RV Awning Patch Update - How did the Gorilla Tape Perform?

[@LoveYourRV]

See original post and video - www.loveyourrv.com/temp-repair-patch-to-our-disintegrating-rv-awning/

[@mjmorro7757]

Wow! Stress, sun, weather, rolling... very good Gorilla Tape Thanks Ray! We can always depend on you for product updates :) (Sorry if I sound like a commercial)

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

Thanks for share! I bought gorilla tape and never used it! But first consideration now! 9 months impressive! Thanks for share!!

[@E_House]

I watched this video when it came out and remembered it after my husband hit a tree with the awning yesterday (on a solo camping trip so he didn't have a passenger to be checking the passenger side when driving through a tight NF campground. Got a bunch of tears in the awning and a busted middle metal piece. So now we know how to fix it...or at least the awning part! Thanks again for all the informative videos you put out!

[@LoveYourRV]

Whoops. :) You're welcome

[@MrSwampy52]

The awning on my 2014 Jayco 287BHBE was beginning to delaminate in roughly the same area as yours, so I bought a big roll of the White Gorilla Tape and made repairs. It has only been a few months, but the tape is holding the separated layer of vinyl to the fabric underneath. I also instituted using an awning cover while the TT is parked in storage. I bought 2 - 10 ft sections of vinyl rain gutter and inverted them over the rolled up awning. You just slide the narrow edge of the rain gutter into the RV rain gutter and it stays put very well. I noticed since using the rain gutter cover that the next time I opened the awning, it was not full of rainwater as it usually is. This is a cheap mod, coming in at under $12 US. The only negative is that I don't see a way to leave it on the awning while traveling at highway speeds .... I may try tying it to the awning supports at both ends.

[@TheGlampingGuys]

Thanks for the Awning update. Glad to see that it's holding up well. Good to know in case we have any awning issues in the future! Thanks for all you do Ray. Safe Travels & Happy Glamping! Peace & Love! Have a Glamtastic Day! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️🧡

[@elcaminomant]

When the time does eventually come to replace the fabric, Tough Top Awnings comes very highly recommended. I also can vouch for the metal wrap option, my old 5th wheel toy hauler had the metal wrap on top of an actual fabric awning and it was like new when I sold it a couple years ago. That awning was 12-13 years old and I used the awning every time we used the trailer. The moho we have now has a metal wrapped awning and it's still in excellent shape as well and it's from 2005.

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Another good year out of it. Sweet...

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I believe new awning fabric is $300 for a small size to about three times that for a very large awning. I replaced my 20 footer and it was not all that hard after watching a video on the safe and proper way to do it. I never did find a tape that could withstand the heat and sun for very long...maybe one year max.

[@darrellwampler6473]

That tape is amazing.👍

[@brucewiebe6490]

I had a 4” cut in mine, about 3 feet in from the side edge and 1” from where the awning meets the side of the trailer. This was courtesy of my RV dealer when they were replacing the LED light strip mounted underneath the awning. I think the tech got a little careless with his utility knife. I put clear gorilla tape on the top and underside of the awning material and it has lasted about 3-4 years now. We don’t use the awning much but the top side is exposed to the Arizona sun all winter and Manitoba sun all summer and no signs of the tape peeling or cracking.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

You have had the awning deployed for most of several years and the tape is holding up OK? My clear gorilla tape went south after just one summer of full-timing. So did Gaffers tape and of course...duct tape.

[@brucewiebe6490]

G Henrickson To clarify, for the most part we don’t deploy our awning. The spot we have in Arizona where we spend most of the winter has the awning on the north side so we already have the shade of the trailer so awning isn’t necessary too often. So the awning material isn’t getting “flexed” by rolling out and in. However the spot where the cut is is close to the trailer and thus the top side is always exposed to the elements.

[@showcasecharlie11]

Very good Ray...I like it. Money saving at its best.

