One time I got caught up in my motorhome awning, and my roller tube collapsed. When the roller tube gets bent, there’s no amount of repair that can be done- you need to replace it. As a DIYer, you can do it as long as you know how to replace RV awning roller tube.
It may look intimidating, but it’s easy if you have a good pair of vise grips and a drill. Remember how many times you rotate the shaft and slide back the parts where they’re previously installed.
Let’s learn more details about the tools and steps below.
Table of Contents
What to Prepare
- New roller tube
- Tape measure
- Cordless drill
- Special pinning tool
- Screwdriver
- Vise grips
- Ladder
- Rag
- Silicone spray
- Rivets
- Extra hands (you need a friend or two for this)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get The Exact Model For Replacement
The first thing you need to do is find a replacement for your damaged awning tube. You can buy online or at your nearest local dealer.
- Open your RV awning and know the brand and model of the roller tube. It’s usually located on the end of the tube.
- If you can’t get the exact model number, measure your camper awning roller tube. Use a tape measure to get the distance between the mounting hardware’s top castings.
- Refer to the fit information and product measurements to get the right RV awning roller tube replacement.
- If you own a Dometic awning, I discovered that it’s cheaper to get the awning parts from them than to visit a local dealer.n
Step 2: Undo The Screws And Bolts
Before you do this task, make sure that the awning is rolled up. Get a buddy to hold the other end of the awning for easy removal.
- Pin the awning slightly open with a special tool. Insert the tool in one of the holes of the end cap.
- Remove the end cap rivets with a drill that matches the tip of the bolt. Typically, you can find two bolts on each side of the tube.
- Next, it’s time to remove the screws that hold the fabric on the metal plate. You can use a screwdriver or a drill for this task.
- Once done, pull the awning fabric all the way down. Use a ladder to reach the top and ask someone to hold the other end.
Step 3: Remove The Used RV Awning Roller Tube
At this point, the tube is hanging down. Some wind can move the tube and hit the RV side, so try to place a rag over that end.
- Place a rag on the other end of the tube. Using a pair of vise grips, rotate the shaft to remove the torsion spring.
- Count the number of times you unwind the torsion spring because you’ll need that same amount when rewinding it.
- Once the spring hobbles, we can remove the end cap. But first, remove the rivets that hold the end cap with a screwdriver or drill.
- Pull the spring assembly out from the tube and keep in mind where the awning and valence are installed in the rails.
- Slide-out the valence, then the tube from the RV awning fabric. Ask someone to hold the fabric for the easy removal of the tube.
- Place the old awning tube on the ground carefully.
Step 4: Install The New Roller Tube
Most of the time, the new tube comes with instructions. Review them ahead of time for a quick setup.
- Spray some silicone spray on the new tube tracks to slide the fabric and valence more easily.
- Slide the new tube onto the awning fabric. Return the spring assembly and the cap back to their position. Secure the end cap with new rivets.
- Remember the torsion springs? Rewind them back on the same count as you unwind them. This will provide the same tension as before.
Watch the installation of a roller tube in this video.
Additional Tips
- Before doing this replacement tube task, make sure that the spring is tight. Roll up the awning, and if it goes easily, it’s tight enough. If not, you have to add torsion to the spring.
- Put tape on the upper awning brackets to prevent scratching the RV sides when you try to remove the roller tube.
- Perform this project on a calm day so no wind can blow the awning around.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to replace RV awning roller tube by yourself, you can say that you’re a true DIYer. All it takes is some tools to make the task easier. You also have to be mindful of the correct parts placement and the torsion spring.
If you find the guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and fellow campers.
Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.