as replacing an awning arm. Mostly, when awning shutters or awning arms are broken, the nested arms are the focus of repair books.
The presentation looks magnificent when awning depressing arms when the awning age is perfect, with no broken or aging arms. On the other hand, where arms are broken or aging, the awning has some shortcomings.
For an awning to function effectively, old, damaged arms should be detached, and new ones should be installed instead. Regularly inspecting and replacing awning arms when they become worn out will ensure the longevity of the outdoor space and reduce expenses.
Why Awning Arm Replacement Matters?
Roof awning arms are essential for ensuring the RV’s awning is safe and functional. Like any other material, they can become non-functional or even fragile after sometimes being out in the weather or being overused. Replacing your umbrella arm is necessary if it is noticeably broken, bent, or stiff. A broken arm could lead to more problems with awnings. Hence, it should be addressed at that moment.
Adding another awning arm will help maintain the awning’s functioning without aggravating the condition. This part will tell you what to look for to determine when it is about time to replace your awning arm.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Awning Arm
Do you prepare adequately for RV road trips? When planning a trip, should a new awning be installed? It does not matter whether the place you visit is hot, wet, or cold. You find it helpful in providing shade and shelter. Until then, here is the replacement sign: determine when your awning arm ends. Some examples are:
Retracting or Extending Proves Difficult
Internal damage, bending, or rust are likely causes of your awning arm’s inability to move. A replacement arm is likely necessary to guarantee smooth functioning if the current one is stiff or unresponsive.
Incidental Damage
For instance, check the arm for cracks or bends and movement if it is under strain. Damage inflicted on the arm through external force reduces its physical and functional integrity while changing its form.
Unstable Awning
If you extend your awning, which feels loose and wobbles above your head, there may not be adequate support from the arm. If the existing one is either shaky or presents a danger to the user’s safety when changing or awning replacement. The replacement process should be undertaken as soon as possible.
Corrosion and Rust
Metal parts tend to rust when exposed to moisture too often. Since rust enhances arm fat risk and decreases the arm’s strength, a worn-out arm must be replaced for safety purposes—more so the arm in use.
Damaged or Absent Components
In the case of a defective awning arm, there will be lost screws or promising broken over brackets. A substitute is necessary for returning the full functionality because the arm is ineffective without these key elements.
Joints Excessively Worn Out
People’s worn-out joints are warning shrieks. You may tell your awning arm is all used up when it is slack in its joints or joint cups and other parts showing heavy wear. Because of this, the arm cannot support the awning any further since its joints wear out and become dangerous.
Sagging fabric
If your fabric awning extends but the fabric droops instead of stretching or remaining taut, the arms are likely weak and cannot support the weight anymore.
Be sure to replace your awning after it has been used to the extreme. By tracking these signals, you can keep your awning in good standing and expect it to work to offer shade and shelter.
How Do You Measure An RV Awning Arm For Replacement?
To purchase an appropriate replacement arm, one must compare it with the length that the awning’s adjustable arm reaches. Before mounting the arms into the RV, ensure the awning is fully extended. Also, find the outer arm mounting bracket on the left-hand side of the unit. To measure the adjustable arm length, one must measure the center bracket to roller tube distance.
Record the dimensions, then measure the length and width of the arms. If any other prominent features exist, like the arm, it is safe to say that it must be recorded. One has to do this with both arms, as it is necessary to measure the extreme wear and tear performance potential of the two arms.
This is usually done to use the same parts with other constructions and assemblies without incompatibility problems. It does not matter whether all of that fits—it is necessary and what is normal, an effort to save one measurement.
Choosing the Right Replacement Awning Arm
It is essential to use the correct components while replacing awning arms. Always check if the replacement arm can fit in because different RVs and awning have their specifications. Among those are the following:
- Compatibility—Identify the manufacturer and model of your awning so that only an appropriate replacement arm is purchased. Replacement components for awning arms are available from brands such as Dometic and Solera.
- Material—Aluminum is the most used material in arm construction because it is lightweight and doesn’t wear out easily. However, some arms are also made of steel for extra strength.
