Many RV owners face the task of replacing the fabric on their camper’s awning at least once. The RV’s awning material invariably sustains damage from the sun, rain, wind, and impurities. Time takes a toll on your camper’s fabric, and not only does it affect its artistic charm but also its utility.
It’s not hard to replace the fabric on an awning unless one has never handled a few basic tools, including a hammer. In contrast, replacing the awning fabric of your camper’s RV may be a bit of a hassle when trying to accomplish it on your own.
But it is not impossible, and this guide can help you do just that, enabling you to save more money and use your RV for longer. Luckily, we’ll walk you through how to install camper awning fabric here. Let’s get started.
What is a Camper Awning Fabric?
Camper awning fabric is a strong vinyl or acrylic material with properties like anti-fading, airflow, and weather resistance. For added strength, awning textiles are often made from PVC or PET layer screenings. When constructing these materials, awning brands and sizes are expected to be considered. Camper awnings are made of various materials, including polyester, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, and acrylic. If you need help choosing the perfect material, RV awning suppliers or manufacturers can help.
Why Camper Awning Fabric Matters?
Camper awning fabric can’t be overstated to improve your camping experience using the RV. The right fabric does much more than keep the sun at bay; it protects one from the sun’s rays and adverse weather conditions, which allows people to enjoy the outdoors.
Since these materials are durable, you do not have to replace the awning, as it will not distort constantly. They can be used without feeling the body temperature rising the person using them.
Moreover, modern materials can still create a better visual perception in the entire setting of an RV because they are appealingly colored and patterned. High-quality fabric suffices for those who wish their camper awning to be functional for many years when traveling outdoors.
Best Types of Camper Awning Fabrics
When preparing for camping adventures, choosing the best fabric for the camper awning is essential. Come and read about the different fabrics used for making camper awnings to understand what fabric will withstand the test of time and be functional and pleasant.
Vinyl
Vinyl cloth is commonly used on RV awnings, besides acrylic. New and seasoned campers adore its ability to repel water and be fire resistant. Vinyl fabric sheds water while allowing easy air passage because it is made from several laminated layers.
Most vinyl RV awnings are mildew-resistant but do not use them in very humid conditions. They are usually a bit heavier than their acrylic counterparts, so bear this in mind if you compare them with acrylic awnings.
The primary feature of vinyl fabric is its long life. Vinyl awnings have many advantages, such as being long-lasting and able to withstand all kinds of weather.
Adventuresome RVers should consider using vinyl fabric tents, as they are resistant to tears, UV rays, strong winds, and heavy rains.
Canvas
Canvas is another durable fabric that does not have the water-repellent properties of the other materials described above. Camper awning canvas should be treated to improve its water-repellent properties; otherwise, it can still serve specific treatment needs.
For example, untreated canvas tarps do not completely prohibit the wood from drying out faster than treated tarps; thus, they serve their purpose.
When using an awning, always prepare the canvas for mold and mildew. This will increase its moisture tolerance. Regular maintenance will help avoid staining and discoloration.
A canvas awning is a good choice for those desiring a more rustic appeal. It is one of the more typical RV accessories and is highly recommended for recreational vehicles. Many awning materials, including fabric, can provide shade for 8 to 10 years if maintained properly.
Acrylic
Acrylic cloth is yet another fabric popularly used for RV awnings. These lightweight, woven, and breathable awnings are easy to use. Acrylic fabrics’ breathable qualities enable them to be used in summer road trip awnings. This helps prevent mildew from forming during the rainy season.
Don’t expect all acrylics to be waterproof. They claim to be water-repellent but are not fully waterproof. It is advisable for users who wish to go camping in the wettest months to search for a more waterproof RV awning.
Also, consider acrylic awnings rather than vinyl if you wish to have colorful things.
PET
PET is a commonly known polyester for plastic film or fibers. Its full name is polyethylene terephthalate, and it is well known for being transparent, lightweight, and strong. PET has many commercial uses in packaging, textiles, and manufacturing.
