7 TIPS for Replacing RV Patio Awning Fabric Which I Learned THE HARD WAY

Is replacing your RV patio awning fabric a DIY project? YES. Here are some critical installation tips I learned the HARD WAY to help you with your fabric install. I'll also take a tour of Tough Top Awnings to see how the custom replacement fabric is made.
Website : rvwithtito.com
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Gear, project parts and tools : www.rvwithtito.com/gear
New custom awning fabric will shed years off your RV's appearance! We LOVE the look and quality of this fabric. Here's how you can save a few bucks on your custom order.
GET 5% OFF on Custom RV Awning Fabric from TOUGH TOP AWNINGS
Enter the discount code RVWITHTITO at checkout or mention it if ordering by phone. Visit: www.toughtopawnings.com
Video Topics
00:00 Replacing RV Awning Fabric
02:30 How to Measure RV Awning Material
03:00 How RV Replacement Awning Fabric is Made
04:50 How to Replace RV Awning Fabric
07:23 How to Remove RV Awning Tension
18:45 How do You Adjust Tension on Retractable Awning
20:08 How to Remove Fold Lines on Vinyl Replacement Awning Fabric
20:40 How to Keep RV Awning Straps From Making Noise or Creating a Bulge
More about this video
If your curious how to install replacement RV awning fabric, then this video will show you how I performed some of the general steps. My awning hardware is a manual pull DOMETIC awning. You may have a different type of awnings.
Several other videos are available on Tough Top Awning's website to walk you through the install for your type of awning.
I hope the LESSONS LEARNED outlined in the video are helpful for you.
You could also consider this a review of Tough Top Awnings materials and service. I've been familiar with the quality of their fabric and support for a long time. This is the reason I decided to turn to Tyler for help with my awning fabric replacement.
Finally, I wanted to challenge myself to see if the patio awning replacement could be done without any additional helpers. I've only seen it done with multiple people. As you'll see in the video, I wasn't able to do it.
In the process of experimenting with alternate ways to do things, I ran into serious trouble and made a few mistakes along the way. I also learned a lot about how to tension an RV awning since I had to do it multiple times. It all worked out in the end and my injuries were minor.
Overall we really love the new awning fabric and look forward to many years of use.
Good luck with your install! Feel free to leave me comments and questions about this project.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
Affiliate Disclosure
This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

[@rsg1963]

I like that you don't hide the mistakes and are humble about when to ask for help. Excellent vid!

[@davew7682]

I changed mine by myself (with no help) a couple weeks ago. To pull it through the top track, I tied a small pulley onto the rear arm of the awning. I attached vice grips to the leading edge of the awning (with a protective cloth between the awning material and the vice grips). Then I tied a rope to the vice grips, ran the rope through the pully, and ran the rope back to the front. As I fed the awning into the track, I pulled on the end of the rope, which pulled the leading edge of the awning to the rear of the RV.

[@RVwithTito]

I just saw someone use that method. Didn't think of it at the time. Thanks!

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

I changed my Fabric last week after watching this vid , Thankfully i didnt loose any fingers or any claret , I was a lot easier due to this vid for sure I also had a marker pen and put arrows to remind me the way to preload the springs , Oh and a Bloody big set of Vice grips .Funny thing i went to the rv repairer they quoted me near $2000 to change the fabric I purchased the new fabric for $465.00 AUD saved over fifteen hundred bucks ! I love winning Thanks again buddy Rob NSW Australia

[@RVwithTito]

$2000 !!! That's insane. Way to go. Rob for the win! Great job.

[@painterbob1]

Oh my gosh thank you soooooo much for your great video! Man it is so helpful and I love the fact that you included what NOT to do also. I have made so many mistakes along the way and the fact you included them in the video is fabulous. What a great teacher you are. I was not actually looking to replace the fabric but was trying to find out how to replace and put on the coil and housing on my brothers camper that BROKE IN HALF during a heavy rainstorm while we were camping recently. *Note to self....ALWAYS put your awning in at night especially when they are forecasting heavy rains! I really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks a bunch for the feedback. I certainly learned a few things the hard way on this one. Yes. Leaving the awning out is always risky. I did it the other day then the wind kicked up. I couldn't wait to get back and pull it in :) Luckly it was fine.