- Dimensions—You must remove your existing arm and measure it with the one you are substituting. This affects the proper extension and retraction of the awning.
- Manual vs. Powered—Depending on its type, your awning may require either a powered or a manual arm. Convince it is manual or automatic so that you do not get any means where some effort is spent in the fear.
When choosing replacement awning arms, consider your requirements, expenditure, and how you will use your outdoors. Each option has pros and cons, but the most appropriate for you will largely depend upon your circumstances and inclinations.
Benefits of Timely Awning Arm Replacement
It is important to replace the awning arm when it is most appropriate. Some of the benefits include:
- Better Performance: If the arms of your awning are broken or worn out, its ability to fold out and retract will be compromised, and you will not be protected from the sun as desired.
- Improving Security: Old, badly broken, or faultily maintained arms pose a real danger as they can collapse. This is why spare parts must be changed on time to ensure safety.
- Aesthetic Value: New awning arms are a lovely way of modernizing the look of your awnings and projecting the house’s aesthetic appeal, which is likely to help maintain the house’s value.
- Cost Efficiency: When components become damaged or worn out, they should be replaced before unnecessary bills are incurred for repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, complete replacement.
- Weather Adaptability: Arm types like the Solera power arms enable the awning to be unfolded and slanted for improved protection from rain or winds.
Note: Seek professional attention when looking for a precise operable external part of the structure or when it should be replaced.
Tools You’ll Need for Awning Arm Replacement
Gone are the days when one had to scramble in search of battens for awning replacement. Permanent overhead installation of proper awning equipment will ensure that over 80% of cracks are repaired. Because improper installation will never occur again. For the correct and safe replacement arm procedures, here is a collection of tools that will facilitate the work, including:
- Screwdriver Set: A couple of sizes of flat head and Philips head will come in handy.
- Wrench Set: This helps both take off and put on nuts.
- Drill: Suitable for electric screwdrivers. It could either remove screws or make new screw holes if necessary.
- Measuring Tape: Make sure the new arm you plan to attach is proportional.
- Level: Everything stays balanced as it should be.
- Safety Gear: It includes gloves and spectacles, among others, to avoid injuries and the like.
All the tools are in place, and you are now ready to remove the old arm.
Removing the Old Awning Arm Replacement
One of the simplest RV enhancement interventions is replacing an embarrassing arm after so long. This is about removing the previous awning arm. It should not be a problem whether it is a Dometic awning arm replacement or another brand. Things will be easy while making the replacement, provided you take these steps:
- Safety Precautions: While you may be in a hurry to fix the arm to the RV, remember to take care of your safety first. Position the RV on level ground and open the awning to its full extension. This will make the area easily accessible and reduce injuries.
- Take the Power Out (if need be): If the awning is electric retractable, the power supply must be cut off to avoid problems throughout the procedure.
- Locate Points of Attachment: Examine the RV wall adjacent to the awning roller tube to identify the points where the previous awning arm was attached. This is typically secured using bolts or screws.
- Take Out Bolts: Using the right tools, remove the bolts that secured that arm to its mounting. You will need these during the new fixing, so you should collect and arrange them properly.
- Remove the arm: Gently remove the old arm attached to the wall and the RV’s roller tube. Be careful not to fall; the arm might weigh more than you imagine, especially a bigger one.
- Check for any damage: While at it, visually check for wear or damage on the mounting places. Correct such problems before replacing the arm to ensure the new one goes in smoothly.
Whatever brand of the retractable tent it is, whether this is a domestic or canopy arm replacement, the procedure will be the same. After you take out the old arm, you install the new one. The fixing procedure will be described further on.
Installing the New Awning Arm
Replacing the awning arm is another activity that should be part of maintaining the RV’s outdoor living space.
If these procedures are observed with care, then Solera awning arm replacement or Dometic awning’s awning arm replacement in time should be easy.
For many more years to come, you will need a new awning arm and the right tools, and you will quickly fit a new one back into your RV.