A PET fabric for an awning can be strengthened by combining it into a scrim and then covering it with an additional PET sheath. A scrim is a rigid and thickly woven material typically used in upholstery and heavy-duty backing. The weight of a PET awning can be very light or extremely heavy duty.
The characteristics of these canopy materials will decide the type of awning you use, depending on your preferences and camping style. Every type is perfect for a specific climate and personal taste, so one can easily uphold one’s aesthetic and relax in nature.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need for the Installation
Image ALT Text—The image shows all the important Tools and materials you’ll need for the installation, including replacement awning fabric for a camper, a Phillips head screwdriver or power drill, an awning pull strap, a ladder, a rubber mallet, a wrench set, a utility knife, measuring tape, a spring tension release tool, lubricant spray, and protective gloves.
Before starting this procedure, ensure everything you need is at hand. Being organized will help you avoid wasting time and will facilitate the installation.
- Replacement awning fabric for camper (check the compatibility with the brand and model of the awning).
- Phillips head screwdriver or power drill.
- Awning pull strap.
- Ladder (an extension ladder may be preferred for convenience).
- Rubber mallet.
- Wrench set (some awning models may call for this).
- Utility knife (for trimming of fabric overlap wherever needed).
- Measuring tape.
- Spring tension release tool (often necessary with Dometic models).
- Lubricant spray (spray to be applied to assist moving components).
- Protective gloves (they are optional, but they will help greatly on a gripping level).
If you don’t have replacement camper awning fabric, you can purchase the best RV awning accessories for your RV’s make and model.
Dometic and Carefree are some brands with fabrics that are ideal for replacing the fabrics of most RV awning systems.
You can also select between acrylic and vinyl fabric materials based on your climate preferences.
How To Install Camper Awning Fabric: Step-by-Step
Take a Look at Your Old Awning Fabric,
Roll Up The Awning And Get Ready To Remove The Fabric,
Rip off the Old Awning Fabric,
Now Install the Newly Cut Fabric Awning for the Camper,
Replace the End Caps and Tighten the Fabric,
Test the Awning Functionality.
Teardrop awnings are drapes fixed onto a camper’s roof. They provide extra shade protection while on a camping trip. The procedure to set them up is simple.
Only six steps are needed to circumvent the obstacles while setting up the abovementioned material, and yes, all that you look for is straightforward.
Step 1: Take a Look at Your Old Awning Fabric
To begin, buy the new fabric without removing the old one to make the appropriate measurements for the new purchases. One can shop around for fabric for awnings in a wide selection of dimensions. However, employing the incorrect size could cause stress issues and an awkward fit.
Determining the length
To set up the roller bar on the other end cap, get up and measure the tube. The fabric should only cover part of the area within the decorative tube. As a result, you can use this measurement to help determine how big a frame you need while making a replacement.
Measure the width
This involves measuring the distance from the cloth’s fastening point on the roller tube to where the cloth’s fastening ends on the awning’s rail. The measurement serves just how broad your replacement fabric should be.
Double-check the measurements
If one wishes to be confident that there was a correct measurement, measure it again. Record their size and verify if the sizes match those on the cloth box meant for replacement.
The precision of these measures can be of great consequence. The inappropriate size of the ordered fabric can cause various installation troubles, crease marks, or an inability to open or close the awning properly.
Step 2: Roll Up The Awning And Get Ready To Remove The Fabric
As a precaution, remove the summer awning only when it has been completely retracted. This ensures the prevention of accidents.
Take the fabric belts off
To put away the awning, the casing cover must be rolled inwards, and the cover material must be rolled in. When using the cuboids, the awning mustn’t retract suddenly while working. In this case, the arms should be locked in place.
Release spring tension
Spring-donning tools may be used on some awning models, but this tool is unquestionably for the Dometic camper awning replacement fabric. See the manual for detailed instructions on how to avoid snapping your tension rods in this manner.