[@BillAndersonNS]

Great tips. Thanks. Often times what-not-to-do is the best kind of tip.

[@RVwithTito]

Definitely those are the ones you remember.

[@WhiteFox011]

Perhaps the one thing that I like best about your videos, is that even though you are obviously an experienced RV'r, you understand life, and are not afraid to admit that you don' know EVERYTHING! And that much of your knowledge is earned through misadventure and EXPERIENCE.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!! I really appreciate that feedback. I'm always willing to learn new things. It's usually through trial-and-error though :)

[@dunlapmichaell]

I replaced ours with help. It looks like you watched the same video I did before I started. My wife says I have a 3-stooges sense of humor.....but I had to laugh when the spring flew loose. Thanks man.

[@RVwithTito]

I think I know what video you're mentioning. I actually saw it after I did the project. Yeah I think I'm a spring pro now. Trial by fire.

[@lolal1026]

👍🏻 to a brave soul in tackling this project on your own !!

[@RVwithTito]

I wanted to see if I could do it. I sorta did Ok :)

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Yep I've done it too and it just requires patience

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Thanks for showing us how you put your awning on and all your mistakes, because we all learned when we make mistakes so I think we learn more by seeing your mistakes. It's always better to have helped but one of the things you could have done is put a pulley on the back side of the RV on the roof and attach 1 line to the awning with a clamp and you pull the other line as you feed the new awning into the the track rail. Great job...

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. I just ran across someone who used the pully technique. Had I known, I probably would have tried it. Thanks!

[@badactor3440]

I need to do this soon. You have no idea how grateful I am for your video. This will be exceedingly helpful when I get my new fabric. Thank you for showing us how to do this.

[@RVwithTito]

You got this. Glad it helped you get ready for yours. Good luck!

[@jwright650]

Ouch, I could feel what your hand was about to feel before your hand felt it. I had the vicegrips slip out of my hand and beat the ever-living-snot out of my fingers. I went into the house and ran it under cold water because I was afraid to look at it. Two person job for sure, I learned that lesson the hard way too.

[@RVwithTito]

Good thing my vice grips slipped off instead of spinning. I felt them start slipping and there was no way I was going to grab it with my hands. No problem at all with the bigger vice grips. Lesson learned.

[@rodneyferguson446]

This Video is one of the Best I've seen on this, I wish it'd been up a couple of Months ago, LOL! My Father-In-Law has an OLD Motorhome and when we had that Big Snow Storm (For Texas, anyway, LOL!), he didn't roll his Awning in so the weight of the snow tore his awning completely in two. So he Ordered a new Replacement and My Wife and I Installed it. My FIL said next time, he's just gonna pay to have it installed even though the Company was gonna charge more for Installation than what the Fabric cost. 1 thing I can add is MAKE SURE YOUR CHANNELS ARE CLEAR!. My FIL's fabric had been in there so long, the Piping was sealed in with dirt and oxidation. I used water from a garden hose along with a wire brush and a screwdriver to try to get them clean. Next time, I'll use my pressure washer! If dirt is still in the channels, the Fabric will bind up and not slide. Also, use a silicone spray lubricant to help it slide in (I had a spray can of Food Grade on hand) and like Tito said....at least 2 people to install! There are Videos saying it's a one person job and I've seen 1 that even says you don't even need to remove any framework, both top and bottom can be done at the same time......Ours Couldn't.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks a bunch for the feedback. I appreciate the tips too. Hopefully you won't have to do it again anytime soon.

[@lorilust6150]

Glad you didn't get too injured.

[@RVwithTito]

It's all good. I'm healing up nicely.

[@raykinser5393]

I replaced mine this weekend by my self. Hard work paid off.

