Worn & Damaged RV Awning Fabric - Temp Repair

In this video, I repair sections of damaged fabric on our Dometic 9100 power awning. It's over seven years old. Being that we are full-time RV snowbirds its seen a ton of sun. Much of that in the dry US southwest desert.
The awnings fabric is starting to slowly disintegrate at its top section closest to the RV sidewall. This is the part that is still exposed when the awning is rolled up so gets the maximum exposure.
Even though I routinely apply Aerospace 303 protectant to the vinyl material over time the top section has slowly been fading. A few months ago I noticed several spots where the top layer was flaking and peeling off the bottom layer of the awning fabric.
The top layer has become so dried out it's cracking. Further damage is showing up on the seam where the awning attaches to the RV sidewall.
Here the awnings end bead is double stitched, and the threads are disintegrating. I was afraid a major failure was in my awnings future, so decided to attempt a temporary patch.
Patching My RV Awning with Clear Gorilla Tape
Rather than use the standard RV Awning repair tape I decided to go with Clear Gorilla Tape. I've had good luck using the black Gorilla tape on my RV underbelly so thought it was worth a shot. Also, it's much cheaper versus the RV specific stuff.
First I washed the awning with soap and water. Then I wiped that areas where the tape would go with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any remaining dirt and oils. The cleaner the surface the better the repair tape will stick.
I applied a strip to the underside and top of the awning along the threaded bead seam. At a width of 1.88," the tape covered it well. I then added a second strip beside it covering most of the spots where peeling and flaking were occurring. Finally, I added a couple pieces here and there to cover the rest of the damage.
I know new replacement awning fabric is in my future but hope this patch will delay the need until I can find a good deal on it.
Related Links:
Full Blog Post - www.loveyourrv...
Cleaning my Awning - www.loveyourrv...
Awning Switch Repair - www.loveyourrv...
Products Mentioned in the Video:
Camco RV Awning Tape - amzn.to/2N9dZ7m
Clear Gorilla Tape - amzn.to/2NI9xJN
Seam Roller - amzn.to/2CfCrzM
Aerospace 303 Protectant - amzn.to/2oAeKID
70% Isopropyl Alcohol - amzn.to/2Q29mKU
Werner MT13 Folding Ladder - amzn.to/2MNBBiF
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[@duaneterry1452]

Thanks for the tip, Ray. I think your videos are some of the best on the web. I saw your video on the Wastemaster sewer system, purchased and installed it thanks to your video, and absolutely love it. My wife no longer has to listen to me cursing when I have to unscrew a sticky sewe hose with my arthritic hands.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, Duane, nice of you to say. :) Good to hear about the Wastemaster. Hopefully, the RV industry will get smart and ditch those crummy bayonet fittings. Cheers, Ray

[@BTimmer]

Our awning deteriorated similar to yours. The tape worked for a couple of years, and this year my wife and I took the awning material out of the channel at the RV and removed it from the spring loaded cylinder after releasing the tension. I then cut approximately 8" of bad material off and resewed the old welting and re-installed. It should be good for a few more years of life.

[@Snagglepussify]

I did the same job with Ultra Bond tape. It's very similar to Eternabond but thinner & less expensive. It's held up as good as Eternabond & makes the damaged area invisible as it's white.

[@janicepeck4828]

Thanks for demo and showing the how tos The Garella tape is tuff.

[@lorrainebayford177]

Question for you please. When you were on your roof showing the awning, it looks like you have added EternaBond tape to your RV seems. Is that correct. Pros& Cons

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I added it many years ago, no leaks and much reduced roof seam maintenance. Here are a few update video on the subject I did: Popped RV Roof Staples and Eternabond Review Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp6sc6uel7WrZpo and a Recoating Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXilf5-Njq2XfdU Cheers, Ray

[@gymsreviews8155]

Good job Ray. Keep me looking at my rig and finding stuff to check out and fix. Thanks

[@scottwall4669]

Dometic is hands down the best. Iam a card carrying supporter of John and Pete at RV geeks, but I have tried both Carefree and Dometic and you cannot deny the quality of Dometic. Get the code right off the bottom of the aluminum spool and order directly(in USA) and with a helper it takes 40 minutes to install. When parking without awning out or in storage, simly snap on 2 plastic white rain gutters over closed spool. The size is perfect. The rain gutter cost 4-5 dollars each at Home Depot or Lowes. They totally protect from sun damage. Ray is long overdue to replace that fabric and that tape will vanish when it gets wet and you are moving. I tried every tape on my awning because Iam cheap as shit but go quality!!!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the advice, Scott. Just an update, 6 months later and the Gorilla tape is still holding fine. Its seen a lot of rain and even a few snowfalls and winds up to 50 MPH and over 3000 miles traveled during the last 4 1/2 months of our snowbird trip.

