Thanks for this video series--very clear and easy to follow. The A&E Model 8500 awning has now been discontinued, though there are still some places online that sell them. My tube, cam lock and fabric were damaged, and after having difficulty obtaining replacement parts, decided to order a new awning (arms are not included, BTW). It's actually easier to replace the whole awning, as the fabric is already rolled on and the mechanism is supplied with the correct torsion (held in place with two cotter pins, which are removed after installation). I supported the awning on two sawhorses, feeding the top hem through the channel one foot at a time, then bolted the castings to the arms afterwards. As another viewer mentioned, silicone spray in the track helps the process.
I bet it is easier doing it that way but all I needed to replace was the fabric so it saved me a lot of money. You can probably still get just the fabric to replace if all the hardware is still working on your awning. Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 Yes, it's a universal type replacement fabric, so no issues there. The quality of the aftermarket fabrics may vary a bit, perhaps a bit thinner than the original. Thanks.
Great instructions. I bought a 87 Fleetwood Bounder with 41,000 miles and it is in good shape but the awning is definitely rotten. I have the same A&e awning and this is a great way to save some money by doing it yourself. Thanks. Two thumbs up!
I just wanted to thank you for the clip, I needed to figure out how to wind up the spring and I wasn’t sure on how, you put me in the drivers seat and I got it done in a reasonable jiffy! Thanks again! Dave
Jeff Thanks for the video! I've been needing to replace mine for the past two years but didn't know where to even begin! I already have a new one in the barn that my great uncle give me years ago but no instructions came with it so thanks for all the good info! Helped me 100%
Great job with the video of how to replace and install the new awning. I had to replace the awning fabric on my camper and wasn't sure where to even start. Your video made it a piece of cake. Very detailed and great step by step instructions. Thanks for sharing.
What a great video. Thank you so much for taking the time to go step by step and sharing. The printed instructions are garbage and intimidating. Your video shows that it is very doable and the hints, tricks and advice are invaluable. Thank you again.
OMGosh! This is the BEST video I have found to replace the awning fabric!! Thank you thank you!!! Very easy to follow along and you explained exactly what you were doing, while you were doing it! We will be tackling this project very soon now, kept putting it off because all other videos were quite intimidating for just hubby and I to do, now I know we CAN do it with just the 2 of us!!! Thanks!
I just taped a tear and notice I need new fabric and the know how to do just what you did. So thankful for this particular video. Great job !! It's a 10 !
Replaced my awning today. Your videos were a great help. Had to remove both caps as the plastic cord was under both caps. My rivets match still too! Thanks for the great videos!
Thank you so very much, just saved me a bucket load of money!!!!! Great to have people like you that are willing to share their knowledge to help others.
In this case I needed to remove both ends because there is a rubber spline that ran the length of the awning and extended out a few inches on either side. I believe the purpose of the spline is to hold the awning in place by crimping it at either end. I also wanted to have new matching rivets in both ends. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Thank you for the video, I was hoping I could do this myself to save money, but was intimidated not knowing what I was getting into. After watching this I feel confident I can do it myself! Thanks you, I will let you know how it goes!!
2 Beer job..Anyone with any kind of ability, and a couple of friends can do this job in the time it takes to drink 2 beers. Disassembly takes only two people, reassembly could take up to four, if you want to be extra careful not to rip the fabric, but their help is limited to 10 - 15 minutes. Why pay an RV dealer $75 -$100 an hour. Thanks for taking time to video and share this project. Anyone who gave this a thumbs down must be an RV dealer, realizing how much money they are losing...
Got a quote from Camping World to replace the awning on my 19' trailer. With parts and labor about $700. I think not. We found a replacement awning from RV Awnings Mart on the internet for $152 and I will install it myself. Thanks for the video.
We had to take our camper to Camping World once to have the entire awning replaced because of storm damage. That was an experience I would not recommend. It was a total comedy of errors to say the least. Never again for Camping World for us. Thanks for watching.
In my case I had 2 picnic benches to use and that helped. Also it helps to roll the awning fabric back onto the tube, but I don't see why one couldn't do it a different way. Thanks
The size of the rivets depends on the size hole that you end up with after taking the old rivets out. A tip that might help is to try not to drill a larger hole than is already there, your goal is to just drill off the head of the rivet. A larger size rivet will not be a problem if needed. Good luck and hopefully this time tomorrow you will have a new awning fabric installed.