[@DASOSinAZ]

Thank you for updating this. My DH and I were wondering how well it would work. We have an '09 Wildcat that has a similar situation with the awning, and since we plan to sell it in a year, we don't want to put out money for an awning. They're not TERRIBLY expensive, but they aren't cheap either, especially in terms of time if we do it ourselves.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome. :)

[@scottsnider1895]

I tried to fix mine with an awning tape, worthless, had a trip that we included Elkhart IN were most RVs are made and got a whole knew one put on for my trailer for $700. deal and double sided and my old one was only single sided, scored! Glad to know about the Gorilla tape.

[@LoveYourRV]

Nice!

[@mikephilpott7126]

303 is amazing!!

[@Pack.Leader]

That's great that it's holding up. I wonder if they make a tape like that but that also filters most of the UV rays. That would be helpful.

[@chelseaoberle8872]

Gorilla crystal clear Duct tape is UV resistant. they have many outdoor tapes. I'm going to try the Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape

[@willymueller4587]

Thanks for the tip Ray, your right dealer RV Awning repair tape is a ripoff

[@dr.ramramphd8463]

I used wide eternabond tape (one piece). Looks like a factory cover on my awning when retracted. Saved me $$$$$. Now it’s protecting it. I think it will add years to the lifespan and doesn’t look like a patch.

[@LoveYourRV]

I thought of that but wasn't sure if it would all crinkle up when rolled up and at the cost of it, I didn't want to risk it. Nice to hear it works!

[@ronpearson1790]

I'd like to see a manufacturer come out with a metal covering or an extra layer of heavy duty pvc strip that "do it your selfers" can install. The awning on my new trailer is black when rolled up and that is sure going to attract the light and uv rays! All I can do at the moment is treat it with a uv protectant.

[@georgegoddard9636]

Ron Pearson hey Ron, try a piece or two of plastic rain gutter. It snaps right into the gutter on the RV and covers the awning when parked in the weather for storage and keeps the sun off and it’s cheap 😁

[@ronpearson1790]

@@georgegoddard9636 I saw a video recently someone who did that. Worth a try.

[@georgegoddard9636]

Ron Pearson works great, just remember to take it off before traveling 🤣

[@thomaslevy2119]

A friend of mine was restoring an old Hi-Lo trailer last summer and had the same problem with his awning. However, he and his wife cut off the damaged strip and sewed a new pocket for the track rib -- by hand. It took many hours and countless stitches using a large upholstery needle and heavy duty thread. Their awning is a bit shorter now, but it worked. Afterwords, they said they would never do that again, even though they saved several hundred dollars. Buying and installing a new awning would be much less work and easier on their fingers!

[@LoveYourRV]

Wow, yeah that would take some patience. :)

[@BTimmer]

We had similar cracks and I patched them with RV tape. That lasted a few years. Last year I cut the edge back about 6" and resewed the cord into the edge and re-installed it. It's working well and much less expensive than replacing the fabric on a 25 year old RV.

[@yeahthatshouldwork]

Tim....what type of sewing machine did you use?

[@BTimmer]

@@yeahthatshouldwork I have a Pfaff commercial sewing machine. It might be a bit too heavy to sew with a regular consumer sewing machine.

[@yeahthatshouldwork]

@@BTimmer I will see if a neighbor who does canvas work can do it then. Thanks

[@BTimmer]

@@yeahthatshouldwork I unwrapped my canvas from the spool like I would be replacing it. After I sewed it, I re-installed it. There are lots of KZbin videos on how to remove awnings.

[@snookrookie]

Tape job looks great. My awning needs a little help. Headed to Lynchburg VA. For the 4th of July then off to Maine.

[@LoveYourRV]

Have a great trip!

[@smiller6238]

Thanks, we have developed a small wear spot in ours and I was wondering how it held up.

[@mssixty3426]

Wow, thank you for this update! Will be buying a different color of Gorilla tape soon. :D

[@snubbedpeer]

Great solution! Now that you know which part of the awning is most at risk you have time to figure out what to do with that top part once you get a new one to protect it from day one. Maybe cover the top part somehow?

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, I see many new RVs now come with built-in covers. I've seen some DIY solutions but most aren't practical for people that are always using the awning, but more for storage.