The steps that you need to follow to install your new replacement awning arm are quite simple as long as you do the following:
Step 1: Place the Upright Arm
The new arm should fit the pre-fitted points operations in the RV’s structure. Consider the happy because it must be mounted against the old mounting points.
If any such drift is made, it can lead to operation difficulties or harm the awning fabric if precautions are not followed.
Step 2: Hold the Arm Firmly
Once you have placed the arm properly, you may now attach the arm to the RV and awning with the help of the screws or bolts provided. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing the hardware to prevent deformation.
Every screw or bolt that you put in place must fit properly. However, you should avoid putting excessive pressure on the bolts. So they do not cause thread stripping or damage to the parts.
Since the arm functions as a critical rest, support for the rotation of your awning arm. Even when the awning is fully opened, this arm has to be correctly locked.
Step 3: Verify Alignment
After fastening the arm, place a level on it and check if it is strung to the awning. Awnings may also suffer from the ill effects of collapsed or sagging awnings. That develops because of uneven pulling, which may be attributed to changes in tension (moving part).
If the arm is not at the same level as the other geometric features, make the necessary modifications before proceeding. This step is vital since it determines the proper functioning of the features that allow the awning to protrude and retract.
Improper alignments also affect the RV’s aesthetic appeal and beauty.
Step 4: Make Sure It Works
Could you replace the old arm design with the new one? It is characterized by a slow and smooth extension and retraction with no sticking points or resistance encountered during its utilization. Then, listen to the arm. If unexplained sounds exist, this may be one of the red flags.
Believe it or not, if you check the functionality of the apparatus before screwing down the last bolt, it’s exciting to rectify more than what you expected.
You must ensure the awning works properly if you want it to be usable, regardless of extreme weather conditions.
Step 5: Be Sure to Tighten all Fasteners Very Well
Lastly, check that every thoroughly extra nut and bottom bolt is always secure on top and bottom.
It is essential to ensure these fasteners are tight from the start so they do not get rattled loose later because of driving visions.
Perhaps you have put all loose bolts into place. Now you can spin it better. The cycle fold-out awning should be used once more for stability.
Note: Always remember that a correctly installed awning arm will enhance the aesthetics of your recreation vehicle. Also, it gives you years of shade and protection from the elements.
Awning Maintenance Tips to Prolong Life
Awnings are elegant enhancements to your house because they protect open spaces from harsh sunlight. They enhance your house’s aesthetics and value and reduce energy costs. However, dust particles, harsh weather, and daily use will make your awning sad and ugly. These six maintenance tips are designed to maintain your awning’s condition.
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule of two times yearly
Your awning can become dirty and smelly because of the buildup of grease, leaves, dirt, and compounds. Therefore, developing a schedule to remove these deposits will be necessary.
Cleaning the awning’s surface and frame can be done every month. Other types of awnings, depending on the awning material, would require this periodically.
Modern awnings only require fabric, frame, and water from a hoist, which must be lowered.
Before keeping it on the shelf, you must allow it to dry
Inadequate drying methods may cause fabric deterioration, mechanical rust, and mold. For this reason, it is advisable not to roll on a wet awning. You must wait for the awning to cool down and dry completely before putting it into a storage facility.
Stow in Extreme Conditions
Its awnings are excellent at keeping out the heat, but they have flaws during storms, snow, or heavy rains.
For example, the awning will get torn and wrecked over time due to excessive winds. It is therefore recommended that the awning be retracted during the rain. Until sunshine returns, the awning will remain safe.
Lubrication
For optimal performance, the working parts of your retractable awning should be lubricated once every twelve months in most cases.
Hence, the best method to protect your awning from rust damage is to confirm the application of dry powdered lubricants to any exposed or moving sections.
Ensure that the fabric is not stained when applying lubricants, which will also lead to fabric pulling.
Exercise caution while nearing Trees.
Trimming the lower branches and removing any foliage around them is an excellent way to maintain your awning properly. During storms, the last thing you want is a branch falling off.