I must have watched a dozen times. All went well. The lower part was a little difficult to slide in the chanel. I lubed the top groove and the awning with bar soap and it slid real smoothly. Thanks.
Y'all did it the hard way! The way I did it and many others that I have done is take a drill and drill the hole out in the cap make a slot where it will slide in and if the spring a little weak on rolling it up turn it a couple times one man on the ground and one on a ladder slide them in at the same time. Where you drilled the hole in the cap drill you two hole on either side for pop rivets to strengthen it up takes maybe 30 to 40 minutes and your done..
Sounds like it works good. I wanted a complete stock look so I decide to not drill out my endcaps, but this would be a quick way to do it. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the reply. I actually have to replace the poly tubing on the awning. The awning is still in great shape but the poly tubing dry rotted from being off the RV. The stitches have came off that's why I'm looking for just the poly rube stuff.
Journey Through Us You may be able to find the tubing at a upolhostry store if not online somewhere. Most of what I have looked for already had the tubing attached already. Thanks for watching.
It sounds like your tension spring has spun around inside the tube. The only tension adjustment is the amount of times that the torsion spring get rotated or preloaded. You could possibly have a problem with the ratcheting mechanism causing it to stop. Best of luck. Happy Camping
Two things. Spray channels with a silicone spray. Fabric slides with ease. Secondly, the tension on the non switched end can be held by inserting small screwdriver into endcap holes and through the shaft.
My 15 year old son and I were able to do this ourselves. The only thing I'd mention to people is make sure you mark which channels the valance, awning and strap go in. The first time around we got them offset by one channel and had to remove and rethread the entire awning in the correct channels. Also, and this sounds ridiculous in hindsight, but make sure you tension the spring in the correct rotation. You guessed it, the first time I did it backwards so it wanted to push the awning down instead of winding it up.. All this is pretty evident in the video, I'm just saying pay attention!
Kelly H On the A&E 8500 / 9000 Awning its COUNTERCLOCKWISE on the front (as you sit in the driver's seat) and CLOCKWISE on the rear. Eleven rotations may not be enough for older springs. Try for 12 - 13 and hang on tight to your NEEDLE NOSE Vice Grips!! I oiled the springs before putting them back into the tube. Also, I started feeding the material on the RV awning rail top - completely across to were it was equal distance from each support arm. Why would you want to drag the tube and all the hardware along the ground when you easily slip the fabric on the tube at ground level after the top rail is fed? I fed the fabric on the tube at ground level without any other hard attached moving the tube along on two saw horses. You may as well lube up the little spring latch on the up/down toggle while it's apart too.... Took 2 hours with a few breaks in between.
funbro1 No problem funbro. If it wasn't for your video I never would have had the confidence to do this job. Your video let me line up all the tools I needed and it was good to have all tools right there and ready to go. Oh, I forgot to thank my wife for her assistance and expert advice on clockwise vs. counter clockwise, ha! Not that I'm trying to promote anyone but I got my fabric from rvawningsmart.com and the fabric was an exact match for the Tioga Montara 21 foot ;price was $159 + shipping. Very happy camper! thanks!
Damned good video. I'm doing my awning now and I just found out I did it all wrong. Glad I watched this video so now I can get it right. Thanks very much for the info.
@funbro1 when winding the springs on each end does the end without the cam lock wind the opposite way? I got my entire awning swapped out and it doesn't want to roll-up on its own. I'm thinking I went clockwise on both.
Im doing this same job next weekend and both parts of your video were extremely helpful! My only question, as I have an A&E awning as well, what size rivets? 3/16" or 1/4"? My camper isnt nearby at the moment so getting the correct parts beforehand will be great. Thank you for posting these enlightening videos, Happy camping!
I foolishly bought a used dometic 8500 not realizing the metal rod on the outside of the torsion assembly (which i guess runs through the whole thing?) is very bent. Would it be possible to bend it back? Any tips on how to do so?
I don't think I would tuck the awning splines under the tube just to keep it away from the up/down mechanism gears - I had an awning stick on me for just this reason.
couple notes: the number of turns when ratcheting the awning goes by model and length but what they dont tell you in the dometic instructions is this is actually when the awning is only a foot away from all the way up.....thus if it says 10 turns its really 15-16 turns when fully extended. Also I find it much easier to feed the fabric into the roof rail first and then install it on the tube closer to ground level. Too awkward to have to try and feed it through the roof rail while also holding the entire arms/assembly and walk it on.