[@scottwall4669]

@@LoveYourRV Then I stand corrected!!! Maybe no Gorilla but I wanted another year so a heavy duct tape investment didnt work. Mine was 9 years old and I wanted 10!! Same rips etc... but I do summer stuff in the same Borrego-Salton Sea-Yuma etc..and that heat bakes it loose. I used Gorilla glue on a floor piece and it was awesome. Of season and in rain it is important to dry out canopy. Even in Indio after rain I open and a gallon of water pours out. Just last week in windy Devore I had to open and hold it by hand for 10 minutes while it dried out. So now the freak shit..the new Dometic came wrapped in a heavy 14 foot long cardboard tube.(like a fence post concrete tube) I was going to Sawzall for the dumpster but could not see wasting this thing. I cut it into 14 one foot sections and used to plant pine trees in the recent burned areas in Paradise. The tubes hold water and fertilyzer and decompose in a year.

[@craigwflys]

To protect my awning when it's just sitting in my driveway I bought a 10' piece of the vinyl rain gutters at the Home Depot (about $4) and after a bit of time sitting in the sun you can stretch it so that the lip fits into the trailers rain gutter slot. For the most part it does the trick.

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, that's a good tip

[@elainemagliacane]

Vultures waiting for you to fall off the roof I guess... Love Your RV videos 😃

[@LoveYourRV]

haha, yeah

[@22howards]

Ray, we are full timers in SW Florida. Vinyl or pvc awnings last about 3 years. When you do replace your awning material go with acrylic material. Yes you have to treat it but.... it will last longer. Get the new style aluminum clamshell cover also. It’s easy to replace, if you were on the east coast I would for sure help you.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the tips!

[@sharonmotley1015]

I'm headed to Lowes to get this tape but I have a question about the cord that runs through the edge of the awning. It has pulled out about a foot at the end by the light bar. Do you have any recommendations on fixing this?

[@LoveYourRV]

When my threads pulled away I used some Eternabond Roof Patch Tape to get some more time out of it kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqqtYqiQZs-nnMk

[@redroofretriever]

Ebay has many choices, colors, sizes, thicknesses for new awning fabric. Prices can not be beat. DIY can be done by yourself, but is easier with a 2nd person. Notching the end caps is the way to go, as I did mine too. Replaced mine with video on my channel from a few months ago.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, I'll check out your vid. Cheers, Ray

[@jonathanhansen3709]

Good post. Thanks for sharing this. I have a new ARB awning attached to my van and plan to hit the road early this next year. It’s made from similar material. If it only lasts 3 years I may change vans by then, but its good to know a fix if I have any problems.

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

Ray, I think the circle will be complete when you replace this awning fabric and it'll be time for a new 5th wheel so you can start the 7 year upgrade cycle all over again. Oh and you'll have a new truck to go with it, so might as well.

[@LoveYourRV]

haha, can't afford a new fifth wheel will slowly rebuild this one better than new. :)

[@sharonriome7198]

Rvgeeks have a vid all about a replacement!!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks :)

[@kb3ejw14]

They hooked up with carefree of Colorado, I think they still have a discount code as well. Good luck with the replacement.

[@mjmorro7757]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJfTfmClpZWXobc

[@terryq9966]

If you did a diy video with them you might be able to swing a better deal. Seemed to me they looked like some good folks when doing the Geeks awning and their toppers too!!

[@johnpurdum8126]

I have the same exact awning on my 2010 Wildwood, right down to the color. As always I will keep an eye out for how to video when you decide to change the fabric. Unfortunately my rolling frame has issues and i might e looking at a full replacement down the road.

[@jumblesticks]

I was waiting for the can of "spray vinyl" to come out (LOL!) but tape is good too. I had the threads on my slide topper deteriorate. I pulled the topper out, gave it to a gal I know with a Big A**ed sewing machine and had her restitch it all using Kevlar thread. Reinstalled and so far so good! Peace!

[@LoveYourRV]

Nice!