[@billybrowning1093]

I have same end caps. You can avoid taking both those off and messing with the springs or rivets. On one side just drill a whole where the slots are to run the fabric in. Cut that little piece of metal over the slot making it a clear shot to stick the cords in and pull fabric through. Done quick and without smashing your hand with spring which I also did as seen on here but worse. I saw the easy trick afterwards

[@janX9]

Yes, but then weather gets in and you risk ruining the whole tube and springs with debris and moisture. Some climates are pretty harsh. 😮

[@emanuelneiconi]

I know I should not have laughed out loud, but the "Ah crap!" look on your face at 18:49 was priceless. Thank you for sharing your mistakes, I mean, tips with us!

[@RVwithTito]

Ok to laugh :) I was totally hoping to be done at that point

[@rodandanner2132]

This was the best video for installing an awning I've. Cut and dry, to the point. I have mine still in the box brand new. Just got it July 28th from Shade Pro. Once I get back to my 35 foot Dutchman Denali in another state, my neighbor and I are going to install it. Thanks for showing the wrong ways and right ways.

[@RVwithTito]

Great to hear! Good luck with the install.

[@mollyyoung1667]

What a Team!!

[@RVwithTito]

Right! She was watching from afar and was waiting in the wings just in case. Glad she was home :)

[@larryv4249]

Brian, you are a humble man to show those hard lessons. Never forget the number for 911.....its 9-1-1 !!!!!!

[@edd6917]

Brian - Know what I love about you more than your excellent informative videos? You keep it real. A lot of guys would have cut out those painful mistakes, not you... valuable lessons! I have done the same project on my rig (my first "big" project). Definitely a multiple-person project! I also used a replacement from Tough Top Awnings. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with the product and the customer support. One lesson I learned that I will pass along, make sure that on the right side you use short rivets. I didn't have the right size and the locking mechanism wouldn't fully engage (hitting the rivet). BTW - An excellent tip on the strap, thank you... got to try that on mine.

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome and thanks for the rivet tip. Glad you're happy with your ToughTop fabric. I'm loving it so far too!

[@edd6917]

@@RVwithTito Anytime On the rivet tip, screwed me up... hopefully, save someone else some time! Love the Tough Top product, great customer support too. Was surprised to see how "small" they are. My next project is to do the two that pull down over the bedroom windows and the double-wide one that protects the two on my slide out for the livingroom/kitchen. Thankfully, the one that tops the slide-out is in great condition. I am a little concerned as they do not ratchet down like the main one(same as the one you did in the video). Hopefully just smaller versions... guess I will find out!

[@yogatrapezegirl]

@@edd6917 The slide toppers are much easier. Just remove the tension by hand, then pin it. Once replaced, remove the pin and let the spring take up the slack.

[@kevgermany]

Good job. I felt that hit on your hand. Good it wasn't worse damage. Ta for the tips.

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. No fun. All good now though.

[@ronandloisgraham6763]

Great video. I just did mine 2 days ago. I wish I had seen your video before doing mine, but I watched only ones that were motorized since mine is motorized. But, same technique applies to both types. We started with 4 people and ended up with 6. We put the tube on first and then attached vinyl to RV. That was a mistake but we managed with 6 persons. Others were doing it that way. Even though one end is motorized, you still have to deal with a tensioner on the other end that wasn't mentioned in videos that I had watched. I am still fine tuning mine. I will highly recommend your video to any one that does their own replacement. Other than a few steps to do with the motorized awnings, your video is the only one that needs to be watched. Ron

[@jsteele42378]

Wow great video and information ! I will be getting me a larger set of vises for sure. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@jimsjacob]

Love seeing you at work Brian.... I feel like we’re kindred spirits regarding repairs and trying to “do things right”. Thanks for posting.

[@RVwithTito]

You bet. I eventually got it right :)

[@beelust4312]

Brian you are gamer from the old school and learned from you video!

[@fairrider3346]

FIRST VIDIO THAT I HAVE SEEN ANY WOOOPS IN.

[@RVwithTito]

My videos, or awning videos in general?

[@altaylor1024]

Great video, you really made it fun to watch this project unfold. You highlighted important steps well. Thank You and best wishes to your fingers and friends.

[@Assassin1959]

Ouch...I felt that all the way here. Great job....with the awning of course!

