Replace awning help.

[kwplot34]

I need to replace the awning fabric on my 2016 31L. It received a little hail damage so I need to replace it. Looking for some tips on how to do it.
It is an electric awning says SOLERA on it. What is the correct way to measure the size? Who should I purchase from?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Kevin

[John & Diane]

Check out You Tube.

[kwplot34]

Originally Posted by John & Diane

Check out You Tube.

Thank you I will check that out. Was wondering if anyone had any experience in doing this job for some tips before I tackle it.

[GVP-The Boxcar Children]

It might be easier to just replace the entire assembly. We broke one on our Georgetown clipping our storage doorway. You may have to order from a dealer although we found one on Amazon, and I installed it myself standing on a ladder/scaffold in a couple of hours. Good luck!
GVP

[John & Diane]

Check out the "RV Geeks" on You Tube, they documented when they changed their awning material. I also think they did a video about replacing the slide topper. Be careful on the ladder.

[Travelin' Texans]

There are several online companies selling replacement fabrics I've used Shade Pro with good results. Same for the slide toppers, replaced 2 in about 2 hours with my SILs help for $200.
Whatever company you choose they will give advice on how to measure & replace.
You DO NOT need to replace the entire awning assembly that could cost several hundred $$$, or more, when for a couple hundred $ to replace the fabric.
As mentioned check uTube for the how to, have a friend bring his ladder & in a couple hours you'll be ready to buy him an adult beverage under that new awning.

[GVP-The Boxcar Children]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

There are several online companies selling replacement fabrics I've used Shade Pro with good results. Same for the slide toppers, replaced 2 in about 2 hours with my SILs help for $200.
Whatever company you choose they will give advice on how to measure & replace.
You DO NOT need to replace the entire awning assembly that could cost several hundred $$$, or more, when for a couple hundred $ to replace the fabric.
As mentioned check uTube for the how to, have a friend bring his ladder & in a couple hours you'll be ready to buy him an adult beverage under that new awning.

They might change their mind after having to recoil those tensioner springs while adding the track guide onto the side of the coach while ensuring they added enough material. Just sayin'....
GVP

[Boerne RV]

If the tag is on the tube it has the info you need.
Some are easier than others but they all can hurt you.

[Travelin' Texans]

Pick up a couple pair of these at Harbor Freight to prevent loosing the tension on the roller, a six pack with a pizza for dinner for you & a friend after replacement, MUCH cheaper than a complete new awning.

[Davidgrape]

I would check with insurance 1st.

[Tom Brown]

My Carefree awning on our 25.3 AXIS is pulling away from the coach at the back bracket. The lag screws on the top of the bracket are stripped. What’s the best way to fix this?

[ducksface]

I have sincere doubt if having an awning installation is closer to 300 bucks than it is 200 bucks.

I think this is one of those:
If you have to ask, you're not qualified.

There is no pride in doing mundane jobs and there is no shame in going to a professional.

[Msdpok]

It’s not as hard as you think, yes you have to deal with the tensioner but if you take your time and you do it with at least one other person you won’t have a problem! I think the hardest part when I did mine was feeding into the track on the top of the RV.
You can buy a new awning for less than half the price they sell they sell them at an RV store Online! All you need to do is measure length from front to back! Most of if not all are the same width. Also pick a warm day with no wind! Any wind is going to ruin your day!!

[Miairehad]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LzmqPcpIPk

I used this method, had no issues, needed 3 people to make it easier.

[kwplot34]

Originally Posted by ducksface

I have sincere doubt if having an awning installation is closer to 300 bucks than it is 200 bucks.

I think this is one of those:
If you have to ask, you're not qualified.

There is no pride in doing mundane jobs and there is no shame in going to a professional.

You would assume incorrectly. I am a mechanic and am very capable of doing this job. Not asking questions or for tips from those that have done this job does not make one incompetent, instead it makes that person asking just that much more capable.
I take pride in my work and do not do mundane work. Those that do not ask questions or do research just let pride get in their way and will usually run into issues.

[kwplot34]

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. I have searched YOUTUBE and the job looks fairly straight forward to replace the fabric. This is an electric awning so it looks fairly simple.

[Miairehad]

I ordered for Amazon, even got a upgrade when the fabric I order was out of stock and substituted a higher grade fabric. I think asking is the correct way to proceed, and if you feel you can after gathering the procedure you can do it or not.

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Tom Brown

My Carefree awning on our 25.3 AXIS is pulling away from the coach at the back bracket. The lag screws on the top of the bracket are stripped. What’s the best way to fix this?

Either use larger stainless screws or fill those holes with caulk & pre-drill new ones.
Mine installed by the factory only had one screw at the top & one at the bottom with another 3-5 holes already in the arm. I removed the originals one at a time, put caulking in the hole, replaced with a larger diameter stainless screws plus pre-drilled all the other holes adding caulk & stainless screws to all holes.

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Msdpok

It’s not as hard as you think, yes you have to deal with the tensioner but if you take your time and you do it with at least one other person you won’t have a problem! I think the hardest part when I did mine was feeding into the track on the top of the RV.
You can buy a new awning for less than half the price they sell they sell them at an RV store Online! All you need to do is measure length from front to back! Most of if not all are the same width. Also pick a warm day with no wind! Any wind is going to ruin your day!!

When feeding the fabric into the track keep spraying a silicone spray ahead of the fabric, that helped greatly with it sliding, not so much with feeding it into the slot.

[hahnmark25]

If your awning is electric, do you have to worry about tensioners? I thought the motor was responsible for retracting the awning. Really don't know, please help.
Thanks