[@aprildoornbos4739]

You can get replacement fabic very reasonable on Amazon and do your own labor , don't let RV shops rob or take advantage of you , as I have been , the shop ordered the wrong length then cut the reenforced edge off the fabric voidingany warranty

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I replaced mine a few years ago www.loveyourrv.com/new-rv-awning-fabric-installation-solera-universal-replacement-from-lci/ Cheers, Ray

[@TheMinnow101]

Researching the awning tape, I saw that many weren't happy with it and the tape didn't hold up. I elected to go with Eternabond and so far so good.

[@koslund11]

Ray, Have you used any good products to clean the under side of the awning? Ours is four years old and getting stained with black streaks. I see some comments have suggested RV Geeks. They do offer a 5% discount from the company that installed their new fabric when you mention them on the order form.

[@LoveYourRV]

My Dometic manual advises using a mixture of ¼ cup bleach, ¼ cup dishwashing liquid added to 5 gallons of water. It then states to spray this solution liberally all over the top of the awning and roll it back up. Wait about 5 minutes, unroll the awning and hose it off well with fresh water. www.loveyourrv.com/rv-power-awning-super-easy-maintenance-how-to/

[@saharts]

Hi Ray, I watched this old video of yours and I was wondering how long the gorilla tape lasted? Do you recommend this method to extend the life of the awning?

[@LoveYourRV]

It worked pretty well for about a year. Wet weather seemed to do the tape in when water got under it. Eventually, though the awning got so bad, it had to be replaced. Many of the sewn seams had the threads disintegrate to a point it was pulling apart so the Gorilla tape could hold. I did extend it for about another 1/2 year with Eternabond tape, then replaced it with new fabric. Here is the install www.loveyourrv.com/new-rv-awning-fabric-installation-solera-universal-replacement-from-lci/ Cheers, Ray

[@saharts]

@@LoveYourRV thanks for the very quick reply. I plan to replace my awning because the stitching is rotting and I did see your replacement video. My awning is a Dometic also. I’ll tackle the replacement when it cools off a little bit. 105°+ here on a regular basis now. BC is the place to be in the summer. 🙂

[@G_RAThbun]

Looking forward to the video of replacing that awning. I need to do the same thing on my Keystone.. Maybe we can get together in Yuma and help each other out. My buddy and I already replaced his but it was not automatic like these.

[@LoveYourRV]

Someone emailed me with another option to extend the life - www.rvupgradestore.com/StickNBond-Awning-Guard-p/01-0004.htm Supposedly it covers the top part that is degrading. He said he wrapped the ends and sewed with Kevlar thread and it's been holding up well. Would be nice as the bulk of my awing is in decent shape. Cheers, Ray

[@hogcat858]

Yup about time to start looking for a new canvas for your rollout awning. I thought you got rid of old blue.

[@aksalaman4689]

They ordered a new truck a while back, he's keeping us in suspense about it.

[@LoveYourRV]

Keeping Blue until the new truck gets here. It's still working good enough to get groceries and run errands around town.

[@LoveYourRV]

Well, we ordered it in late June, and they told us the usual time for a factory order is three months, so we were expecting it to arrive sometime in late September. Our dealer is keeping me updated via text messages, and the latest is the truck has been built and past final inspection. Now it's waiting to get loaded on a train rail car. Estimated to arrive in Vancouver, BC first to mid-October and to our dealer in Campbell River mid to late October. Seems like an awfully long time to ship it from the Ram truck plant in Saltillo, Mexico but I have heard there is a shortage of rail cars causing a backlog. Guess we'll hope for the best. Stay tuned...

[@showcasecharlie11]

just a little bit of info. if you look at trucker tarp repair places, maybe a huge trucker chrome shop. ..there is a tarp repair glue and patch material yoy can buy that works great until it's time to actually replace. you cut the material to fit the tear/hole/ect..overlap it a couple of inches...spread the glue on with the brush on both the patch and around the damaged area, put it together and let it dry.

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, thanks.

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Ray love your videos, love watching each one you put out. I have the same Dometic 9100 power awning you have, and like you I have not found anybody replacing the 9100 the dometic power awning on KZbin. I just damage mine and I'm in the process of replacing it. I've ordered all the replacement brackets and fabric and I'm gonna reuse existing tube. I think I can extend the awning out and slide the new fabric on in the out position by myself or with 1 person I'll let you know how it turns out. Terry

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, Terry. Good luck, I hope the job goes smoothly for you. Definitely would be interested in any snags you might run into or tips. Cheers, Ray

[@rvmohr]

The RV GEEKS have a great video on you tube.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks.

