DIY Siding / Awning repair tips

[ItsMeMario]

Hi all, first time owner here..

Just bought a salvage 24' 2017 camper for $2500 (it's worth well over 12k new). It's only been used twice and only needs some siding repair. (about 6 somewhat minor holes and needs a brand new awning)

Anyone do any siding repair themselves? I actually don't care if this thing looks like new, just want to put a new awning on and make sure the holes don't leak. Would i be better off just paying a body shop to do a quick repair? I would like to keep repairs under 3k if possible.

[BarneyS]

Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.

[ItsMeMario]

That's actually a really good idea.. just put support plates in and make sure it's sealed. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Dutch_12078]

If the new awning will be attached in the same location as the old holes, I'd suggest cutting, or having cut, some 4"x6"x1/8" aluminum plates. Seal the holes with Dicor non-leveling caulk and attach the plates bedded in more Dicor with wood screws in the corners, and then attach the new awning hardware to the plates. Paint the plates to match the siding if desired before installing them. If there doesn't seem to be enough support for wood screws, use expansion anchors like "Molly" brand.

[ItsMeMario]

Aluminum siding, sorry.

Holes are all from where the awning was.

[RobWNY]

If you mean aluminum siding, it's easy. It's just stapled on with crown staples and you install from the top down. I replaced two pieces on my old camper. Cost was less than $200 total including a cheap Harbor freight crown stapler and you couldn't tell it had been repaired after it was done. If you mean fiberglass siding, I have no idea how to do that.

[Second_Chance]

You don't say what type of construction it is - fiberglass laminate? Metal over wood frame? There are some BIG differences. I would let a pro do fiberglass laminate repair. If "stick and tin," you could get matching metal siding, remove the damaged part and check the framing, and put new metal over it.

Rob