Great video, going to try this myself in the next couple of weeks. I measured my fabric at 15' 10 1/2", so I thought it was a 16' awning. Then I learned to measure arm to arm, which is 17', so my awning is a 17'. Is there no lubrication required for the torsion springs while you have them out?
I can't roll mine down all the way. It wants to stop just before I can slide the strap to the side. Is there a tension adjustment, or how do I remedy this?? Thanks for your help!!
Greetings, I have a question. I have an opportunity to get a 20ft awning by a&e... I was wondering if I could cut it down to the size I need which is 14ft? Cut the seaming rope and then replacing the end caps etc.... I can't find the awning with the roll... I'm just coming across the replacement fabric... Thanks for your help in advance.
You would probably need to be able to sew it back together. I am not that confident in my sewing abilities so I would not do it myself. Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 Thanks for replying. I'm not worried about the sewing because I can by the awning fabric the exact size I need.. My concern in the actual awning roll that 20 feet that I want to cut down to 14 feet. Is that possible to remove the caps and tension them cut the roll down to the size I need with a saw. Replace the tension and cap back and be ok? Thanks again🤩
+Beezer Yes because the spline that runs through the fabric is attached to both ends to keep it from sliding around the pole. I also wanted new, matching rivets. Thanks for the question.
+Chad Klotz There are a few that I have done. water heater element replacement is one of them. Checkout my videos page th-cam.com/users/funbro1videos?view_as=public
To clarify, it looks like I want to turn the right cap (with the switch) counterclockwise and the left clockwise? Also, is the lever in the roll up or roll down mode, or does it even matter?
I have to ask, who was holding the other rafter arm while your wife was holding the front arm when you were starting the awning fabric into the channel on the rv? It seems as if 3 people are needed for this step. I cant imagine the rear arm just lying on the ground putting tension/pressure on the fabric while entering the channel. Just confirming before doing it this weekend!! Thank you!
The size rivet could vary the best bet is to get the size that fits the hole that you already have and if that cannot be matched up then drill to the next size up. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
Do I have to install it on the roller tube first? Wouldn't it be easier to install the fabric to the camper, then supporting the tube, install the spline on the tube? I have a cart to hold the tube so I can wheel it sideways as I slide the fabric on. Picture a typewriter roller walking down a piece of paper!
NO do not try it this way, I did thinking it would be easier, and it was IMPOSSIBLE! you have to re-tension the springs up in the air and it it a NIGHTMARE
You never answered the question as to what size rivets do you use. I want to make sure that I don't have to run out to buy the right size during the assembly. Thanks
The size of rivet depends on the size drill that you use to drill out the old rivets. I believe I went one size larger just to make sure I had enough good material. Really it does not matter as long as the rivets are in tight. Thanks for watching.
My 8500 's cam lever just freewheels. Can't find anyone who will fix it. The local people don't want to replace the spring mechanism they want to replace the entire awning. Help need info .... can this be fixed?
To get small parts you may have to look to the manufacturer, sometimes they are only sold as a kit or part of another assembly. One anther option is to machine your own parts, modify something close or find a similar replacement part. I hope you are able to come up with something. Thanks for watching
What if you don REMEMBER rotations your spring have. I start changing my fabric with out seeing this video and I didn't count the turns, I have the spring system out but now I don't know what to do. Any help please?
You could just wind it 4-5 times and without permanently affixing the ends (use removable screws temporarily) wind the awning up and see if that provides enough tension. If not remove the ends and add more rotations until it retracts all the way. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching
@@funbro1 one more question to ask you brother I never took anything out of the brackets I unhooked it from the camper and laid it off to the side... I was thinking all I need to do is fit that back in the groove and put my boats back in and it'll be okay right...
In this case I used the rivet that was the closest in size to the hole that was already there. I had to go a little bit bigger but tried to keep it as close as possible. Each awning may use a different size rivet so I would try to keep it as close to original as possible.
Seems like the harder way of doing it. I did it by myself by starting up top, inserting the loss canvas up top first, then sliding the roller on at the bottom.