[@bernardshelton7349]

Great job on this video. That’s my next project to. I’ll do the same . Will see about getting a awning in quartzsite when we go. When do you get that new Dodge ? Great choice for a powerful workhorse. Don’t forget to do a video that will be an exciting day!

[@marketshare5273]

It takes four people four ladders and cut the notches you can also order in the US off of Amazon a direct replacement save yourself quite a bit did ours in 11/2 hours.👍👊😎

[@thekellycorner]

Great video. I am having the same problem. How is the awning holding up?

[@LoveYourRV]

Good, 5 months later and the tape is still hanging in there.

[@jimschroeder1808]

love your ideas Ray

[@BillCClinton]

I noticed you have eternabond tape around the entire edge of your roof. I have been tempted to do that to my 1 year old MH. Can you elaborate on how you went about it and why. Pros and cons? What did you cover with it? I do not have any issues yet and was looking at preventing them.

[@LoveYourRV]

Here are my update and Eternabond review post and video from last year. www.loveyourrv.com/rv-roof-repair-eternabond-review/ You'll also find links to my original install posts. Some love it others had reservations about because of possible warranty issues or getting it off or resale issues having it up there. My personal opinion is its great stuff and better than having a leak. plus the maintenance is basically zero, only need to clean, no yearly recaulking. Cheers, Ray

[@BillCClinton]

Thanks! That is what I am thinking too. My roof is fiberglass (one piece) and it seems to be very thin. I was thinking about using about a 2 inch piece to cover the trim and the caulk bead above it. I have a spot above the driver side where I can see some sort of mesh or sub-strait under the fiberglass. It's like some kind of wire substance. It's not an issue now but I can see it putting pressure on the fiberglass and some day poking through it. I will go watch that video. Thanks for the info. You are my favorite youtuber. Very informative and always have usable information!

[@nathanl157]

Do you have to grease the rolling unit? The part that moves in and away from the 5th wheel..

[@LoveYourRV]

The manual says to use silicone spray lubricant on all the moving parts as needed, no grease required.

[@dougtv-woodworker4326]

Howdy Ray, Have you used your 303 protection on that area of the awning? Seems the UV protection quality would slow down the damage. Just wondering? Btw I assume you’re heading South after you get the “new Blue “ sorted out. I wish you well. I hope for videos of your sorting out the new rig.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I use it all over the awning a couple times a year. I guess I should have applied more frequent coats to the exposed part. However, I think a covering of some sort would be best. Cheers! Ray

[@FrankDemonteFDTV]

THANK YOU ,I have a pop`out side that i will try that on ,

[@bonitasonnheim8659]

Love your videos and your repair and improvements, we have developed mildew on our awning, so difficult to keep it clean and dry, what would you recommend to clean that’s safe and help to prevent? Thanks for your input 😉

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks! For awing maintenance, I basically followed the Dometic manual and used a mixture of ¼ cup bleach, ¼ cup dishwashing liquid added to 5 gallons of water. I use a garden pump sprayer to apply, makes it really easy. The bleach is good at removing the mold and mildew. See post and video here. - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-power-awning-super-easy-maintenance-how-to/ Also, a big tip is open the awning to dry after each rain. www.loveyourrv.com/dry-rv-awning-rain-tip/ Made a big difference for me. - Cheers, Ray

[@dgpuig45]

I hear that a lot of people are using Flex Seal in a spray can. Available at Home Depot. No pun intended but I see that you still have Old Blue.

[@ib516]

RV Geeks have a good video on awning replacement

[@LoveYourRV]

They seem to have a bunch of vids on it. Must like replacing awnings. :)

[@ib516]

I think they are associated with a manufacturer of replacement awnings in some way, but you probably knew that 😉... either way the content is there.

[@jimpat1977]

Ray when you getting your new truck?

[@LoveYourRV]

Ordered it in late June, and they told us the usual time for a factory order is three months, so we were expecting it to arrive sometime in late September. Our dealer is keeping me updated via text messages, and the latest is the truck has been built and past final inspection. Now it's waiting to get loaded on a train rail car. Estimated to arrive in Vancouver, BC first to mid-October and to our dealer in Campbell River mid to late October. Seems like an awfully long time to ship it from the Ram truck plant in Saltillo, Mexico but I have heard there is a shortage of rail cars causing a backlog. Guess we'll hope for the best. Stay tuned...

