5 Best RV Awning Fabric Replacement Options

Here we’re going to look at some of the best RV awning fabric replacement options, and then look at how to replace it. Replacing your RV awning fabric is one of those jobs that most RVers will encounter at some point. Sun and wind damage will eventually mean a fabric change.

How To Measure RV Awning Fabric

Measuring RV awning fabric is pretty straightforward.

Measure the distance between the center of one awning arm, to the center of the other awning arm.

This is the standard way to measure awning fabric, but also check the fabric sellers instructions on this.

Best RV Awning Fabric Replacements

1. SunWave RV Awning Fabric
2. Awnlux RV Awning Fabric
3. RecPro RV Awning Fabric 
4. Leaveshade RV Awning Fabric
5. Suncode RV Awning Fabric

Ok, let’s look at some of the best RV awning fabric replacements.

SunWave RV Awning Fabric Replacement

Awnlux RV Awning Fabric

RecPro RV Awning Fabric

Leaveshade RV Awning Fabric

Suncode RV Awning Fabric

What Is The Best Fabric For An RV Awning?

The most popular choice of fabric for an RV awning is vinyl.

Another fabric used in RV awnings is acrylic. This is a type of synthetic fiber.

Vinyl Awnings

Vinyl awnings are usually advertised as either 3 or 4 ply vinyl. This means that the material is made up of 3 or 4 different layers.

Typically these layers are:

Vinyl Outer Layer:

This is the outer layer of the fabric. Vinyl is a synthetic material, known for its durability, water resistance, and resistance to UV rays.

Polyester Reinforcement Layer:

The middle layer is a polyester reinforcement. Polyester adds strength to the fabric, making it more resistant to tears and other types of damage. 

Vinyl Inner Layer:

The innermost layer is another vinyl layer, providing extra protection and reinforcement. 

Vinyl is considered to be the best RV awning replacement fabric. It is a very durable material that is easy to clean, 100% waterproof, resistant to fading, and as much as 95% UV resistant.

Acrylic Awnings

Although vinyl is the most commonly used material in RV awnings, acrylic does have definite advantages over vinyl in certain situations.

Unlike vinyl, acrylic is a breathable fabric, this will contribute to a cooler space underneath the awning. This will stop condensation on the underside of the awning and also prevent mold and mildew growth.

Although vinyl is highly UV resistant, acrylic is generally considered to be more so. Acrylic is able to resist high UV exposure, and is less prone to fading and sun damage.

Acrylic fabric awnings are best suited to drier, warmer climates.

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How To Replace RV Awning Fabric 

Although there is a standard way to replace RV awning fabric, there is an alternative way to do this job.

For those who don’t want to mess with the springs, you can simply drill a hole in the cap the same size as the channel (or channels). Then using a Dremel or a hacksaw, cut a slot in the cap rim. This creates a space where you can slide the fabric in and out.

You can find a tutorial here.

Although some regard this method as a “hack”, in most situations it works perfectly well.

The following method is the recognised way of replacing your awning fabric. 

This guide applies to manual sprung awnings. The steps are the same for power awnings, but slightly easier, as you have no springs to contend with.

Although you can attempt this on your own, I would definitely consider this a two person job.

Most competent DIYers will have the tools required, except for possibly the rivet gun, which is a relatively cheap item, available at most hardware stores.

Step 1

Extend your awning, and place a pair of work horses or similar, under the awning arms.

Step 2

While your helper supports the weight of the awning by the front bar, cut the old awning fabric along its length about 6 inches away from the front bar to release the entire awning mechanism. The old awning fabric should now be laying on the side of your RV, still attached at the top. Lay the now free awning frame arms on the work horses.

Step 3

At the non locking lever end of the roller tube, locate the locking pin hole in the end cap. Insert a long thin screwdriver through the hole to lock the spring in place. Now detach the awning arm from that end.

Step 4

With a marker pen, make a mark on the locking lever end cap and on the roller tube. This is so you can line the cap up in its original position later. Making sure the locking lever is on, remove the awning arm from the locking lever end.

Step 5

With a large pair of locking grips, grip the spring bracket next to the locking lever and rotate the bracket to unwind the spring. Count the number of rotations, and remember which way you unwound it. Now that the tension on the spring has been released, unbolt the awning arm from the roller tube.

Step 5

Now drill out the rivets on the locking mechanism end cap. You should now be able to remove the cap complete with the internal spring. Make sure to empty the drilled out rivets from the tube.

Step 6

Mark on the tube where the awning is attached. Now pull the remaining valence section of awning fabric from the front bar. Some awnings are connected by two vinyl cords, others by just one. Using a small metal file, round off the start of your channels to get rid of any sharp edges and to make the reattachment of the new awning easier. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the channels with some silicone spray.

Step 7

Now it’s time to remove the main bulk of the old awning fabric from the track on the RV. Remove the two set screws from either end of the track that are holding the fabric in place.

Now pull the fabric off the track. As with the roller tube, file down and round off the entrance to the track, and then lubricate it with some silicone spray.

Step 8

With the aid of your helper, slide the new awning fabric onto the track on your RV. Take your time, don’t force it, as this is when you can cause damage to the fabric.

Step 9

Line the tube channels up with the vinyl cords on your new awning fabric and then carefully slide the tube onto the new fabric. You should now have the fabric attached to the tube at the same points as your old awning. Make sure the fabric is centered on the tube.

Slide on your new pull strap, before the next step.

Step 10

Slide the spring back into the tube and align the cap with the marks you made earlier. The cap should now line up with the original rivet holes. Re-rivet the cap with a rivet gun.

Step 11

Using your large grips, rewind the spring in the opposite direction you did to unwind it. Make sure you rewind the spring the same amount of rotations at the time it was removed.

You can now reattach your awning arms to the roller tube.

Step 12

Extend and retract your awning a few times to make sure everything works properly, and readjust the fabric on the tube if necessary.

Tip: Slide the pull strap closer to the middle of the tube, then when the awning is retracting, angle the strap towards the locking lever cap end. This will wrap the strap in a spiral and not leave a bump under your awning fabric.

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Replacing your awning fabric is often a necessary task. But with the wide range of colors and patterns available, replacing that tatty looking awning fabric is also a nice upgrade to your RV.

My recommendation would be SunWave vinyl.

See how we test and rate products in our reviews here.

Please check out my other equipment reviews.

FAQ’s

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