Rouge Variable, You sir are a lying sack of @##$! There is absolutely no way you did this by yourself. I tried this with a helper and it is much more difficult, nearly impossible, a total nightmare! You have to tension the springs while holding the awning and tube in the air off the side arms and keep it from spinning. Oh how I regret believing you, I thought it sounded easier but I was SO WRONG!
+Guapo Ben rvawningsmart.com all awning fabric is $159 + s&h $20 ... thst the cheapest i found anywhere , im waiting on my fabric to come in the mail as we speak ..SO I have no other info YET!!!!
Thanks for this video series--very clear and easy to follow.
The A&E Model 8500 awning has now been discontinued, though there are still some places online that sell them. My tube, cam lock and fabric were damaged, and after having difficulty obtaining replacement parts, decided to order a new awning (arms are not included, BTW). It's actually easier to replace the whole awning, as the fabric is already rolled on and the mechanism is supplied with the correct torsion (held in place with two cotter pins, which are removed after installation). I supported the awning on two sawhorses, feeding the top hem through the channel one foot at a time, then bolted the castings to the arms afterwards. As another viewer mentioned, silicone spray in the track helps the process.
I bet it is easier doing it that way but all I needed to replace was the fabric so it saved me a lot of money. You can probably still get just the fabric to replace if all the hardware is still working on your awning. Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 Yes, it's a universal type replacement fabric, so no issues there. The quality of the aftermarket fabrics may vary a bit, perhaps a bit thinner than the original. Thanks.
Great instructions. I bought a 87 Fleetwood Bounder with 41,000 miles and it is in good shape but the awning is definitely rotten. I have the same A&e awning and this is a great way to save some money by doing it yourself. Thanks. Two thumbs up!
Thanks!
My wife and I followed the video to install our new awning fabric. It was easy and looks GREAT! Thank you for the excellent video!
That's good news, Thanks for watching.
I just finished replacing my awning following your directions. Saved me $400!
Thanks for such great help
I just wanted to thank you for the clip, I needed to figure out how to wind up the spring and I wasn’t sure on how, you put me in the drivers seat and I got it done in a reasonable jiffy! Thanks again! Dave
Jeff
Thanks for the video! I've been needing to replace mine for the past two years but didn't know where to even begin! I already have a new one in the barn that my great uncle give me years ago but no instructions came with it so thanks for all the good info! Helped me 100%
Great job with the video of how to replace and install the new awning. I had to replace the awning fabric on my camper and wasn't sure where to even start. Your video made it a piece of cake. Very detailed and great step by step instructions. Thanks for sharing.
What a great video. Thank you so much for taking the time to go step by step and sharing. The printed instructions are garbage and intimidating. Your video shows that it is very doable and the hints, tricks and advice are invaluable. Thank you again.
Awesome, Thanks for watching.
OMGosh! This is the BEST video I have found to replace the awning fabric!! Thank you thank you!!! Very easy to follow along and you explained exactly what you were doing, while you were doing it! We will be tackling this project very soon now, kept putting it off because all other videos were quite intimidating for just hubby and I to do, now I know we CAN do it with just the 2 of us!!! Thanks!
You got this just take your time and be careful, let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching
I just taped a tear and notice I need new fabric and the know how to do just what you did. So thankful for this particular video. Great job !! It's a 10 !
Thank you
Replaced my awning today. Your videos were a great help. Had to remove both caps as the plastic cord was under both caps. My rivets match still too! Thanks for the great videos!
Thank you so very much, just saved me a bucket load of money!!!!! Great to have people like you that are willing to share their knowledge to help others.
Thank you for this video. Your style is one of the easiest to listen to and comprehend!
Thank you, and Thanks for watching.
In this case I needed to remove both ends because there is a rubber spline that ran the length of the awning and extended out a few inches on either side. I believe the purpose of the spline is to hold the awning in place by crimping it at either end. I also wanted to have new matching rivets in both ends. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Thank you for the video, I was hoping I could do this myself to save money, but was intimidated not knowing what I was getting into. After watching this I feel confident I can do it myself! Thanks you, I will let you know how it goes!!
Christian Herrera Sounds good, just take your time and get a few people to help. Glad to hear you could use the video. Thanks
Used this video as a guide today. Less than 2 hours from start to finish without rushing. This was an excellent tutorial. Thank you for your efforts!
+Blind Manifest Thanks for watching.
Your video worked like a charm. Saved a lot of money doing it myself. Thanks for posting!!
