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jimdmorrison's avatar
jimdmorrison
Explorer
May 20, 2014

Awning repair

A friend ran into something with the awning. There is a 4"x48" tear in the canvas, and the ends of the roller tube have popped off, meaning the metal pole that goes through the center is just loose in there.

I know I need to replace the canvas, but can I repair the roller tube? If not, is it easy to connect the replacement canvas to a replacement roller tube? I'm wondering if I should buy them already connected.

I'm looking at this tube

and this canvas
  • It says in description "roller tube only"

    I got the awning fabric and torsion spring assembly through pplmotorhomes.com
    I would assume they have just the caps also.
  • Do you guys think that tube I linked to will come with the end caps? Any tips on where to get them?
  • Replacing both isn't to much of a problem, requires two ladders and a 2nd set of hands. Unfortunately I have done this twice (1st time canvas replacement, 2nd time heavy rain storm bent the tube), My wife and I were able to manage it.
  • I replaced my awning fabric last weekend. Was actually very easy. A couple of guys at the campground came over to help support the tube while I slide the fabric in the channel on the MH.

    I also have to replace the spring torsion assembly on the lock side. 2 rivets hold it on the tube. Is that what gave on yours? Or did the tube itself tear?

    I watched a couple YouTube videos before hand, and kind of did it my way during, just because some of the ways they did it on YouTube seemed not as simple.

    Its really fairly simple, especially if you are comfortable on a ladder or the roof. But a couple of extra hands will help for sure.

    Took about 45 mins, with a beer break.
  • I replaced my awning and the spring inside the tube myself a couple of years ago. Like already mentioned, A&E has pretty good instructions. I needed two helpers and it can be done without removing the whole assembly from the RV. Watch the tension on that spring though! I also drilled and riveted the end caps on which worked well.

    The hardest part was sliding the awning thru the upper channel. Use lots of soap to lube it up and it can be done but it was a pita.

    Scott
  • I try to replace as many things as I can on our RV but awnings I would wait till CW has one of those $39.00 install specials.

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