Step 3: Rip off the Old Awning Fabric
Now that the awning is drawn in and spring’s tension has been released, you can remove the faded and old fabric.
Remove screws
Locate the screws securing the fabric of the awning to the rail and motorized unit, and take them out. These screws are typically found on either side of the awning, which is the outermost part of the structure. Use the power driller or Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws. Use the screws when installing a new cloth.
Remove end caps
Look for the end caps or brackets that secure the fabric onto the roller tube and unfasten them. Use a wrench to remove the caps, but remember how and where they fit so you can return them later. It may also help you get an awning installation tool, as you will find it more convenient.
Slide out the fabric
Once the screws and end caps have been removed, slowly slide the fabric out from the roller tube and awning rail. Because of the weight and mass of the fabric, such tasks often require additional assistance. A gentle rap with a rubber mallet on the roller tube can distribute fabric tension if you face difficulty.
Tip: After removing the old material, cleaning the roller tube and the awning rail is advisable. Old materials are likely to be sticky, filthy, and dirty. Cleaning such areas will make installing the new fabric less complicated and more efficient.
Step 4: Now Install the Newly Cut Fabric Awning for the Camper.
After removing the old fabric, it is time to install the new one. Before proceeding, ensure that the newly cut fabric for the camper awning is the appropriate length.
Positioning the fabric
Attach one end of the new fabric to position a piece of fabric on the awning rail properly. Gently push the cloth into the channel found on the second. It is recommended that someone hold the fabric, making it easier to complete this stage.
Attach to the roller tube
You can begin the roller tube attachment after partially inserting the fabric into the awning rail. This step varies from one model to another; however, the fabric is tucked into the groove of the roller tube.
Pull through evenly
Pull the fabric through the awning length remarkably to create tension along the height of the roller tube and the awning. They must not be overly stretched to provide any possibility of wrinkles or unevenness in the fabric.
Step 5: Replace the End Caps and Tighten the Fabric
When the new awning fabric is installed, ensure that all fasteners are intact and that the working mechanism is not compromised.
Put end caps back on
There is a need to replace the caps or brackets in the roller tube after they’ve been removed. Ensure that the end caps are in place, and use the screws that were retained to secure them.
Fasten the fabric
Pick the screws supplied with the new awning rail and fabric and put them back on the roller tube. This will allow the fabric to be anchored and perform well while stretching or rolling the awning’s parts in and out.
Step 6: Test the Awning Functionality
Now that the new fabric has been properly mounted onto the frame, the awning should be smooth and straightforward.
Extend the awning
Check for folds and shifts as you stretch the retractable awning. Pushing more of the cloth can cause it to bulge ugly, indicating that it is out of position and that excessive force is applied.
Retract the awning
As soon as you extend the retractable awning to its limit, draw it back up. This will help ensure that the device retracts effortlessly. Please pay attention to any grinding or squeaking sounds, as they can suggest a problem with the roller tube or tension springs.
Adjust if required
Whenever the extending or retracting motion fails to perform adequately, the problem is attributed to loosely wound tension tight to the roller tube. Look at the cover page of this website in case its manual is required to correct the tension of the awning.
Well, now you can kick back and relax. The last time you worked on fabric was when creating your new awning.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Awning Fabric Installation
An installation process is usually smooth, but specific issues can ruin the improvement that awning fabric can bring to an outdoor space. If these problems are prevalent, you should know how to resolve them to avoid any hitches during installation.
Fabric Does Not Fit Properly
Problem: A common issue during fabrication is that the fabric needs to be more evenly placed with the awning roller or rail.
Solution: Some tension must be applied to the fabric in both directions. A second person can assist with the process, and you can pull on the fabric.
Fabrics With Pleats and Wrinkles
Problem: If a fabric is not correctly fitted on its frame during assembly, it may acquire unwarranted creases.
Solution: Equip a power screwdriver but don’t over-tighten screws to cause fabric damage. The lubrication subdivision should be rolled up and down regularly.
