Oops - Awning issue - #**!@@!
Okay, so my awing fabric was beat to death, and I needed to replace it. So I ordered a new 16 foot replacement from CW and it arrived just fine. So I called my local CW and asked how much to have it...
Forum Discussion
I have replaced two awning fabrics for my neighbors RV, and a spring on my own. I have several times given a method of how to install an awning fabric, that does not unwind the springs. Several people have used it, and found it to work well.
But since you are past that stage here is what I would do. It sounds like the springs have unwound all the way and you now have the fabric in place, and what to do next.
Place some blocks under each awning arm to elevate it off the ground. Set the latch for the awning "to roll out" position. Put tape around wrapped fabric so that it does not unwrap. Using a vice grips, at front end, start to wind awning. You should hear the catch click as you take up the spring tension. As long as you hear the click, awning will not unwind on you. (which is what happens when you pull out the awning) With a 16 foot awing I would wind it about 5 or 6 turns and stopping so that top of fabric is at the down/bottom of roller, once it is in place on RV. (I have a 19 foot awning, and it required 6 turns when I had to replace a spring on one end). Once you take off tape it should hang down about 2 or 3 inches below awing tube. This will allow you enough fabric to get it back in to rail at top of RV. A third person will be needed to get awing back in place. One at each end, and on a ladder to guide awning into top rail. Once that is done, raise legs and connect to bottom holder on RV. Make sure awing is centered on end supports on RV, this will let you install centering screw in fabric. Set catch to in position and awning should wind up the rest of the way.
If you need more information send me a PM
But since you are past that stage here is what I would do. It sounds like the springs have unwound all the way and you now have the fabric in place, and what to do next.
Place some blocks under each awning arm to elevate it off the ground. Set the latch for the awning "to roll out" position. Put tape around wrapped fabric so that it does not unwrap. Using a vice grips, at front end, start to wind awning. You should hear the catch click as you take up the spring tension. As long as you hear the click, awning will not unwind on you. (which is what happens when you pull out the awning) With a 16 foot awing I would wind it about 5 or 6 turns and stopping so that top of fabric is at the down/bottom of roller, once it is in place on RV. (I have a 19 foot awning, and it required 6 turns when I had to replace a spring on one end). Once you take off tape it should hang down about 2 or 3 inches below awing tube. This will allow you enough fabric to get it back in to rail at top of RV. A third person will be needed to get awing back in place. One at each end, and on a ladder to guide awning into top rail. Once that is done, raise legs and connect to bottom holder on RV. Make sure awing is centered on end supports on RV, this will let you install centering screw in fabric. Set catch to in position and awning should wind up the rest of the way.
If you need more information send me a PM