[@SMITHYSKONTIKI]

Thanks for the tip I see gorilla tape everywhere for sale in England I'm going to buy some just to put in my tool kit

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome. The 2.88" black stuff is good to have too, it's like really strong duct tape. I use it on the bottom covering of my trailer to keep access panels I've cut out sealed. - www.loveyourrv.com/reinstalling-the-cougar-fifth-wheel-underbelly/ Cheers, Ray

[@greghettig1504]

Hi Ray, show how you apply the 303 protection on the underside. I can't picture spraying it under and not getting it all over myself. Safe Travels you all.

[@LoveYourRV]

I wrap a cloth around my long RV washing brush and secure it with elastic bands, then spay 303 onto the cloth soaking it down and then spread it around the awning fabric evenly. www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Applying-303-Aerospace-protectant.jpg

[@garlandstyle5797]

Thanks for the update. I may do that but?? I was considering running a 4" Eternabond Tape strip across the top portion of my awning. Lots of UV ray exposure here in Colorado with the altitude. Oh, and I do have some small holes like your's from a rip hitting a tree limb. Michael

[@Sk8StGeorge]

That is exactly what I was thinking of doing. How did it run out??

[@arrepuess]

Use Flex Seal. Remove loose brittle plastic sheeting, prepare, acetone, and roll / brush on. Use tape to make a straight line. Works excellent unless the inner mesh is torn up too much.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the tip!

[@arrepuess]

@@LoveYourRV thanks, you will need to add another coating the next day. Just re wipe with acetone, mineral spirits. Its absolutely great. Looks good too. I left my canopy slightly open for a couple days til it all cured well.

[@RobertLowery]

The wind tore up our awning while we where away. Now I am envisioning an awning made entirely of Gorilla tape.

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks! Can you expand on your use of the 303 protectant? Where do you get it here in Canada and how often do you apply it?

[@LoveYourRV]

Here is a post and video I did on my favorite maintenance products, 303 aerospace was included www.loveyourrv.com/my-10-favorite-rv-maintenance-products/ I use it on the awning, tires and most vinyl things, my wife uses it on her boat vinyl roof. I also use it on the RVs roof plastic things like AC shroud and vent covers. It's pricey but a little goes a long way. Many marine stores stock it and some RV parts outlets and Amazon - amzn.to/2KnLotW Usually I like to apply it twice a year, once before the summer and again before we head south for the winter season.

[@bernardshelton7349]

I was waiting for you to do a follow up on the tape. My awning is doing the same thing. Thank you Ray for sharing this. Question for you! Have you in your travels ever had your trailer brakes get hot and burn? Do you have a video of that if you did? Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I haven't but I do check the adjustment from time to time, last summer I learned how to repack my bearings and replaced the brakes - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-new-trailer-bearings-and-brakes-on-our-cougar-fifth-wheel/ I also now have a TPMS that has temperature monitoring so should alert me before a wheel gets too hot and well before a fire - www.loveyourrv.com/eezrv-tpms-unboxing-installation/ Cheers, Ray

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

Great video on tape. I will look for it at Wally World.

[@LoveYourRV]

I think Home Depot has it too.

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

@@LoveYourRV Wally World is Walmart.

[@LoveYourRV]

@@americanrvtraveler2446 what !? You mean your not going here ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/jamykqhoiduUg7s :)

[@mikeinsanediego]

How is the 303 protectant used on the awning...are there any other uses on the rv, like a tpo roof for uv protection? Thanks, Mike

[@LoveYourRV]

I usually spray it on and use my long RV washing brush to spread it evenly around. I use elastic bands I get with produce like asparagus to hold a cleaning cloth onto the brush head. Works pretty well. Find a picture and video demo here - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-power-awning-super-easy-maintenance-how-to/ Here is a post and video I did on my favorite maintenance products, 303 aerospace was included www.loveyourrv.com/my-10-favorite-rv-maintenance-products/ I use it on the awning, tires and most vinyl things, my wife uses it on her boat vinyl roof. I also use it on the RVs roof plastic things like AC shroud and vent covers. Most rubber roofs don't need UV protectant as it's built into the roofing material. I have an EDPM rubber roof and just clean it with soap and water, still in great shape. I'm not sure about TPO though as I've never had that type. Cheers, Ray