[@RVwithTito]

Almost all healed up. Thanks Hector 👍

[@brianfromnh2596]

Nice to see I'm not the only quick learner:)

[@RVwithTito]

It's a big quiet club.

[@garycoghillgary1560]

lots of good information and as the man said its easy to make a mistake, but we learn from them. thanks well done video.

[@larrbear]

Haha, yes Great tip for the spiraling pull strap! I just installed my new awning last week. Thanks for the great video!

[@RVwithTito]

I thought so. That was a great tip from Tyler at ToughTopAwnings.

[@Flippin_Crazy]

Glad you accomplished what you set out to do. And hope you didn’t get hurt too badly. 😊

[@MrBogart2010]

Good Job! I changed one by myself several years ago on another RV with a little help from my wife but needed a refresher. Thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

There are lots of ways to do it. Shouldn't need to do it again for a long time :)

[@jonknouf3006]

Thanks Brian For being transparent, it gives us a shot of reality so we can get it done right .I just replaced my power awning on my class C exactly a week ago all by myself and didn’t have to disengage any spring - lucked out .My project went slow but turned out really well .Thanks again Brian : )

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome! Great job getting it done. Not having to mess with the spring is definitely a plus.

[@jimeylee2036]

Thanks for the video. And thanks for the honesty of mistakes made. One method we used for tensioning the loose left side…. Put the arm back on the roller with the bolt, and swung the arm around 14 times. It’s a big swing but gives good control so it don’t hurt a guy!

[@highlander49ca]

I now know I can do this, thanks for the video, the best one I've seen on this..

[@martinlandaverde403]

Thank you for all the pointers,great video.

[@jimmydeen58]

Great Video.. I bought a Scaffold ladder from Amazon several years ago now it’s a one person installation for my awning and slide tops, works wonderful..

[@RVwithTito]

That second ladder I had actually can be used as scaffolding, but it's not that stable. Good idea though.

[@johncaruana6406]

Great video. Glad you show the mistakes so we can learn from them without the pain.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jessicawhite1598]

Awe a CR-V! Absolutely love mine!

[@garydavis5078]

This video is a lifesaver. I was camping alone and had my awning out as a patio. A wind gust caused the arm to flip over. I couldn't get it back to where it was and had to release the tension by removing the end cap. It spun so quick I didn't have a clue how many revolutions it was wound up too. Just purchased a new awning and ready to change it out. Thanks again for your videos.

[@RVwithTito]

Good luck with the replacement. I'm glad the video helped you out.

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

Very good lessons. A friend of mine and I helped to change one on his parents' RV. I didn't want to do it but together we were able to get it done. Really was nice that we could get it done together. Important to wind them the right way and remember because we made the same mistake. Also, very helpful to have two of you when doing it. Thanks for sharing, Pat

[@RVwithTito]

I even made a mental note when unwinding it to go the other direction. When the time came, I just forgot.

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

@@RVwithTito We did the exact same thing. LOL...

[@r8edrv4fun65]

RvGeeks did a couple of videos on this a few years ago. Your video shows what could go wrong and i appreciate your transparency.

[@RVwithTito]

You bet. Yeah the Geeks have some good tutorials on this.

[@sapphirepilot]

Really enjoyed this. You used minimal help but got the job done. Thanks.

[@kevine.phillips7578]

Yowch!!!! I felt that!!

[@arriagada1957]

Nice professionally done always...the color is fantastic!

[@rictumm]

After watching several other videos on how to do this I settled on this one, Than You! Took the wife and I about 5 hours bit we got it! Probably would have gone faster but we slid it upside down so the print was facing the ground had to slide back off and reslide on the correct way. And thanks for including your mistakes, I made sure to rewind mine the rite way.

[@RVwithTito]

So glad it helped! Now you're just as experienced as we are with this replacement :)

[@jimjohandes]

That was a VERY good video! Especially the direction to wind the spring. Thanks!! Jim in California

[@RVwithTito]

I may have to do this again on our Class A. I'll have to watch the video and refresh my memory 😁

[@mrmudstud5980]

Most people I noticed on YT use the wrench’s in the wrong direction. If you go back and observe your vice grips when you were winding your spring, the tool always goes with the jaws in the direction you are turning. You were doing it opposite of the jaw and that may/will give it an opportunity for it to slip and snap free or not grab as well. Most people use vice grips and adjustable wrenches (cresent wrench) against the jaw opening, which should always be in the direction you are turning. I hope I made myself clear of what I’m trying to explain. Job well done otherwise, the first time we ever do anything, it is always a learning curve👍.