+badejenkins That's great to hear, Thanks for watching.
2 Beer job..Anyone with any kind of ability, and a couple of friends can do this job in the time it takes to drink 2 beers. Disassembly takes only two people, reassembly could take up to four, if you want to be extra careful not to rip the fabric, but their help is limited to 10 - 15 minutes. Why pay an RV dealer $75 -$100 an hour. Thanks for taking time to video and share this project. Anyone who gave this a thumbs down must be an RV dealer, realizing how much money they are losing...
Great video. I just installed mine yesterday. I put it on without disassembly of the tube or springs. I made a video that will hopefully help someone.
Nice work!
Outstanding video. It gave me the confidence to tackle the job myself.
Got a quote from Camping World to replace the awning on my 19' trailer. With parts and labor about $700. I think not. We found a replacement awning from RV Awnings Mart on the internet for $152 and I will install it myself. Thanks for the video.
We had to take our camper to Camping World once to have the entire awning replaced because of storm damage. That was an experience I would not recommend. It was a total comedy of errors to say the least. Never again for Camping World for us. Thanks for watching.
In my case I had 2 picnic benches to use and that helped. Also it helps to roll the awning fabric back onto the tube, but I don't see why one couldn't do it a different way. Thanks
Kinda Nice that he used an 2003 Wildwood 30BHSS. Cause that's what I have and need to do this! Thank you Sir!!!
Chad Klotz Lol. me too!
Great Instructional! Well Done!
Thank you!
Excellent post. Very helpful. I would suggest 3 people when reinstalling.
This would definitely be easier with 3 people, I agree.
I wish I could thank you enough for sharing this. Sir, you are a life savor. I respectfully salute and tip ,my hat to you.
I appreciate that, I hope the video helped you replace your awning and save a lot of money. Thanks for the comment.
The size of the rivets depends on the size hole that you end up with after taking the old rivets out. A tip that might help is to try not to drill a larger hole than is already there, your goal is to just drill off the head of the rivet. A larger size rivet will not be a problem if needed. Good luck and hopefully this time tomorrow you will have a new awning fabric installed.
I must have watched a dozen times. All went well. The lower part was a little difficult to slide in the chanel. I lubed the top groove and the awning with bar soap and it slid real smoothly. Thanks.
Good tips, Thanks
Awesome job! The wife and I did this pretty quick and not once were divorce papers mentioned. LOL. THANKS!
Great tutorial!! Going to do mine today with confidence after viewing this video.
Five star rating man!!!
Awesome instructional video. Very much appreciated.
Thanks for watching.
Y'all did it the hard way! The way I did it and many others that I have done is take a drill and drill the hole out in the cap make a slot where it will slide in and if the spring a little weak on rolling it up turn it a couple times one man on the ground and one on a ladder slide them in at the same time. Where you drilled the hole in the cap drill you two hole on either side for pop rivets to strengthen it up takes maybe 30 to 40 minutes and your done..
Sounds like it works good. I wanted a complete stock look so I decide to not drill out my endcaps, but this would be a quick way to do it. Thanks for watching.
Thank you very much, this one of the better how to videos
Thanks for the reply. I actually have to replace the poly tubing on the awning. The awning is still in great shape but the poly tubing dry rotted from being off the RV. The stitches have came off that's why I'm looking for just the poly rube stuff.
Journey Through Us You may be able to find the tubing at a upolhostry store if not online somewhere. Most of what I have looked for already had the tubing attached already. Thanks for watching.
It sounds like your tension spring has spun around inside the tube. The only tension adjustment is the amount of times that the torsion spring get rotated or preloaded. You could possibly have a problem with the ratcheting mechanism causing it to stop. Best of luck. Happy Camping
Two things. Spray channels with a silicone spray. Fabric slides with ease. Secondly, the tension on the non switched end can be held by inserting small screwdriver into endcap holes and through the shaft.
Thanks for checking in, and thanks for watching.
I'm glad that the video helped, Happy Camping.
thanks for the instruction. Came out nice, and not too hard to do.
Wilshire Lewis Good to hear, Thanks for watching.
Thank you for the video. I am confident that I can replace my rv awning with a little help from my friends and save a few hundred dollars!
Thanks for taking the time to make this instructional video!
+detectoraid Thanks for watching
Thanks for the video.... great instruction....Saved a lot of $$$$ by doing it myself... again thanks for the video
Terry B .
