Installing new fabric in awning?

[Dave Burden]

I met up with the PO of our '75 Chieftain the other day and he said he discovered the original awning mechanism for the coach in his yard while doing some cleaning.  He said we are welcome to come over and get it which we will.  However, the fabric is gone.  My question is, assuming the mechanism is still okay, how difficult/easy is it finding and installing new fabric?

Thanks,
Dave

[ClydesdaleKevin]

From what I understand, getting the fabric is easy...A&E and Carefree are interchangable, and both sell the fabric separately.  Installing it with the roller tube off shouldn't be too difficult, although you may have to take one end cap off the roller tube...so be careful, since the torsion spring is in there.  If the legs are still attached, make sure you unwind the torsion spring before removing the cap.  If the legs aren't attached, then the torsion spring should already be unwound.  Once the new fabric is installed and the cap is back on, you now have to get the other end of the fabric into your awning rail on the RV, which is at least a 2 man job...and 3 makes it even easier.  2 men to hold up the awning by each leg, with the 3rd up at the awning rail guiding in the fabric which the other 2 men walk the awning forward onto the rail.  Once its where you want it and secure, now you have to wind back up the torsion springs.  Not an impossible job at all, just time consuming more than anything.

Kev

[tiinytina]

You can also find awning fabric on ebay.  or check Sandsrv for prices too as he ships at cost.

There may be a youtube video of retensioning the spring.. it is a bit of an art form.... to get it just right.

Tina

[DonD]

I used http://www.rvawningsmart.com/main.sc with excellent prices and fast ship. I caught a sale so mine was just over $100. Follow the instructions and/or I can scan the replacement inst for an AE Imperial 8000 which will get you through it.
I relaced mine by myself with a bit of rigging using a pully and rope but it is safer with at least one buddy. Heed the warnings regarding the wind up mechanism, it can woop you if you aren't careful. The key is a pair of vise grips.

[Oz]

We have both A&E and Carefree manuals in the Member Area - Manuals & Diagrams which cover the re-tensioning process as well as installation and parts.


Just type "awning" in the search and you'll get a lot of good info on your question as well.   

[Dave Burden]

Thanks for the info guys.  We brought the awning home this evening and it measures 19' 7".  There are remnants of the original fabric which was white and gold stripes.  I'll review the articles and we'll probably start working on it in the next few weeks.    Gotta dust off our '24 Studebaker for a few outings first.


Dave