Awning fabric replacement SOLVED

Measured fabric length is irrelevant. Look on the roller tube for the sticker that has the awning model # and product # - that will dictate the correct replacement fabric. For example a current Dometic 8500 would be labeled 848NW12.400B ... 848 is the series, NW is the fabric colour (in this case green), 12 is the length of the awning, .400B is polar white hardware. The matching fabric for this example would be B3108049NW.412 BUT since your particular awning is likely on the discontinued list your best bet is to call Dometic with your awning information and ask for the current replacement.

Just did the replacement on our Montana 5th wheel. I used Dyer's RV in Arizona. As stated before they do not want your fabric measurement. Take a photo of the sticker on the roller and have it handy when you talk to the order desk. The supplier will cut the fabric to the proper length for the roller. Our fabric was $206 including shipping directly to the house.

I was able to change the fabric using the Dometic directions found on line. The same directions are included with the awning. Three people are required for the change on a tall RV. I believe you can get by with two on a shorter RV.

Only mistake I made was not pinning the left side roller per directions BEFORE lifting it off the upright. The spring unwound at high speed. Palm of my hand at the base of the thumb was sore for a couple days.

JohnG3 wrote:
I was able to change the fabric using the Dometic directions found on line. The same directions are included with the awning. Three people are required for the change on a tall RV. I believe you can get by with two on a shorter RV.

Dometic Awning Fabric Replacement Instructions ... a must read for anyone replacing fabric themselves.

I did try the official method. Model #848DF44.1381 I'm confident I don't have a 44' awning. All of my wandering thru various sites all awning replacement ordering is determined by measuring center to center on arms. Mine are 11' 6". Replacements all seem to be 10" less than this measurement. So a 11' is shorter than what I've got, and a 12' will not fit at all.
Guess I'll have to try Dometic customer service Tues

LONGY wrote:
Guess I'll have to try Dometic customer service Tues

Since the model # you posted makes no sense make sure you also have the prod # and serial # handy when you contact Dometic.

Prod # on label is smeared beyond reading, but other two #'s I've got.
Thanks for the help.

I would just go with the 10.2..

I went with awnings mart and replaced mine this year... Very good quality and better then original IMO..

Price is right too. Why spend a small fortune..

http://www.store.rvawningsmart.com/RV-Patio-Awning-Fabric-11-Approx-Width-102-Ocean-Blue-Fade-62411.htm

I need all the shade I can get. My dermatologist loves me.

lawrosa wrote:
I would just go with the 10.2..

I went with awnings mart and replaced mine this year... Very good quality and better then original IMO..

Price is right too. Why spend a small fortune..

http://www.store.rvawningsmart.com/RV-Patio-Awning-Fabric-11-Approx-Width-102-Ocean-Blue-Fade-62411.htm

I also installed their fabric this year and can affirm the quality. Install took two of us less than two hours.
RichH

the domestic awning replacement guide is great. but, if you have an older awning.
replacing of the awning fabric is easier if its over 65'f.
you may not be able to get a slotted end cap. what i do in this situation. i roll out the awning and make sure the spool is latched. to prevent the awning rolling up while working on it.
remove the screws holding the awning material to the roller and to the trailer.
on the awning support rail attached to the trailer. at one end, you can spread the rail a few inches inside the awning support rods, with a screw driver. ensure you don't leave any sharp edges.
on the same end of the roller, pilot drill the end cap, aligned with the slot the awning is located in. following up with a hole the same size as the awning slot. cut a slot from the hole you drilled to the outside of the end cap. so that awning material will slip within the gap. enlarge the slot as necessary. round off all edges.
this can be done by one person... but if you can get someone to assist you. it will be much easier. spray some water based lubricant into the awning slots. you can use electrical cable lube or your bedroom lube.
slide the old awning out, through the slot you drilled and the gap you made on the trailer railing. try to keep both corners about the same speed. you can use the old awning as a ground pad for your outdoor carpet. under your awning, until you find a waste bin.
that was the easy part... next...
lube up the rails/slots that you are inserting the new awning into. prepare your new awning fabric making sure the top is toward your r.v.
if your old awning was sagging, take your pull down cord and loop it around the awning tube a couple times. and give the tube pull cord, a pull until you get a lap or two of additional tension on the return springs. this will help tighten the fabric more after you get the new fabric installed.
start both trailer and spool sides into their slots. moving each a few inches at a time. spraying your water based lube into the grooves as you push the fabric in. you will end up with extra plastic cord that is in the seam of the awning, where it slides into the slots. adjust it so that you can screw through the end. where you removed the original screws. squirt some silicon sealant around the screw holes before re-inserting the screws. before you insert the opposite end pull the insert and fabric tight, removing any wrinkles, before inserting the second end screw. on the end where you made the openings. cut off the extra cord and seal the holes before inserting the hold down screws. i pinch the rail back so the plastic insert won't hang out of the slot. pull and straighten the awning. keep tension on it, while replacing the remaining screws. then release the latch and roll it up and pull it down a couple of times to make sure all of the wrinkles from being folded, are out of it.
happy camping..