No lubrication is necessary on the springs themselves, but a small amount would not hurt where the outer piece rotates around the endcaps.
Thanks for these videos man..........Very helpful when putting mine on the other day....Kudos
Thanks for watching
My 15 year old son and I were able to do this ourselves. The only thing I'd mention to people is make sure you mark which channels the valance, awning and strap go in. The first time around we got them offset by one channel and had to remove and rethread the entire awning in the correct channels. Also, and this sounds ridiculous in hindsight, but make sure you tension the spring in the correct rotation. You guessed it, the first time I did it backwards so it wanted to push the awning down instead of winding it up.. All this is pretty evident in the video, I'm just saying pay attention!
Your comments are great, gave me a laugh. Glad to hear you got it done though. Thanks.
Kelly H On the A&E 8500 / 9000 Awning its COUNTERCLOCKWISE on the front (as you sit in the driver's seat) and CLOCKWISE on the rear. Eleven rotations may not be enough for older springs. Try for 12 - 13 and hang on tight to your NEEDLE NOSE Vice Grips!! I oiled the springs before putting them back into the tube. Also, I started feeding the material on the RV awning rail top - completely across to were it was equal distance from each support arm. Why would you want to drag the tube and all the hardware along the ground when you easily slip the fabric on the tube at ground level after the top rail is fed? I fed the fabric on the tube at ground level without any other hard attached moving the tube along on two saw horses. You may as well lube up the little spring latch on the up/down toggle while it's apart too.... Took 2 hours with a few breaks in between.
Richard P
That's great, thanks fro sharing Your experience.
funbro1 No problem funbro. If it wasn't for your video I never would have had the confidence to do this job. Your video let me line up all the tools I needed and it was good to have all tools right there and ready to go. Oh, I forgot to thank my wife for her assistance and expert advice on clockwise vs. counter clockwise, ha! Not that I'm trying to promote anyone but I got my fabric from rvawningsmart.com and the fabric was an exact match for the Tioga Montara 21 foot ;price was $159 + shipping. Very happy camper! thanks!
+Richard P I also ordered from rvawningsmart.com same price as u stated for my 21" , im waiting for delivery as we speak
G'day from the Hunter Valley NSW Australain. Thank You...
Thanks for watching.
Damned good video. I'm doing my awning now and I just found out I did it all wrong. Glad I watched this video so now I can get it right. Thanks very much for the info.
I know the dealer wants a lot of money to do this repair. Thanks for watching.
+funbro1 Got it all done and it's fine. Your video helped a lot. Appreciate it. Saved me $200 which I didn't have anyway. Ha! Pete
@funbro1 when winding the springs on each end does the end without the cam lock wind the opposite way? I got my entire awning swapped out and it doesn't want to roll-up on its own. I'm thinking I went clockwise on both.
Im doing this same job next weekend and both parts of your video were extremely helpful! My only question, as I have an A&E awning as well, what size rivets? 3/16" or 1/4"? My camper isnt nearby at the moment so getting the correct parts beforehand will be great. Thank you for posting these enlightening videos, Happy camping!
I foolishly bought a used dometic 8500 not realizing the metal rod on the outside of the torsion assembly (which i guess runs through the whole thing?) is very bent. Would it be possible to bend it back? Any tips on how to do so?
Thanks for sharing. Do you think it's possible to do without removing both ends?
Well done! Just Got my new awning and going to use your video,, Thank You!
Thanks for watching.
Why do you have to take off the both end caps? It would work fine just to do one end.
I wanted to make sure all rivets were the same and that they were good. Thanks for watching.
I believe that on this install it was 11 full rotations. Check the 2nd video starting at about 4 minutes. Hope this helps
very good help thank you Steve Jackson from down under Australia
Best video ever!!!!
I don't think I would tuck the awning splines under the tube just to keep it away from the up/down mechanism gears - I had an awning stick on me for just this reason.
couple notes: the number of turns when ratcheting the awning goes by model and length but what they dont tell you in the dometic instructions is this is actually when the awning is only a foot away from all the way up.....thus if it says 10 turns its really 15-16 turns when fully extended. Also I find it much easier to feed the fabric into the roof rail first and then install it on the tube closer to ground level. Too awkward to have to try and feed it through the roof rail while also holding the entire arms/assembly and walk it on.