[@RVwithTito]

Yup. I was totally doing it wrong 😛

[@bartwesp4303]

Ton of kudos for showing how you identified all of those tips!!

[@RVwithTito]

Well...I guess lessons learned the hard way are the ones you remember :)

[@fluti314]

Thank you for doing these videos, I always learn something I can use, even when I know in would never try the project myself.

[@RVwithTito]

Good to know. You're very welcome. Always nice to learn something. You never know when you'll need it.

[@Goandgetit00]

Took your advice and went to Tough top and got a new awning. Wonderful.

[@RVwithTito]

Great. Glad to hear everything worked out well for you.

[@billb6121]

Loved your 'What Nots'. Great job. You have gumption.. Always enjoy your vids!!!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@coreyfulton8933]

Great video, and thanks for showing the mistakes you made along the way. It's much more instructive and memorable than the videos that just say "use two people", "use a 'large vice grip' , use a ' pick to hold the spring tension', etc. The devil is always in the details, and too many people just assume you know what they are talking about for sizes, lengths, dangers, etc (we also had problems with our left spring). One suggestion I have, and it's something I've not seen elsewhere either, is to be more detailed on the process of drilling out the rivets (for example, how to size the drill bit to the job, and what you are trying to accomplish) - - - we had never done that before. My wife and I are currently replacing an awning similar (but an older model) than yours, and after a few hours of cussing and watching other videos we are now at the point of putting the fabric on, and re-setting the spring tension on both ends. Your 'mistakes' at that point are exactly what I needed to see to finish, and I wish I had found your video first! Thanks, and I've subscribed, liked, and will click on any affiliate links to help support your efforts. I look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@sunbtanman7354]

Good job. With your talent I knew you'd be able to do it. I'm sorry for laughing when the spring let loose. LOL I would love to help you. I would have held the ladder for Melissa. I'm glad you didn't seriously get hurt. Thanks for your videos they are the best.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks. It all worked out in the end. Love the new fabric.

[@JHA6100]

Well done … understand the challenges but you persevered and did it! Love your tips.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@6thgun820]

Thanks Buddy, I'm about to change my fabric and I really relate to that knuckle rap to got....

[@RVwithTito]

Good luck!

[@RVingwithG]

Great tip at the end of video! ! ! Great job, WE ALLL Learned something here today!

[@frostieswift4887]

Great job and explanation of procedures. Thank You

[@FMXBrawlerZ]

We just finished putting our awning on. This video was excellent, you made the mistake and showed them and it was such a huge help because when we got to those steps we stopped and rewatched and then proceeded forward. Thank you!

[@RVwithTito]

Great job! I'm glad to hear that this video helped you out. I may have to watch it again too when I replace one soon :)

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I got to do this. I’ll be bookmarking this. Love the sounds 🤣

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it was helpful

[@joe4515]

Thanks for a very informative video. I suspect I will be referring back to it some time in the future.

[@RVwithTito]

I will be too :)

[@debber9992]

Really great video. We also had to take the back cap off because of some piping that broke off. Luckily it didn't spin out of control. Now we have to figure out how to keep it locked after winding it back up. Our caps seem different, the hole isn't perpendicular to the roller like yours. It is parallel, so we have to find something that won't get in the way. But so glad you showed how to wind the backside. We watched several videos where this was not addressed.... And it should have been. Great job!

[@GeocaverDan]

I have this same problem! Fortunately the arm was already unwound, I'm needing to do some work on a pin so I can set the spring again.

[@coreymerritt7742]

Nice job Brian it is tough being by yourself I did mine a couple of years ago I was lucky to have help 👍

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks 👍 I thought I'd try it solo, but I certainly had my doubts.

