New RV Awning Fabric Installation - Solera Universal Replacement from LCI

Awning Related Posts and Videos - www.loveyourrv...
View many other of my Lippert Components (LCI) product installs and reviews - www.loveyourrv...
In this video, I remove my Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailers original 10-year-old and badly worn Dometic 9100 power awning vinyl material. I replace it with a new Solera universal fit replacement from Lippert Components. See the Solera Universal Awning Fabric Color and Size Options on the LCI Store - www.loveyourrv...
Disclaimer: Love Your RV! received this LCI product sample free of charge for the install.
Rather than removing the complete awning hardware, including the support arms, I decided to just take off the roller tube. To do that, I first unrolled the awning about a foot or so and put a cotter pin in the torsion spring to keep it from unwinding violently. Then I restrained the spring-loaded support arms with zip ties.
DANGER! Failing to properly restrain the support arms and roller tube torsion spring can result in injury or death. These items are spring-loaded. Read the manuals for your particular awning make and model and follow the recommended disassembly procedures.
Next, I cut away the old awning material and removed the two bolts holding the roller tube to the support arms. Once on the ground, I was able to easily replace the old material with the new Solera awning fabric. To do this, I needed to unwind the torsion spring with a pair of vise-grips and drill out the rivets holding the end caps.
Once the new material was rolled on the awning tube, I riveted the end caps back in place and rewound the torsion spring, restaining it once again with the cotter pin.
Finally, with the help of a couple RVer friends, we carefully guided the new awning material back into the awning top rail channel on the RV sidewall. To protect the thin vinyl material from any damage, I used some pool noodles and tape on any sharp hardware edges. I also sprayed silicone lube into the channel to make sliding in the end cord bead easier. We utilized a pair of ladders and my truck's 8-foot bed as make-do scaffolding slowly moving it along.
After a few minor set screw adjustments to make sure the awning material was centered on the roller tube and the RV sidewall channel, it was ready to use. Everything went relatively smoothly, and I'm happy with the brand new looking awning!
Tools & Supplies Used:
Arrow Rivet Tool - amzn.to/34uc0CK
Irwin 9" Vise-Grips - amzn.to/3hzTKvi
Werner Folding Ladder - amzn.to/2QpsyDz
Channel Lock 1/4" Drive Socket Set - amzn.to/3jdqgUN
Silicone Spray - amzn.to/32pna9s
Fluid Film - amzn.to/3gig77e
Gorilla tape - amzn.to/3b25NPX
Motomaster 20V Power Drill - www.canadianti...
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[@LoveYourRV]

*Awning Related Posts and Videos* - www.loveyourrv.com/?s=awning View many other of my Lippert Components (LCI) product installs and reviews - www.loveyourrv.com/tag/lci/

[@my_flippin_journey]

*Enjoy Watching Work Smarter .. Not Harder* *Excellent use of Available Materials*

[@sergepoirier2665]

Hi Ray, I drove true the thunderbird campground today and saw your rig park there. I was going to say hi but no one was outside and didn’t want to disturb you. So Hi !

[@sergepoirier2665]

I live in Courtenay

[@LoveYourRV]

Was likely inside editing this video. :)

[@janebray9392]

@@LoveYourRV we want to come visit!!

[@dlapierre99]

7:53 thumbs up for doing that alone. I admire your patience. Not without a helper for me...

[@texasproud3332]

Great job ray I was surprised that was a power awning didn’t realize they had those 10 yrs back

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, must have been one of the first and even came with a wireless remote! :)

[@chadsteele1]

So nice to have folks thatl help, I find today it's difficult to get friends to help with anything, your always putting them out😓. Back in the day I remember my dad having his brothers come over to help reshingle the roof, that kind of help doesn't seem to exist anymore, rvers seem a bit more pleasant, more community minded.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I find that RVing tends to generally attract a nice sort of person, usually eager to help out each other if they can.

[@kenc2257]

Great job--that fabric you selected looks nice. The "traveling bungee cord support gizmo" (used during the re-install) was a neat idea--saves having a person perform that function. Good that you were very deliberate and cautious with that spring under tension. People fiddling with sectional garage door springs have seriously injured themselves when tensioning those springs (larger, and probably more powerful than the spring you were dealing with).