Thanks for checking in. Appreciate your comments.
Awesome, got mine in after watching your video, took me 1/2 hour. Thank you
good to hear all went well and you saved yourself some money. Thanks for watching.
What is the average cost on labor to replacing the fabric on a awning? Or labor and material? I am thinking I want to have it done.
+James Anderson I'm not sure of the exact amount but it is more than I would like to spend. Thanks for watching
Great video, going to try this myself in the next couple of weeks. I measured my fabric at 15' 10 1/2", so I thought it was a 16' awning. Then I learned to measure arm to arm, which is 17', so my awning is a 17'. Is there no lubrication required for the torsion springs while you have them out?
I can't roll mine down all the way. It wants to stop just before I can slide the strap to the side. Is there a tension adjustment, or how do I remedy this?? Thanks for your help!!
Great Vid, thanks. Saved me $150.
Great to hear you save some money. Happy camping.
Greetings, I have a question. I have an opportunity to get a 20ft awning by a&e... I was wondering if I could cut it down to the size I need which is 14ft? Cut the seaming rope and then replacing the end caps etc.... I can't find the awning with the roll... I'm just coming across the replacement fabric...
Thanks for your help in advance.
You would probably need to be able to sew it back together. I am not that confident in my sewing abilities so I would not do it myself.
Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 Thanks for replying. I'm not worried about the sewing because I can by the awning fabric the exact size I need..
My concern in the actual awning roll that 20 feet that I want to cut down to 14 feet.
Is that possible to remove the caps and tension them cut the roll down to the size I need with a saw. Replace the tension and cap back and be ok?
Thanks again🤩
Glad to hear that it helped. Thanks
Is it necessary to remove both ends? Couldn't you just remove the end you're sliding the fabric into or am I missing something?
+Beezer Yes because the spline that runs through the fabric is attached to both ends to keep it from sliding around the pole. I also wanted new, matching rivets. Thanks for the question.
What size rivets do you use?
Do you have any idea how many turns to turn it when you are putting it back on if you didn't count them when taking it off.
is there anymore How-to projects that you have done using this trailer???
+Chad Klotz There are a few that I have done. water heater element replacement is one of them. Checkout my videos page th-cam.com/users/funbro1videos?view_as=public
To clarify, it looks like I want to turn the right cap (with the switch) counterclockwise and the left clockwise? Also, is the lever in the roll up or roll down mode, or does it even matter?
Yes, you will want to make sure that the tension is the same on both sides...that the awning want to retract. Hope this helps, Thanks for watching.
I have to ask, who was holding the other rafter arm while your wife was holding the front arm when you were starting the awning fabric into the channel on the rv? It seems as if 3 people are needed for this step. I cant imagine the rear arm just lying on the ground putting tension/pressure on the fabric while entering the channel. Just confirming before doing it this weekend!! Thank you!
It can be done with 2 people however it would make it much easier with 3 if they are available.
Great info, very helpful. Thank you!
ope it helps, Thanks for watching.
nice
Thanks
Isn't there supposed to be fabric covering the aluminum tube? I think you need to fix that.
No, on this awning there is no fabric covering the aluminum tube. Nothing to fix. Thanks for the question.
Instead of being "out front", my ratchet release is on the "back side" and hitting the camper when fully rolled up. what would cause that?
paul stradley Sounds like you have the release 180 degrees out of place. You may be able to carefully take one side cap off and rotate it around.
Great tutorial. Thanks for the info.
i have a A&Emodel 83416-400 is this the same ia thAT A 1/4 X1/2 RIVET ??
The size rivet could vary the best bet is to get the size that fits the hole that you already have and if that cannot be matched up then drill to the next size up. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
great post, can you tell me the type and size of the pop rivets?
joe carty I believe they are aluminum 1/8”. But it would depend on the size hole that is drilled. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
What manufacturer did the lousy stitch job on that awning?
Probably The lousy Stitch Job Manufacturer, why?
@@funbro1 I need a new warning I want to be certain I stay away from this company. I didn’t catch the company name. What was it?
eBay
Do I have to install it on the roller tube first? Wouldn't it be easier to install the fabric to the camper, then supporting the tube, install the spline on the tube? I have a cart to hold the tube so I can wheel it sideways as I slide the fabric on. Picture a typewriter roller walking down a piece of paper!
