12 replies to this topic

[shuzie029]

Is this a do it yourself job???? Any photos on step by step instructions?

[hermanmullins]

shuzie,

Welcome to the Forum.

What brand of awning do you have?

Google the Brand you have and check out the installation Manual.

Most Mfgs. have good drawings and picture to help.

Herman

[shuzie029]

It is Carefree. Have you ever done this before?

[hermanmullins]

Yes I have repaired my awning before. It isn't easy but can be done if you take your time, have the tools and follow the instructions. Go to Carefree and look for instructions.

Herman

[bobmacc]

Shuzie:
I just replaced my slide awnings on my 09 Journey. I got mine from the Tough Top Awnings web site. Mine also were Carefree. Their methodology to replace which requires widening the channel at one end makes the task very simple. You will Need an 8 ft step ladder and at least a 6 ft one for a helper who feeds the awning to you while you pull it thru the channels to do it safely. You ned a drill to widen the channel and a vise grip style oil filter wrench ($15 from Harbor Freight) to do it easily. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to replace both - one of which was 21 feet long. It is a simple task if done using the instructions from the website. The TT replacement is vinyl and thicker than the Carefree original.
Like Herman, I went to the Carefree site to see the instructions for replacing. They have you remove the awning tube which convinced me that I didn't want to wrestle a 21 foot awning 10 feet above ground and try to reinstall It later. While their method undoubtedly works, I would suggest it will scare off more DIY'ers which may be their objective. Check out the Tough Top instructions for the fast and simple approach.

Bob

[TBUTLER]

I removed and replaced the slide out awnings on our coach. They were Carefree of Colorado, no requirement to remove the roller on ours. I suspect that the answer to your question depends in part on which model slide out cover you have. I'm going to have to replace another one and I'm having it done at the factory service center. Just getting a little slower and less flexible.

[karenandcollins]

Depending on what's wrong with your awning, I may have a cheap fix for you. Our Carefree slide awning came loose at the RV. We realized the stitching had come loose. My husband & a friend removed it (carefully- read the directions, you can find them online). I took it to a shoe repair store & they restitched it for us. We had them stitch it with the small vinyl strip inserted. My husband & our friend remounted it & it's good as new. We then took some RV glue & put it on all our awning stitching. The sunlight breaks the threads after awhile. Maybe this will be helpful to you. If it's a carefree, you have to stick a pin in one end before removing the awning to hold the tension.

[Allegiance40x]

If you have any questions, call Carefree. My experience is that their techs service is higher quality than their awning material and thread.

[deenad]

We have A&E 9000 covers. After 10 years the fabric was getting brittle so I ordered new ones from Tough Tops, they came in less than two weeks and cost just over $200. Friend and I did them in just an hour or so for both. We have the metal covers so they had to allow for that. Nice heavy material, much heavier than OEM and cheaper too.

[Barnero]

Deenad,

I see you replaced awning material. Did you have to tension the tube and if so can you explain that process? Or anyone else for that matter. Thanks!

PS. Please email me at rodbar53@yahoo.com

[QuiGonJohn]

Here is a good HOW TO VIDEO:

http://www.shademyrv...tall-video.html

They also sell the replacement tops, looks like they custom size them based on the measurements you give them.

[jagfan]

All good advice and info. I too bought awning from tough tops. It came with excellent directions. Be sure to follow the directions on how to measure the awning on the web site you order from. It is better to err on the short side rather than too long. I measured mine a little to exactly. Another 1/4 inch and it would have been too long to roll up properly.

[rvtheworld]

I had my awnings replaced locally in Las Vegas from Sahara RV. They are right near Las Vegas Blvd. on Sahara. It's not a big place, but they have a couple really experienced RV techs. They don't do anything custom, but they can work on most anything else. I rented a RV from them years ago, and that is what really got me hooked on RV'ing. I order custom parts from a company in California, but I have had Sahara RV install some of them.