[@grickteecorbin9772]

excellent video

[@JoelWelter]

Another great lesson on maintenance. Hey, we retired and hit the road in June for a 7 week trip! Unfortunately, I inadvertently went under a 11 foot overpass (edge of Spokane, leaving the state park. Dang GPS.) and did the rest of the trip a little more "streamlined" in the roof area. Since I'm "upgrading" my roof, I thought I'd get a omni antennae and am thinking about adding the cell booster. I will find your video on that. Thank god I didn't put solar panels on, yet. Soon, though. Cheers!

[@LoveYourRV]

Whoa, sorry to here that! That is a low one.

[@MentorMoments]

I enjoyed watching your helpers, Lorraine and Greg, getting put to work. LOL

[@maverick7969]

I just done a awning fabric replacement for a friend yesterday. On his it came with a extra smaller cord in the box. It took me awhile to figure it out but you actually used a plastic screen repair roller to push the fabric into the valance groove then used the tool to push the cord in. So if you wanted the valance secured perhaps you could order a smaller cord and do that.

[@LoveYourRV]

The friend that helped me has a similar awning and his came with a totally separate valance piece.

[@ICanDoItMyself]

Thanks Ray! Huge help! Guna give you a shout out and tag this video in the description of my video.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, awning has worked well so far since I replaced the fabric

[@sammiepuppy4196]

Another successful repair! Way to go, Ray. I did notice that edge had some threads hanging already. You are right, Solera should have either singed the edges or hemmed the edges. Even if this is on the less expensive end of awning material, the edges should not been left raw. Glad that you are both safe and healthy in Campbell River. Best regards.

[@willymueller4587]

Finally, new awning fabric, great job Ray, your up to all jobs

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks 👍

[@OminousRooster]

Ray I’ve been patiently waiting for you to replace your awning. Mine is desperately needing replacement. Nice job by the way. Wasn’t there a option for the valance bead. This is my next project. Thanks you for confidence builder to tackle the task.

[@LoveYourRV]

I wasn't sure what would arrive but looks like the Solera is different than the Dometic with the dual beads. So far though the valance seems to hang OK. Actually, the people that helped me have similar replacement material but they got an extra totally separate valance section. They replaced their original awning a but a 1/2 dozen years ago. I guess there are many variations out there. Cheers, Ray

[@waynecap5960]

Thank you Ray for your videos they are very helpful.

[@LoveYourRV]

Glad you like them!

[@dalemarshall9736]

You are one gutsy guy, Ray. That is something I would not tackle myself!

[@stevemacedo771]

Perfect timing for your video. Getting ready to change out my buddies awning. Thank you so very much.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome. :) Good idea is to download the manual, there is some variations to different makes and models. Mine is a Dometic 9100 power awning. Cheers, Ray

[@samyliu]

There are actually 3 rope tracks on the barrel. I saw that you used just one to lock the fabric. You can press the fabric into the next sail track, and insert the poly cord from side way, so that you have 2 locking tracks in action instead of just single track.

[@LoveYourRV]

This universal fit awning just had the one sewn in bead for the awning barrel not two like the OEM Dometic fabric. But has worked just fine with the single. I think if you forced a poly cord in from above it would look funny and may be hard to squeeze it into the channel along with the awning material.

[@gac914]

My 2017 Keystone Springdale has the Solera awning, and each side end of the awning are the same way as you replaced -- no seams. Haven't had any problems with it so far, nothing's unraveled or split. Thanks for doing this -- I feel more comfortable replacing mine when it becomes necessary. -- Also, I think you've said yours is a 2011 or 2012?? If so, your graphics are in remarkably good shape! It doesn't look like you're having a lot of fading, cracking, or peeling! That's got to be attributable to your disciplined maintenance schedule!!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the feedback, that's great to hear. Yes, ours was made in 2010 and we bought it in spring 2011. Just starting to get some checking and a bit of fading on some of the vinyl graphics. Not bad considering we are full time and chase the sunny weather. :)

[@philstucker1312]

I just watched this video again. Yesterday on our way home from our first trip of the season, I noticed the awning was starting to shred apart. I know that it is early, but I was wondering how your new awning is holding up. I’m undecided what to buy. Your install video is by far the best one on utube . Thanks!

[@LoveYourRV]

So far so good, there are a little bit of loose threads here and there on the edges but hasn't gotten any worse, here was an update I did in November - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGWXZXeXaZqDnpY I also installed the LED light strip - www.loveyourrv.com/lci-solera-awning-light-install-extra-power-switch-mod/ Cheers, Ray

[@eddy2561]

Man Ray, you're braver than I am replacing your awning yourself!!