[@RussellBond13]

Did mine by taking the end off, would have been easier with 2 people but I did it in about 2 hrs myself.

[@jcmakestuff]

I got my replacement awning material off of EBay for a good price. Tip they measure the awning from center to center of the arms not the actual tarp itself.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the info. :)

[@rickstills6716]

Keep a close watch on the Beagle with those eagles around. Just say'n.

[@LoveYourRV]

These eagles are pretty fat on salmon. :)

[@1100wing]

So how is the repair holding up?

[@LoveYourRV]

6 months later and the Gorilla tape is still holding fine. Its seen a lot of rain and even a few snowfalls and winds up to 50 MPH and over 3000 miles traveled during the last 4 1/2 months of our snowbird trip.

[@wesleypipelayer7627]

How is it holding up so far?

[@LoveYourRV]

Better than I expected, over 7 months now and the bulk of it is still stuck on well, there has been some lifting of the tape right at the ends so will have to redo that area.

[@frankp5786]

Ray - RV Geeks have replaced a couple of awnings over the years. It is pretty straight forward, but works best with 2 people. Check out their channel. The product they like is also being offered at a discount for RV geek viewers.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, several; folks have mentioned them in the comments, they seem to be promoting Carefree of Colorado and Tough Top awnings.

[@peterdement]

Ray why don't you wear a head mounted camera to free up your hands and keep us the audience right in the action?

[@LoveYourRV]

Not a bad idea. :)

[@daveinohio9383]

any update on the new truck ?

[@LoveYourRV]

Ordered it in late June, and they told us the usual time for a factory order is three months, so we were expecting it to arrive sometime in late September. Our dealer is keeping me updated via text messages, and the latest is the truck has been built and past final inspection. Now it's waiting to get loaded on a train rail car. Estimated to arrive in Vancouver, BC first to mid-October and to our dealer in Campbell River mid to late October. Seems like an awfully long time to ship it from the Ram truck plant in Saltillo, Mexico but I have heard there is a shortage of rail cars causing a backlog. Guess we'll hope for the best. Stay tuned...

[@JKFulltimeAdventures]

@@LoveYourRV We just went through the shipping process from Ram. Took longer than expected. Good thing your dealer is keeping in touch. Our's did as well. Love our new Ram!

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool. :) Luckily we are in a good position to wait it out. It doesn't get super cold here on the west coast just mostly wet. Cheers! Ray

[@darrellwampler6473]

Eternabond tape might have been a good option too!

[@LoveYourRV]

I thought about it but all out and its $95 CAD bucks for a 50-foot roll here. It's also quite thick so didn't know how it would handle the curve, its sort of hard to put on unless the surface is flat.

[@rossl.2929]

Tough Top Awnings! They have great deal and product. Get it on your way back south! 17311 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA 98606

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks. I'll bookmark them. Not too far off our snowbird route.

[@toddramsay977]

RV 101 KZbin channel has a video on how to change our awning fabric. There are several other how to vids ln this subject.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, seen a bunch now but haven't tracked down one on my specific model of power awning. A lot of the videos are older and are showing manual awnings. Mine is a Dometic 9100 Power Awning.

[@toddramsay977]

@@LoveYourRV good deal. They are all about the same. Marking the start of the spring with a perm marker seems to be a good tip in RV 101 vid.

[@gac914]

Weren't you kind of nervous with Vultures hanging close by. . ? If you change that material, you might need the Beagle's help!!! ;-)

[@LoveYourRV]

You just have to keep moving so they know you aren't dead. :)

[@gac914]

Ah ha! THAT'S what the cowboys did wrong in the movies. . .!!! Makes sense!!

[@darrell3927]

Ray, check out an awning replacement video on the RV Geeks KZbin channel. Think you may find this helpful.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, saw a couple of different ones, looked like a lot of work and disassembly. This guy's looked interesting - Replacing RV awning 2.0 the easier way to do this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX3dnqSGmNV8hs0 Might be doable with my particular Dometic power awning.

[@mjmorro7757]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJfTfmClpZWXobc for RVgeeks video on changing the fabric. :)

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, mine is a power awning, and a little differently mounted but gives me a good overview. Cheers, Ray