[@timstevens9992]

Great video! Thanks for keeping it real. Very useful information as I contemplate my next awning. 👍... I hope your finger is feeling better.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! Finger looks and feels like a finger again :)

[@ronkimbriel2619]

Great job Tito’s👍

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@TonyDyrsmid]

Thanks for a great video. I definitely learned some shortcuts from you today.

[@RVwithTito]

You bet!

[@matthewebinger2464]

Thanks for the video, it helped me out a ton today. I had a bad experience with the spring tension getting away from me as well, except I thought I would be slick and stick a long Phillips screwdriver through the hole instead of the vice grip method. It’s by the grace of God that I didn’t blind my right eye when the screwdriver came firing at my face and got hit in the cheek with the handle. This is definitely a task to be safety conscious about.

[@RVwithTito]

Yikes. I know what you mean. I've had the pin fly out too. It really has to be the perfect size. Glad to hear you didn't go blind. So I'll add safety glasses to go with the gloves :)

[@Lapeerphoto]

Good lessons, thanks!

[@Wildernessadventuresoz]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one that has one mistake after another lol. Thanks for the tips lol

[@joyhouse5992]

This will definitely help us as we new a new one on ours so thanks

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome!

[@jamieadams7550]

Amazing videos I’m learning so much . As I’ll be building out my van hool tour bus. To a full off grid rv.

[@RVwithTito]

Awesome. Best of luck with your build.

[@colliefury2257]

Good to know. Thank you for sharing.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad you got something from this.

[@edgramza]

One more tip! Get more bandaids! Great video as always. It nice to learn once in a while by someone else’s mistakes! 👍

[@RVwithTito]

That's for sure. Duct tape and shop towels works pretty good too.

[@ricklarson114]

Thanks for the video!

[@RVwithTito]

You bet!

[@djfoxalaska]

Well done and good prresentation.

[@hannamignano]

This was very helpful, thanks so much

[@RVwithTito]

You're very welcome!

[@bryanbremmer1373]

Glad mine is electric. There’s no spring on a electric awning.. I do appreciate the help on a few pointers.. thanks a million Tito

[@russellnesbitt4548]

Ouch! I have been there. I know that pose, bent over moving your hands up and down. When I did it, it hit my thumb. I thought it broke it, but it did not. Very sore, for a while. Thanks for your video.

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. Ouch! Like you...nothing broken. Just a little banged up. All healed up now though.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Thanks I am putting this off until I can find a friend.

[@RVwithTito]

You'll need and extra ladder too. Good luck.

[@edward7154]

RAINING DAYS And AWNING ALWAYS BRING ME DOWN 👇

[@n.g.1577]

You're definitely a Damn Do It Yourselfer, mi amigo. Great job! Thank you for sharing your video.

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome. The best way to learn is to fail a few times 🙂

[@edwardbrewer3247]

Thank you for showing your suggestions and mistakes. I can so identify with that human quality. It helps me feel less klutzy:-)

[@RVwithTito]

I wear gloves more now that I did before this project. I'm learning :)

[@TomSpurlock]

Nice tutorial Tito. I had a '99 Pace Arrow with that kind of A&E awning.

[@RVwithTito]

Nice! Did you ever have to replace the fabric?

[@timantypas5134]

Thank you! Always better to learn from someone else's mistakes

[@RVwithTito]

Agree. I get to do it again soon. Let's see if iI learned anything.

[@barrytimm5497]

Good job. You did better than me with the correction of the winding direction! I made the same mistake 3x in a row! And I thought I was a quick learner! Haha

[@RVwithTito]

I had my doubts the second time also. Good thing I got it right.

[@tglass0000]

@@RVwithTito Glad this worked out! A lesson I learned from watching this is that I need a camera to record the steps I take on a project like this, just so I can go back and check the tape to see which way I actually wound the thing! That’s how much I trust my memory.

[@RVwithTito]

@@tglass0000 Yeah. That would help :) When I watched the footage later...there it was...me getting the direction wrong.