[@joed8694]

Ray, thanks for the "how to", my fabric is fine, the motor is shot. Waiting for the off season to replace. Great pointers and confidence builder! Too bad the motors are a small fortune.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome, yeah they are pricey!

[@garyj2101]

Good job Ray 👏👏👏👏👍👍🤠🇺🇸

[@daviscrt]

Awesome job Ray. Good to have nice neighbors. Don

[@timf6916]

You the man Ray

[@winstonprather1582]

Love your videos! You are one busy dude with reviews, videos, etc. Nice job!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks! :)

[@bertkelly7650]

Nice looking awning.

[@jerredwayne8401]

Wow for that price this may be in my future. Maybe I'll wait awhile to see how yours holds up

[@DavidSmith-vo3nd]

Thank you Ray, wonderful job!

[@calgondave]

Great job! I hope this one outlasts the original one.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks! Even if I get another 10 years I'll be pleased. :)

[@0HARE]

Great job, Ray! Thanks for showing us how it’s done. Our RV needs this so much, but I don’t see me tackling this project. Maybe I can use your link to purchase the fabric, and get the shop to do the work. Happy Trails

[@LoveYourRV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sac_colorado7215]

Ray, I've got to do the same job on my '13 Keystone Montana. My awning mechanicals look the same as yours (dometic). I do have a question: Now that you did the install, if you didn't need to add any tension to the torsion spring end can you just put the tool/screwdriver in the left end so the spring won't unravel and then do all you work from the motor side? So, you don't need to de-tension and re-tension the spring, remove the rivets from that end, etc.? I like your videos and your "style" (laid back)! Thanks, Sean.

[@LoveYourRV]

I think I would do it exactly the same way if doing it again today, it wasn't too hard and made it safe to work on. It has worked great since the replacement job. Here is a video I did today actually kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqrCcmmJo81maa8 Cheers, Ray

[@andyjones611]

Good job Ray. The awning looks nice in that color. The edge looks ok but like you noticed it's not folded and sown so it might be a concern in the long run. The wind might do some damages if it starts to rip the fabric. Nice video Ray. Cheers

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks 👍

[@johnmiller3159]

Thanks Ray!

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

thanks now I know how to do mine lol🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦

[@MacRides1]

nice job Ray - looks great!

[@WindersRanger]

did it roll in and out any better with the extra turn on the spring?... Also you might take a lighter and carefully burn off those extra strings on the edge.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, seems about the same, maybe my motor is getting a little weak.

[@mormonslayer71]

Grate job ray. Next time you out west come check out Utah.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, we have been to Utah several time and always loved it. :)

[@OmahaWayne]

Awesome install Ray, thanks Can I ask a couple unrelated questions #1 What kind of camera does your wife use? #2 will you guys ever get another dog? Thanks again for another great install

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks. :) She has many cameras. :) For the estuary wildlife she usually has her Canon 7D and Canon 400mm lens setup on a large Gitzo tripod. You can see her gear here annemckinnell.com/gear/ We love dogs and do plan to get another in the future. Plans were once our beagles were gone to do some international travels first before another dog, but then Anne got an autoimmune disease and that has squashed our travel plans and since it really physically affects her I'm doing most everything physical so have decided to not add a dog to the chore list. So, not actively perusing another dog at this time. Not totally ruling it out though as sometimes a dog find you. :) Cheers, Ray

[@jeffreopelle3143]

Hey thanks nice video. I’m wondering why you unloaded the spring? Couldn’t you have left the spring end alone and replaced the fabric from the motor end without ever messing with the spring? Am I missing something?

[@LoveYourRV]

There extra awning bead that extends at both ends and gets wrapped inside the awning tube at both ends - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqqtYqiQZs-nnMk Since that's the way the manufacture did it, figured there was a reason so I decide to do the same. Pulling both ends makes it easy. Also its good to pull things apart and inspect the motor and the torsion spring. Cheers, Ray

[@blq24]

Really Like The VID RAY ,I am Working on Rebuilding My 2001 Rockwood ROO ,Everything A Project Camper, May I ASK how Your Awning Is Holding Up? as I LOVE Made In The USA.

[@LoveYourRV]

So far so good, no problems other than a few stray threads appearing on the ends where instead of a sewn seam its just a straight cut.

