Window awnings keep your RV cooler and they're easy to install, too! We'll show you EVERY step needed to perform this simple DIY task with confidence.
Like many RVs, ours came from the factory with some awnings already in place. Of course we have a large main patio awning, one over the door, one over the bedroom window on the curb side, and a long one covering both living room windows on the driver's side.
The only large window without a dedicated awning is in the living room on the curb side. Obviously, the manufacturer assumed that the patio awning would do the job of blocking the sun from that window.
There are times when it's imprudent to have our main awning out, like on really windy days, or when we're away from the RV and don't want to risk damage in the event of a sudden weather change (considering the consequences, we'd rather not rely on our awning's wind sensor).
The worst scenario is a hot, windy day while we're dry camping, as we generally try to avoid running the generator for A/C unless it's absolutely needed. Blocking direct sun by using windshield screens and awnings makes a major difference in the comfort level inside the RV. As we always want the option of blocking the sun from the right-side living room window (especially since we often face that side of the rig to the south when we're boondocking), we need an awning specifically for that window.
Before placing our order for a matching A&E / Dometic awning, we noted the color code of the fabric and hardware from our original awnings and measured the window to determine what size we'd need. We're taking advantage of the extra space on each side to order one that's wider than usual, extending 9 inches out on each side of the window. That will keep more sun off the side of the RV and prevent it from raining in if we leave the window open on wet days.
We've had our rig for over 9 years, and we're finally installing that awning that we've always talked about. It's the perfect DIY project and we’ll show you exactly how it’s done. It's such an easy job that we're not sure what took us so long to finally get around to it!
We don't pretend to be experts on any particular RV topic, and mostly know about maintaining our own rig. But many systems are the same on different RVs. The advice we give works well for us, but be sure to consult a professional technician if you're unsure about working on your own RV.
Showing posts with label awnings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awnings. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
How To Replace an RV Awning
Our favorite type of DIY RV project is one that's both surprisingly manageable and also saves a lot of money. Replacing your RV's patio awning fabric fits that description really well. A confident DIY RVer with a couple of friends can handle this job just fine, saving well over half the cost of having it done at an RV shop. If you thought that replacing your old vinyl main awning was out of your league as a Do-it-Yourselfer, watch this first and you just might change your mind!
We know that a lot of people are afraid of "The Spring!" on an awning, but under the personal guidance of Tough Top Awnings owner Ray Oberreuter, we saw how the whole process was really manageable.
We purchased slide topper replacement fabric a few years ago from Tough Top Awnings. When we opened the box, it was immediately obvious that it was superior to the original fabric (double-stitched, very tight weave and noticeably thicker) and also less expensive than OEM replacement material. Their main patio awnings are no different. Excellent quality at a great price.
Ray was very responsive when we had questions during the ordering process and he obviously takes pride in making a superior product at a lower price. When we decided to replace our bedroom slide toppers last year, it was a no-brainer to order from Tough Top Awnings again. You can get more details by visiting their website:
www.toughtopawnings.com
We don't pretend to be experts on any particular RV topic, and mostly know about maintaining our own rig. But many systems are the same on different RVs. The advice we give works well for us, but be sure to consult a professional technician if you're unsure about working on your own RV.
We know that a lot of people are afraid of "The Spring!" on an awning, but under the personal guidance of Tough Top Awnings owner Ray Oberreuter, we saw how the whole process was really manageable.
We purchased slide topper replacement fabric a few years ago from Tough Top Awnings. When we opened the box, it was immediately obvious that it was superior to the original fabric (double-stitched, very tight weave and noticeably thicker) and also less expensive than OEM replacement material. Their main patio awnings are no different. Excellent quality at a great price.
Ray was very responsive when we had questions during the ordering process and he obviously takes pride in making a superior product at a lower price. When we decided to replace our bedroom slide toppers last year, it was a no-brainer to order from Tough Top Awnings again. You can get more details by visiting their website:
www.toughtopawnings.com
We don't pretend to be experts on any particular RV topic, and mostly know about maintaining our own rig. But many systems are the same on different RVs. The advice we give works well for us, but be sure to consult a professional technician if you're unsure about working on your own RV.
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