Roller Tube Doesn’t Move
Problem: It is possible that the roller tube will not freely retract after a new fabric installation. This is often because the roller tube lacks proper movement during retraction or extension.
Solution: A lubricant spray is necessary to reduce friction on the roller tube and joints, which affects movement. Additionally, frequent lubrication of the working parts will improve the awning’s performance.
It is necessary to envisage and prepare for these eventualities to ensure a smooth installation of awning fabric materials. That improves the appearance of your outdoors and serves its purpose.
Maintenance Tips for Camper Awning Fabric
Image ALT Text—The image shows maintenance tips for camper awning fabric, including Cleaning the fabric, Inspecting for tear and wear, Sheltering from outside factors, and cleaning moving parts.
Caring for your camper awning fabric doesn’t require much work but can add many years to the awning fabric. You must follow some basic steps while handling your new awning fabric to have it serve you well for many years. Here are some maintenance tips:
Cleaning the fabric of your awning
It is ideal to wash the fabric occasionally using a soft detergent and water. Avoid powerful chemicals, as they may weaken the cloth. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
Inspect for tear and wear
Check the awning fabric occasionally for any measures cut through, rasped at edges, or piercing of the net fabric, which may be neglected in any other sign of tear or wear. Fix every small cut immediately with an awning fabric repair kit so it does not get deep.
Shelter from the outside factors
Put the awning up. This should be done, particularly if it’s raining or snowing. The fabric’s quality suffers when exposed to prolonged direct sunshine, rain, and wind.
Clean moving parts
Lubricate the roller tube arms, motor, and other moving components every few months to reduce friction and ensure smooth performance. Use silicone-based lubricants to prevent dust and debris.
These tips will ensure that your camper awning is kept in excellent condition and rationally improves its life while always ensuring you get ready to use it in your next outdoor escapade.
Camper Awning Fabric Repair vs. Replacement vs. Install
One of the best parts about the awning is that complete replacement of the awning fabric may only sometimes be necessary. Repairing wool fabrics involves more than drawing small tears or holes to repair garments. It is important to determine when to install or replace awning fabrics to avert further scarring that may require more extensive repairs.
When to Repair Camper Awning Fabric
For minor damage to your camper awning fabric, repair is cheaper than replacement, but replacing is always a last resort. Consider repairing and replacing in the following situations:
- Small tears or punctures: A telescope will always assess the damage beyond eye level, no matter which direction it came from. Most patch kits can repair holes up to one inch in circumference. It is prudent to repair the tear quickly. Otherwise, it could cause further harm to the surface.
- Frayed Thread: If the fabric’s seam threads are not seamed, they may be sewn back, or the seam threads may be reinforced with fabric cement only.
- Tarp color change: This fabric fault does not affect the structural strength of the awning material. Even with a UV filter, you will only require it to be replaced once it becomes extremely fragile, and the fabric color is unlikely to fade beyond that point.
When to Replace Camper Awning Fabric
There are instances when the canvas awning fabric is beyond mending, and it is recommended that the material be replaced altogether. They include the following:
- Structural depreciation: If the cloth has gashes, is frayed, or is tattered, it is more cost-effective to swap out the material altogether. Repeated re-stitching distorts the fabric and makes it more vulnerable to tears.
- Tough or brittle material: UV exposure has likely compromised or reduced effectiveness if the fabric feels stiff or brittle. Ideally, you don’t want to miss the camping holiday because of a disastrous failure, so it makes sense to get a new one.
- Water leakage: Extremely worn-out textiles that have lost their waterproofing ability may allow seepage when it rains. A new replacement will ensure your awning once again provides adequate shielding.
When to Install Camper Awning Fabric
The possibility of putting in completely new camper awnings is also quite appealing. Those who want to replace their old models with new ones that have upgraded features, such as enhanced UV protection or a more compact retraction system. It will significantly benefit from investing in a new camper awning. Here’s how:
- Restorations and New Design Ideas: Wick is replacing the fabric and other components to modernize an old awning system. Also, make it more user-friendly.