[@MichelPoirier-Mipo]

Kind of recognize an Xcelite screwdriver shaft. 👌

[@LoveYourRV]

Worked perfectly. :)

[@airsmith006able]

I noticed at the beginning of the video you show the slot where the awning is installed at about the 10:00 position, but there is another slot at about the 2:00 position with access through the white plastic cap already. Why didn't you cut off the old awning fabric flush and reinstall in the slot with access...easier and less work.

[@LoveYourRV]

That channel is used for various awning addon accessories like shades, lights, etc. or to slide the manual retraction straps into incase of a power/motor failure. Currently I'm using it for attaching awning screen shade. Cheers, Ray

[@mjm3852]

After watching you do this, that is a job we will never tackle! A question not related to the video as such, but how do you get the reflectix to stay in your door window?

[@LoveYourRV]

It's a special on built for the door size - amzn.to/3aV4iTC Attaches with includes Velcro tape

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I wonder why my awning fabric simply slipped out the pre-cast "keyhole" on my end cap No removal was needed. Is mine assembled incorrectly? Thanks for the video.

[@LoveYourRV]

Not sure, but on my roller tube the precast keyhole is for adding awning accessories like shade screens and lights.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

@@LoveYourRV Oh...That makes perfect sense. I best rotate my cap in the foreseeable future. Tell Anne we enjoy seeing her in the videos every once in awhile. Thanks Ray!

[@matthew2000tx]

Hey it's coming up on one year can you give us an update on how the new awning has held up?

[@LoveYourRV]

Here was my update after a few months of use kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGWXZXeXaZqDnpY Nothing has really changed since then. loose threads haven't gotten any worse and awning has worked well. I have also installed the optional awning light www.loveyourrv.com/lci-solera-awning-light-install-extra-power-switch-mod/ Cheers, Ray

[@matthew2000tx]

@@LoveYourRV thanks Ray. I wonder if LCI has a fix for the edges could you just use a lighter to seal the lose threads again line nylon rope

[@LoveYourRV]

I haven't heard of a fix. Should work or maybe just trim with a razor blade.

[@davidloomis5840]

You didn't have to take the spring side out. You could of just removed the motor on the other side ..slid it out and ran the tube threw the fabric.

[@LoveYourRV]

Needed to take both ends off so the extra bead length at both ends could be installed the same way the Dometic OEM did it. The excess bead length goes inside the awning tube and gets folded back. Figure they must have done that for a reason. Here is the instruction manual See page 21 - epi.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-9100-power-patio-awning-917-_81441.pdf Also, a good time to inspect the spring for corrosion and clean up if needed.

[@harderja]

I know that you have had this video up for over two years. However, I have a question if you have time to answer. I purchased a Solera Universal Fabric like yours and put it on a Dometic 9100 awning. I have a problem when I extended the awing out it overextends did you have this same problem. From what I understand, the standard projection cord-to-cord of an awning is 91" the one that they sent me is 94". Did you have the same problem? If so or not, what does yours measure cord-to-cord. After going around with Lippert and since I have already installed, they will not let me return it for a refund.

[@LoveYourRV]

Mine is similar a little over 95". I just don't let it unroll all the way out. I release the power button when the arms become level before it overextends. I have let it all the way out on occasion, and it hasn't hurt anything except it makes the entrance door rub, so I draw it back in a bit. I think it's because the OEM had 2 beaded cords on the roller, one just for its extra flap, and the universal fit only has one. Maybe I should have used the other channel..

[@harderja]

@@LoveYourRV thanks for the quick reply. Have you ever contacted LCI about this? Are you still an ambassador to LCI? As of right now, I am not happy with their customer service or their warranty.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I haven't as I didn't see it as a big problem for me. Like I said I just open it to extent I need to. I don't see any reason to open it to the max if I don't want to. I'm no longer an ambassador as far as I know, I think they had a shake up in the marketing department a while back and I got canned from the program Haven't heard from them in about 6 months, maybe they disbanded the program or didn't like my negative comments in some of the product reviews. ;)

[@harderja]

@@LoveYourRV yes thats how some companies are I’ve seen others get dumped for negativity on their products. I’m going to dig deeper into since it just not me problem. Is ok if I use your name?

[@harderja]

@@LoveYourRV the channel does not make a difference it’s the fabric the stops the motor. I contacted Dometic and got reply from them last night. They also stated the fabric is to long.

[@aroe6carrp737]

Point..