Replacing the tapestry structure will incur great expenditures, amounting to thousands of dollars. Even so, certain trees, such as coniferous trees, can also help keep tree sap at bay. The goal is desirable, but other factors can make this impossible.
When awnings are not needed, it is rolled up
An awning works well when blocking the hot sun but can only withstand so much of the sun and its rays. At the same time, the awning can be packed into the Father Sea or retracted and kept when there is no need to protect yourself from the sun. This is especially critical if you are a full-time RVer since an awning is constantly in and out of use, and it is even worse if there are summer vacations.
With basic internal cleaning, retraction of the awning when storms come, and overhauling at intervals, the awning will remain in good condition for many years.
What Is Awning Arm Replacement Cost?
How much would replace the arms on an awning cost? Where the outside areas of their properties are concerned, it is a usual cause for concern among most homeowners. There is a height range, shape, and design of an awning, which affects the price. Prices range from $80 per arm to 500 dollars per arm, a factor highly biased by professional awning installation, which raises the total amount. Uniquely designed or custom-made awnings can cost you an arm and a leg.
The front cost for quality replacement awning arms can be high but will cost less. This is because they will enhance the lifetime of the whole awning system. Besides that, they ensure that your area is warm without being overexposed to the elements. If you want your awning to work as it is supposed to and maintain the look of your house, then changing the arm is an inexpensive and simple option.
DIY Tips for Easy Awning Arm Replacement
Here are several suggestions that will assist you in carrying out the task of replacing the awning arm on your own:
- Follow the Manufacturer’s instructions: To do everything correctly, it is ideal to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is advisable to consult the user’s manual. The instructions for replacing spare parts for different manufacturers may vary, so it is important to follow them.
- Ask for Help: All awning arms are large and heavy. It is advisable to seek assistance from others so that the work is less cumbersome and reduces the risk of model injury.
- Recheck the Measurements: Before proceeding with the undertaking, the correctness of the measurements taken for fitting the replacement arm should be guaranteed.
- Watch How You Work: Don’t hurry to carry out the task; giving room for mistakes to be repeated is more likely that way. Be carefully positioned, and all fastening features are adequately fastened.
Doing it yourself seems like a fun, inexpensive, and rewarding task. If you have the master’s idea of working with such home mending, you can execute it adequately.
Final Words
Changing the arm on any awning is a smooth process. If you have the correct spanners, experience, and tolerance, you can perform the task and save time and money. In this section, you will find everything you need regarding the awning structure.
When buying RV awning arm replacement parts, you must buy the essential spare parts. Those awning arms fit precisely in the RV awning and last long. This can help you keep your awning in good condition, and if you know when to replace or when to repair it, it will prevent other damage issues later.
Everyone here is delighted about the great anticipation of getting those RV awning arms at the Awning Sun Deogo. If you need more help, please don’t hesitate to ask us for more specialists. Hurry up and repair that worn-out awning arm; otherwise, it will ruin your RV trip!
FAQs
Can I Replace Just One Arm, Or Must I Replace Both?
If only one arm is damaged, you can just change that arm. If both arms show some wear and tear symptoms, then both should ideally be replaced immediately. This is to preserve the proper functioning of the apparatus system.
Can I Upgrade To A Powered Arm From A Manual One?
Sure, the arm can be converted from manual movement to functioning with an electric motor. However, additional parts and wires must be purchased. For further assistance, it is advisable to contact a professional or visit the manufacturer’s website.
What’s The Difference Between Standard Awning And Canopy Arms?
Standard RV awning arms are designed to be short and heavy-duty. On the other hand, canopy arms are longer and more advanced to support bigger, heavier awnings. Ensure you select the appropriate one that supports your awning well.
Are there different types of awning arms for various climates?
Look at options that include arms made of non-corrosive materials. Advanced awning arms would greatly benefit coastal areas and other regions with harsh climates. While looking for an arm that will last long, look for one that will fit the surrounding circumstances.
How long does it typically take to replace an awning arm?
Changing an awning arm depends mostly on the RV owner’s skill and the population’s complexity; a free awning arm replacement process is estimated to last 1-2 hours.