Replacing awning fabric

[dennislanier]

I had posted earlier in the "Class C" forum but did not get the specific information I was looking for. Hopefully someone reading this forum will have the information I need. I have a Jayco Motorhome with a 22 foot Carefree One-Touch power awning. It has become discolored and started to fray badly at the seams and edges, however, the motor and framework are still working so I want to just replace the awning fabric only. I have done a search but did not see anything on my specific model of awning. There are some youtube videos available also but for different models. My main concern is whether I can safely remove the end caps on the roller tube to replace the fabric. I don't know if there are springs INSIDE the tube or not. I assume most brands are about the same but don't want to risk injury or damage to the framework until I know more about them. If anyone on here has actually replaced the fabric on theirs I would appreciate any help you can give.

[dennislanier]

Pipeman wrote:
Or you could do like I did...had it done for me, by the RV repair guy I go to with my 5th's problems. I had the wheel bearings and the brakes done at the same time.

I'm too cheap to pay someone else if I can do it myself!!! Anyway I enjoy doing certain projects if I have the right tools and can do them safely. But if the project is dangerous or beyond my capability then I take the RV to a local shop to have it done.

[Pipeman]

Or you could do like I did...had it done for me, by the RV repair guy I go to with my 5th's problems. I had the wheel bearings and the brakes done at the same time.

[dennislanier]

festag wrote:
Check out RVGeeks YouTube channel. They recently put up a video of an improved method for replacing an awning. They too used ToughTop awnings for their rig as well as in the video mentioned above.

I will check this out. Thanks.

[dennislanier]

agesilaus wrote:
Youtube had very detailed video instructions for fabric replacement. It takes two people to get the tube spring wound back up. I just bought fabric off eBay and it arrived looking exactly like what I was replacing, except new of course. Cost in the $100 range. I knew nothing about that brand they are mentioning.

I also went to the awning manufacturer's website and downloaded the manual for that model and it had detailed instructions on how to do it.

According to the information above, my awning does not have springs inside it. But looks like the other procedures are about the same for power awnings and manual ones. I will take a look on ebay before I decide what to order. Thanks.

[festag]

Check out RVGeeks YouTube channel. They recently put up a video of an improved method for replacing an awning. They too used ToughTop awnings for their rig as well as in the video mentioned above.

[agesilaus]

Youtube had very detailed video instructions for fabric replacement. It takes two people to get the tube spring wound back up. I just bought fabric off eBay and it arrived looking exactly like what I was replacing, except new of course. Cost in the $100 range. I knew nothing about that brand they are mentioning.

I also went to the awning manufacturer's website and downloaded the manual for that model and it had detailed instructions on how to do it.

[badboy368]

All good information.I was wondering the same thing.

[dennislanier]

Thanks very much. Just watched the video and that answered most of my questions. My motor home is slightly different in that the bracket attaching the arms to the wall are mounted OVER the rail the fabric sits it. I’m guessing I can just unbolt this bracket to slide the old fabric off and slide the new fabric on then rebolt it. Thanks very much for your help and if you think of anything else please let me know.

[schlep1967]

dennislanier wrote:

schlep1967 wrote:
On our carefree awning the motor is located at the end of one of the arms. There were no springs in the tube. Basically the motor rolls the tube pulling the arms into the side of the coach. When putting it out when the fabric loosens the little pneumatic shocks in the arms push the arms out tightening the fabric.
Watch the youtube videos. It is very easy to replace the awning. If I remember correctly you will need some large zip ties to hold the arms in place a foot or two from the trailer. Once they are held remove the end cap screws and lower the roller to the ground. I had one screw through the awning on the trailer side and one on the tube side. Remove the one on the tube side and slide the tube off. At this point you can use a razor knife and remove most of the old awning. Leave yourself a foot or two to grab a hold of to pull it out of the rail on the trailer.
Now the important part. Use some form of padding over the arm and any other object you will have to drag the new awning over.
Took the wife and I around 2 hours total being very careful and stopping to check the video a few times.

Just saw a youtube video on the toughtop website. Is that the video you are referring to?

Awning replacement
Looks like my memory had a few things out of order. Follow this and you will not have any problems.

[old_guy]

one of the best awning materials you can buy is from tough top awning.

[dennislanier]

schlep1967 wrote:
On our carefree awning the motor is located at the end of one of the arms. There were no springs in the tube. Basically the motor rolls the tube pulling the arms into the side of the coach. When putting it out when the fabric loosens the little pneumatic shocks in the arms push the arms out tightening the fabric.
Watch the youtube videos. It is very easy to replace the awning. If I remember correctly you will need some large zip ties to hold the arms in place a foot or two from the trailer. Once they are held remove the end cap screws and lower the roller to the ground. I had one screw through the awning on the trailer side and one on the tube side. Remove the one on the tube side and slide the tube off. At this point you can use a razor knife and remove most of the old awning. Leave yourself a foot or two to grab a hold of to pull it out of the rail on the trailer.
Now the important part. Use some form of padding over the arm and any other object you will have to drag the new awning over.
Took the wife and I around 2 hours total being very careful and stopping to check the video a few times.

Just saw a youtube video on the toughtop website. Is that the video you are referring to?

[schlep1967]

On our carefree awning the motor is located at the end of one of the arms. There were no springs in the tube. Basically the motor rolls the tube pulling the arms into the side of the coach. When putting it out when the fabric loosens the little pneumatic shocks in the arms push the arms out tightening the fabric.
Watch the youtube videos. It is very easy to replace the awning. If I remember correctly you will need some large zip ties to hold the arms in place a foot or two from the trailer. Once they are held remove the end cap screws and lower the roller to the ground. I had one screw through the awning on the trailer side and one on the tube side. Remove the one on the tube side and slide the tube off. At this point you can use a razor knife and remove most of the old awning. Leave yourself a foot or two to grab a hold of to pull it out of the rail on the trailer.
Now the important part. Use some form of padding over the arm and any other object you will have to drag the new awning over.
Took the wife and I around 2 hours total being very careful and stopping to check the video a few times.

[2oldman]

Tried youtube?