- Disastrous Physical Damage to the Frame: If the frame and fabric are physically damaged, the awning cannot be repaired. The wisest course of action is to replace them with stronger ones.
- Adding Material Options: Installing an awning on a camper allows you to choose modern fabrics that are much more efficient than the old ones in terms of water and UV resistance. These fabrics allow for many types of designs.
Considering each option’s costs, return on investment, and practicality makes making a sound decision easier. That will ensure you have fun trips over many years, considering the current circumstances and expected changes.
Cost Of Installing Camper Awning Fabric
The cost of putting up camper awning fabric needs to be cut and dried. It will depend on many things, including fabric choice, installation cost, labor costs, awning size, and even geographical location, all of which influence the overall figure.
When a fabric that costs 4 to 8 dollars per square foot is used as an awning cloth, the cost increases depending on the size of the awning. Awnings can range from a small one over a window or RV to a large one that can fully accommodate a patio.
The fabric replacement cost can reach between $300-$800, and the labor cost can auto out about $150 and $400. The price will increase the different quality of fabric options in the US. This high-quality fabric can be vinyl or acrylic.
A new awning install can cost between $1000 and $2500 if you want to replace only the awning cloth. For a more accurate estimate, you should request quotes from local providers.
When to Seek Professional Help
Installing camper awning fabric may seem like an easy do-it-yourself task, but it is essential to understand your limits and when to seek help, as it may be a massive waste of time, effort, and resources. Turning to professionals is also helpful with newly installed installations, where precision is paramount. Expertise offers versatility, as different models and fabrics will be used in making your garment.
Furthermore, the uniqueness with which an expert fitter can combine different camper designs and combinations without compromising quality is an advantage. Even structural deficiencies or improper tensioning can be more apparent to experienced professionals than newcomers.
Last but not least, another advantage of using professionals is getting a warranty for labor and materials. Consequently, with the help of these specialists, your awning will be of great use and last longer. This will enhance your outdoor and camping experiences again and again.
Key Takeaways: Enjoy Your Refreshed Camper Awning
Every camper owner should learn how to install camper awning fabric. With the right tools and some effort, you can do this task any day, saving you both time and money. You can always take your time when you measure, install, and perform regular maintenance.
Are you ready to make your camper awning? You should go out and buy all the necessary materials to help transform your camper; the tools and the fabric replacement are all available. After changing the arming fabric, you will be ready to hit the long road on your next adventure.
If you need help, visit Awning Sun Diego for top-quality replacement fabrics and installation guides. We’re happy to help you.
FAQs
How long does it take to install camper awning fabric?
Depending on the individual’s skills and the presence of a helper, fabric replacement of a camper awning can take 2 to 3 hours at the most. With the right tools and a follow-the-leader approach, time and labor can be saved quite a bit.
What are the signs that my camper awning fabric needs replacement?
Damage, fading of the color, stretched or torn fabric, and faulty retracting or extending of the awning are all good examples. There is no need to wait until the fabric worsens and hinders your camping trip. If the fabric is weak or shows signs of water leakage, it’s time to change it.
Can you repair the fabric on the camper awning instead of purchasing a new one?
Repair kits are usually helpful in fixing minor rips and holes in awning fabric. However, replacing worn-out, damaged, or brittle fabric is advised for improved protection and as a long-term measure.
How do I choose the right replacement fabric for my camper awning?
Before buying replacement cloth, measure the awning you already have to avoid misunderstanding vendors. Consumers should look for water—and UV-resistant materials to ensure the options are not damaged. Reputable brands such as Dometic or Carefree are reliable and will offer long-lasting possibilities for homeowners.
What is the best way to clean camper awning fabric?
Apply a mixture of water and detergent to the awning cloth. Then, use a soft bristle and scrub gently. Complete the cleaning procedure by rinsing thoroughly to remove any soap. We recommend avoiding bleach and strong detergents to avoid weakening the fabric.
