How to Install an Awning Roller Tube

An awning's roller tube supports the fabric that provides you with shade.

An awning is a staple of most recreational vehicles and some homes, and it is a cheaper alternative to a roofed porch. An awning on your RV or home provides shade while you enjoy the outdoors. Repeatedly rolling and unrolling your awning causes the tube that holds the fabric in place to wear out over time. Rather than purchasing and installing a new awning, you can save money by replacing only the worn-out tube.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Grip wrench
• Hex wrench
• Silicone lubricant

Instructions

1. Unscrew and remove the screws holding the awning tube to the awning rail. Unscrew and remove the mounting brackets located on each end of the awning rail.

2. Unscrew and remove the patio feet from the mounting brackets. If your awning has an adjustable arm, unscrew and detach the adjustable arm from the awning tube.

3. Grip the top casting on each side of the awning tube with a grip wrench. Hold the casting steady with the grip wrench. Unscrew the hex screws holding the casting in place with a hex wrench.

4. Pull casting free of the awning tube. Remove the cotter pin and let the the torsion spring unwind. Keep a tight hold on the casting with the grip wrench until the torsion spring unwinds completely.

5. Lift the awning tube away from the awning rail. Roll out the awning fabric on a flat surface. Slide the fabric off the awning tube. Discard the old tube and casting.

6. Spray the new awning tube with silicone lubricant. Slide one end of the fabric into the fabric receptacle on the awning tube.

7. Set the new awning tube in place on the awning rail bar. Re-attach the mounting brackets. Insert screws into the awning tube's receptacles. Each screw should pass through the awning tube and into the awning rail. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

8. Roll out the loose end of the fabric from the awning tube. Slide the loose end of the fabric over the awning rail. If your awning has an adjustable arm, re-attach the adjustable arm to the awning tube.

Tips & Warnings

• This process may vary slightly depending on the brand of awning and its age.

• If your awning fabric is torn or faded, it's a good idea to replace the old fabric at the same time you replace the old awning tube.

• The torsion spring in your awning is wound tightly enough to cause serious injury if you let go of the grip wrench before the spring unwinds completely.

References

• A&E Systems: Replacement Instructions for Awning (p.1-3)
• Rverscorner.com: RV Awning Repair
• Youtube: How To Remove And Install Your New Replacement Slide Out Awning Fabric

Resources

• RV Trader: RV Awnings – Maintenance is the Key to Long Life