NO do not try it this way, I did thinking it would be easier, and it was IMPOSSIBLE! you have to re-tension the springs up in the air and it it a NIGHTMARE
Are both torsion springs necessary? I have an awning with one.
For this set up and length of awning 2 are required. It will also help it retract evenly. Thanks for watching.
Do you have to take off both end caps?
Technically no but I wanted to have all new rivers and both side match. Thanks for watching.
I just installed mine and made a video. Its to help if you dont want to remove any endcaps or springs
Why do you need to take both ends off the roller? Can this not be done just by taking one side off?
Chad McMichaelTo have all rivets new and matching, but you could only do 1 side if you wanted. Thanks for watching.
+Chad McMichael Poly cords have to be inserted in on both sides to hold awning centered
Can i get a link to part 1 please??
Amazon.com
Sorry, both end caps?
You never answered the question as to what size rivets do you use. I want to make sure that I don't have to run out to buy the right size during the assembly. Thanks
The size of rivet depends on the size drill that you use to drill out the old rivets. I believe I went one size larger just to make sure I had enough good material. Really it does not matter as long as the rivets are in tight. Thanks for watching.
Drill out the track and there's no need to remove the ends. So much easier!
+Cheri Ann That may work...there is always more than one way to skin a cat. I'm not sure why we are skinning cats? :-)
My 8500 's cam lever just freewheels. Can't find anyone who will fix it. The local people don't want to replace the spring mechanism they want to replace the entire awning. Help need info .... can this be fixed?
To get small parts you may have to look to the manufacturer, sometimes they are only sold as a kit or part of another assembly. One anther option is to machine your own parts, modify something close or find a similar replacement part. I hope you are able to come up with something. Thanks for watching
Awesome video. Thanks
Spray some silicone lubricant in the channels and your awning will slide in a lot easier.
+haresplitter Thanks for the tip.
awesome. very well done. thank you sir
What if you don REMEMBER rotations your spring have. I start changing my fabric with out seeing this video and I didn't count the turns, I have the spring system out but now I don't know what to do. Any help please?
You could just wind it 4-5 times and without permanently affixing the ends (use removable screws temporarily) wind the awning up and see if that provides enough tension. If not remove the ends and add more rotations until it retracts all the way. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching
You can Google any questions and get good answers
Are all awnings about the same with the revolutions
I would not trust that they are all the same. Count the turns as you remove the fabric to be sure. Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 when I put my new roof on it unraveled..
Sounds like it is wound backwards.
@@funbro1 one more question to ask you brother I never took anything out of the brackets I unhooked it from the camper and laid it off to the side... I was thinking all I need to do is fit that back in the groove and put my boats back in and it'll be okay right...
@@funbro1 I mean the whole mechanism was removed in one section
In this case I used the rivet that was the closest in size to the hole that was already there. I had to go a little bit bigger but tried to keep it as close as possible. Each awning may use a different size rivet so I would try to keep it as close to original as possible.
how do I know what rivet size to use?
Thank you for the video !!!!
hopefully it will help make the job easier for you to do-it-yourself and save a lot of money.
Awesome, glad they helped.
Thank You !, Now I dont feel as intimidated as I did . Maybe now I can repair mine.
It's not as bad once you have seen it done. Thanks for watching.
Seems like the harder way of doing it. I did it by myself by starting up top, inserting the loss canvas up top first, then sliding the roller on at the bottom.
TheAmused2death Good to hear, Thanks for watching.
Rouge Variable, You sir are a lying sack of @##$! There is absolutely no way you did this by yourself. I tried this with a helper and it is much more difficult, nearly impossible, a total nightmare! You have to tension the springs while holding the awning and tube in the air off the side arms and keep it from spinning. Oh how I regret believing you, I thought it sounded easier but I was SO WRONG!
tremorrs i do them by myself all the time.
Can you help me do this?
I could but I’m sure location would be an issue.
Thank you
HI someone know where i can buy a whole awning for a rv without awning? Thanks
+Genoveva Soris Google or ebay should turn up quite a few results.
funbro1 thanks very kind
+Guapo Ben rvawningsmart.com all awning fabric is $159 + s&h $20 ... thst the cheapest i found anywhere , im waiting on my fabric to come in the mail as we speak ..SO I have no other info YET!!!!
Thank you for saving me some cash!
+Ray Trussell Thanks for watching.