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dufferdj's avatar
dufferdj
Explorer
Jan 07, 2015

Torn slide out awning repair

The leading edge of one of our slide out topper awning has begun to fray and show some wear and slight tearing. I have tried repairing it with awning repair tape and that does not seem to last for long. The frayed area is right next to the coach and only about 8" long and extends into the vinyl fabric about 4". I have some Eternal-bond tape left over from a roofing repair job. Has anyone ever used this type of tape for such a repair or is it too thick and sticky to work on an awning that will be rolled in and out? Any and all info will be appreciated. Thanks.
Class C

6 Replies

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  • Kit_Carson's avatar
    Kit_Carson
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2015
    The latest issue of Motorhome that I got today has an article in it dealing with replacing slide topper awnings. May be just the info (with photos) that you are needing. Check it out.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2015
    I tried a tape repair for about a year, but what happens is the vinyl coating on the fabric is disintegrating, so tape just lifts that off. Replacement slideout awnings from a 3rd party supplier have lasted longer than original fabric from Dometic.
  • Rick_Jay's avatar
    Rick_Jay
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2015
    I used eterna-bond tape to repair ours about 5 years ago. It was more pre-emptive than your current situation. It worked fine up until this Fall. We'll be replacing our awning this Spring.

    I'd say, give it a shot. Just make sure none of the adhesive part of the tape will contact the fabric when rolled up. Maybe put a strip on the top and a matching strip on the bottom.

    Good Luck,

    ~Rick
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2015
    I went to the local marine store and bought a roll of Sail Tape. Wrapped it around top and bottom. Lasted for several years before drying out. Replaced and good for several more years.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 07, 2015
    We used eternabond tape for a similar tear but only about 2-3" long. We wrapped it around top & bottom.

    It held up for 4 yrs before this fall when the entire fabric started to disintegrate. In the spring we will replace the fabric. Looks like it will be under $200 and not too complicated.
  • ronfisherman's avatar
    ronfisherman
    Moderator
    Jan 07, 2015
    Will probably have to replace it. Eternabond has no holding power other than to seal a leak.
    Gorilla Glue makes a tape that holds better than Camco awning tape. You might want to try it.
    If that does not work. You can buy replacement slide toppers off EBAY for around $100.
    Easy to install following instructions supplied with new topper.

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