RV Awning Fabric Repair: Tips & Replacement Options

RV awnings play an important role in outdoor living — whether it's for RV travel, camping, or relaxing in the backyard, they offer reliable protection from sun and rain. Over time, awning fabric may become aged, faded, or torn due to long-term use. Fortunately, most awning frames are sturdy and rarely damaged. In many cases, you can simply replace the fabric to restore the awning's appearance and function. Here are a few practical solutions for dealing with damaged awning fabric — choose the one that best suits your needs.

Why Replace RV Awning Fabric?

1. Minor damage such as holes, tears, or loose stitching

2. Heavy fading that affects the overall appearance

3. Mold, unpleasant odors, or stains that are hard to clean

4. A desire to change the color or pattern for a new look

TOP Solutions for Damaged Trailer Awning Fabric

1.Small Tears or Minor Damage

For small punctures or light damage, a PVC liquid glue can be used.
Simply apply the adhesive to the damaged area using the applicator brush. Once the liquid fully hardens, the hole will be sealed.

Important: Make sure the PVC patch is completely dry before retracting the awning.

2.Larger Damage or Scratch

Clean and dry the damaged area thoroughly. Then apply a special waterproof PVC repair tape on both the front and back sides of the fabric. Press firmly to ensure a tight, waterproof seal.

3. Totally Damage – Consider Replacing the Fabric

If the awning fabric is seriously damaged, replacing it is often the best option.

For well-known awning brands such as Carefree, Aussie Traveller, Dometic, or Lippert, we recommend not purchasing original brand fabrics, as they can be very expensive. With Awnlux, you can get the same fabric color and quality at nearly half the price.

Awnlux fabrics are compatible with most major awning brands. When you're ready to replace the fabric, simply measure your existing awning and fabric size, then order the replacement fabric from the Awnlux website.

If you're not sure which size to choose, feel free to contact Awnlux's online support Services, we'll connect you with a professional sales representative to help you find the right size or you can refer to the following method to measure the fabric yourself and place the order directly.

The most accurate method is to directly measure the length and width of the old fabric.

If the old fabric cannot be measured, you can refer to the picture below and calculate the fabric size based on the awning's dimensions.

Fabric width = Awning width - 0. 254m

(Note: Awning width refers to the distance from arm center to arm center . )

Awnlux also offers customized fabric sizes and a variety of color options to suit your needs.

Two Popular Methods for Replacing RV Roll-out Manual Awning Fabric

• Replacing the Fabric Without Removing the Roller Tube

·Open your trailer awning,and lock the spring tension using a the spring lock pin. Then remove the sail track screws and the poly cords on the roller tube to remove the old fabric.

(If you cannot find the pin to lock the spring, please first release the spring tension by following the steps shown in the video below:)

·After remove fabric, clean the dust inside both the sail track and the roller tube. This will make it easier to slide the new fabric in.

·Insert the poly cord into the new fabric loop, then slide the top fabric into the sail track. ( please note: do not fix the fabric now)

·Adjust the trailer roll-out awning arms and the roller tube to loose the fabric, Press the fabric into the grooves of the roller tube (insert it into the first and then the second slot), and then insert the poly cords into the groove.

·After installation, close and open the trailer manual awning to double-test whether the fabric is flat and whether the poly cords and the left and right fabrics of the roller tube are consistent.

·If they are confirmed to be consistent, close the RV awning and reinstall the screws back to the fabric fixing position. The fabric replacement is completed.

Please refer to the video for more details:

• Replacing the Fabric by Removing the Roller Tube

·Keep the awning in the retracted (closed) position

·Please first find the pin and lock the spring elasticity, and then loosen the connecting screws to separate the roller tuber from the arms

(If you cannot find the pin to lock the spring, please first release the spring tension by following the steps shown in the video below:)

·Remove the sail track screws and the retaining strip from the roller tube, then slide out the old fabric, and remove the roller tube completely

·After removing the fabric, clean the dust of both the sail track and the roller tube. This will help with smooth installation of the new fabric.

·Feed Poly cord into fabric loop, then slide the fabric into NO. 1 of the fabric roller grooves.

·Push the fabric into NO. 2 roller groove, then feed the poly cord in from the end.

·Feed the pull strap into the last groove

·Roll the fabric on the roller tube, and place the roller tube back onto the RV roof

·Find out the last poly cord and insert it into the sail track on the vehicle to fix the fabric.

·Connect the roller tube to the arms and take off the pins from both sides, then open and close the RV roll-out manual awning to check that the fabric is flat, and ensure the fabric is evenly aligned with equal distance on both sides of the sail track and roller tube. Once confirmed, the fabric replacement is complete.

By following the steps above, you could choose the right fabric and easily replace your old fabric with the new one.

Replacing the right fabric isn't as difficult as you think, as long as you prepare the tools in advance and follow the clear step-by-step guide, you can make your old trailer awning look brand new!

Before your next camping trip, why not give it a try? Refresh your RV awning with a brand-new fabric and change your mood!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a message to contact Awnlux for support, thank you.