Awning Fabric

Choosing replacement awning fabric

Length is the number that trips people up. Awning fabric is measured by the roller tube, not the rail on the coach, so a "16-foot" awning actually takes fabric about 15 feet 2 inches wide because the arms occupy the ends. Measure your existing fabric, or go by the awning's stated size, before you order. A few inches off and it will not seat in the arms you already have.

• Length and awning size. Order to your awning's rated size (14', 15', 16', or 17'). The Carefree Fiesta roller assemblies here are sized that way and include the roller tube, so you are not forced to reuse worn hardware.
• Fabric vs. complete roller. If the vinyl is shot but the roller tube is straight and the spring still holds tension, some setups let you swap the fabric alone. If the tube is bent or the spring is tired, the complete Fiesta assembly with white weatherguard and castings saves the fight.
• Color and fade. Patterns here include Sierra Brown, Camel Fade, Silver Fade, Ocean Blue, and Black/Gray. Match your rig's graphics if that matters to you, but keep in mind every vinyl fades over years in the sun; a "fade" pattern just disguises it better.
• Vinyl behavior. The Fiesta line is vinyl, which sheds water and wipes clean but stiffens in the cold and mildews if you roll it up wet. Let it dry before storing.
• Catch tears early. A Carefree vinyl patch kit stops a small puncture from turning into a full replacement. Once a tear reaches the folded edge, wind finishes the job, and you are into replacement territory.

Swapping fabric is a two-person job because of the spring tension, so inspect the arms and hardware while the roller is down. Covering slide-outs is the slide toppers category, and mesh sun blocking lives under sun shades and screens.