[@sjb_rnd]

I hear that Tough Top Awnings are better quality than the usual Dometic brand stuff.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, they were recommended numerous times in the original videos comments along with a few other brands, must be good. :)

[@jdleestirringthepot6421]

@@LoveYourRV ive bought 3-4 different awnings from different companies , i say they all start out "OK" but they all wear out, rip, tear seems, fall apart all the same ...i have a idea for a new type awning , made of metal [im NOT telling any1 my idea or i would have to kill them lol] no but i dont think my awning idea would fly bcuz companies dont want longevity , they want to build cheap and make people buy new or replace

[@mbritton1984]

There is a video on here in which a guy cuts off the damaged section, refolds, sews, and its as good as new. He lost about 6 inches of awning, but he saves $500.

[@LoveYourRV]

Sounds like a lot of work :) and I'd need to get rid of at least 18" to get back to some decent material. I'm going to be installing fresh material soon. Goes for $232 - store.lci1.com/universal-vinyl-fabric-for-19ft-patio-awning-sand-fade-v000334429.html

[@jdleestirringthepot6421]

i use eternabond tape on any&all awning holes, rips or tears

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, nice to hear, I figured it may be too thick and crinkle.

[@jdleestirringthepot6421]

​@@LoveYourRV i thought it would be to thick also at 1st ....but now ive used it on probable 10 different in the past 5-6yrs on ripped seems and wear areas and holes , my awning rolls up&down just fine

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, I always carry a roll with me just in case so nice to know I could use it for a repair. Cheers, Ray

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Did this awning come with the RV? Or did you add it ? Would you recommend this awning? I've thought about this type awning to put over my garage door because the early morning sun comes in it while I'm working with the door open, the awning would keep the hot sun off me while having the door open

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, it came OEM with the trailer. Here is a link to the awning, its a Dometic 9100 power awning - www.dometic.com/en-us/us/products/climate/rv-awnings/wall-mounted-rv-awnings Its worked pretty well for us. The downfall to these is they don't handle wind very well. I guess to keep the weight down they couldn't use heavy duty bracing as you could on a house awning.

[@UtahRoadbase]

Where is that beautiful estuary?

[@LoveYourRV]

Campbell River on Vancouver Island, BC

[@sonyaellis4124]

Probably easier to cut off a couple inches and put it back up.

[@LoveYourRV]

If you do that you have to resew in the bead that holds the material in place at the top. I few people have done it but it is quite labor intensive. Maybe could take it an upholstery place with a industrial grade sewing machine.

[@spaz2064]

Gorrila tape company should hire 6ou or send you a box of tape

[@Sk8StGeorge]

Use like 8" eternabond?

[@LoveYourRV]

I ended up using some 4 inch along the very top seam where it attaches to the camper and it worked OK until I could get a chance to install new awning material. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqqtYqiQZs-nnMk The Eternabond stuck well but sort of messy as the sealant comes out the sides a bit and the stiffer Eternabond doesn't roll too well. Cheers, Ray

[@jameshodgins1937]

Ray, how do you apply the 303 to your awning?

[@LoveYourRV]

I usually spray it on and use my long RV washing brush to spread it evenly around. I use elastic bands I get with produce like asparagus to hold a cleaning cloth onto the brush head. Works pretty well. Find a picture and video demo here - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-power-awning-super-easy-maintenance-how-to/ Cheers, Ray

[@jameshodgins1937]

@@LoveYourRV Great. Thanks Ray.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Google.

[@Mikeallvalleyrealty]

It was terrible. In just 2 months of the Arizona heat it started peeling off and looked horrible

[@LoveYourRV]

It lasted about 2 years for me, then I replaced the awning fabric, but I'm not in high heat areas, usually 70-80 degrees.

[@spaz2064]

Don’t kill a deer they have feelings