[@lordfamily7402]

Awesome vid! Thanks Tito! Serious injury can happened if that spring releases. I was replacing the side arm slide brace. An RV buddy showed me how to do the right side where the lock trigger is, but failed to tell me the left side needed to be pinned down with a awl tool, etc. When I took off the end cap and that spring let go spinning the end cap against my hand numerous times before my brain could tell my hand to let go! I seriously damaged my hand for weeks! Big nauseous Ouch! Wished I'd seen this first!

[@aleckelsey402]

Awesome job. Now I don't feel so afraid to try and install mine.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! Good luck with the install.

[@cal82252]

Thanks for the how to do tips and what not to do (Ouch!). My awning needs replacement too.

[@RVwithTito]

Hope the tips help. Glad to take one for the team. It's doable for sure with some help.

[@daviscrt]

Great video on lessons learned. I was just watching the Hillbilly RV channel (RV TECH), and he just posted a video about the awning springs. Long subscriber to your channel. Thanks Don

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks. I will check out that video.

[@darinbarfield8738]

I just finished mine this past weekend, Unfortunately I could not find any help from wife or daughter, So I had to be extremely creative with use of tools, techniques & extra ladders to do it by myself. Took me about twice as long as it should but was able to successfully complete the project. Had some issues as you did maneuvering the initial spline into top track by myself, I positioned the folded fabric on top of my trailer- and let it slide as I pulled slowly from the opportunity side into the track, had to go back & forth frequently to keep it half way in line as not to snag or rip anything. Biggest challenge I’d say was retensioning the spring by myself, I only took off the left- no lock side, So had to spin it…. Then will holding the tension, Kick the ladder away and maneuver the arm up to me & reattach it. I only put 12 turns on mine, Probably could tension another turn or so, but myself it was hard to do. It opens & closes sufficiently, even with only 12 turns so I think it’s good for now. All in All it is doable for one person but much more difficult, Potential for mistakes is greatly increased.

[@wally1957]

Tito I almost fast forwarded past the spring loaded episode cause I knew the tension release was coming but I watched anyways, ouch! Nice job and explanation anyhow. I hate awnings and got rid of mine a decade ago and built a gazebo instead. I don't like getting trapped inside the RV during snow loads. Neighbor kid actually came over and opened my door during a snow load and ripped the awning about 2 feet. Now I am going to attempt a DIY Topper Awning on all 3 slides except I won't be using traditional Hardware. I refuse to spend 2K. Instead I am going to use PVC 1" pipe maybe inside a 3 pipe with drilled out end caps to accept the 1" pipe. I don't care about the spring loaded stuff. Don't need it. I figure I will have $300 max invested and that includes the fabric.

[@stevehvac1]

Great job thank you

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for watching!

[@Browneye57]

Well Tito, we did ours on Christmas Day. Ours is a motorized one, 16' long, and with the aluminum guard it is so heavy the wife can't hold one end up. So even with help, it's still very difficult. Other than that, it went on and is absolutely beautiful. Funny, our old one was exactly the same color as yours. We got new fabric from Shade-Pro - very good price and very nicely made. Our old one made it 17 years.

[@RVwithTito]

Great Job!

[@s.worsfold9886]

Great Video with helpful tips. One suggestion I would make is to use short rivets when reinstalling your spring, my first attempt I used half inch long rivets and they were to long and interfered with the locking mechanism.

[@mike_adams]

Hope your hand is ok. Great episode

[@RVwithTito]

Yes, thank you. It's doing good. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lxe1986]

Thank You Tito, I'll find a place near me that can do this.....

[@RVwithTito]

Any RV tech or shop should be able to get it done for you.

[@timh8543]

Back to engineering school with you

[@snchillin]

Good job

[@picwick57]

Watched a few videos already & you must be a teacher by trade! everything in your video is what one needs to know with on hand pros, & cons! "OUCH The Finger " !! tackling mine shortly loaded with confidence. Thank You!

[@picwick57]

got er done as planned & very happy with your tips & tricks bonus ! fingers ok😉

[@RVwithTito]

Nice! Sounds like you did better than me 🤪

[@RVwithTito]

I appreciate that feedback. Glad to help load you up with confidence 😀👍