awning rotten where attached to camper

[oldcar29]

I just bought a 69 Overlander and noticed the awning was bleacher out on top. When I rolled out the awning I saw the whole lenght of the material was full of pin holes., about a 5 inch wide strip. can this material be coated or repaired??? OR Can I cut off the bad pard and reattach???
The rest of the material looks like new.
The awning is about 16 years old. and obiviously let out in the elements.
Thanks so much
Dave

[Kevin245]

At 16 years old, I'd say you've met the life expectancy. Not that you could'nt shorten it up as mentioned, but my experience is you'll have more effort and $$ in re-working the old fabric/vinyl, and it may be more cost effective to replace.

Best of luck,

Kevin

[Don Boyd]

Hello,
I also was just going to repair my awning and put it back together because it was in decent condition except for the first few inches; after finally getting it apart I would do no less than replace the fabric entirely. I had a carefree awning and the first problem was the screws that held the springs to the poles were too rusted to use and had to be cut out with a grinder. I got the rotted screws out and then retaped for 1/4 X 20 bolts. I now have a very nice awning ,I just want to let you know it can turn into alot of work (very fast)and you might want to buy new awning fabric on ebay for 200 bucks due to the work it takes to fix the old one. Good Luck, Don

[oldcar29]

Thanks for the information folks. I think I will replace the awning .. $200 on Ebay sounds great
Thanks again
Dave

[Don Boyd]

I wanted to add a few more pictures showing the steps to remove awning from tube. the first picture is just a shot of the tube and spring assembly, if you were installing it this end piece is the part you you would wind. Remember to order the correct size replacement fabric; if you measure your fabric and it is about 16'2" you order the 17' replacement fabric. when you order 17' fabric it is only about 16'2".I hope that came out sounding right.

if you noticed in the pictures the awning and valance slots are blocked bu the spring end cap;the part that I am drilling out is the anti-billow studs.the rivet is steel and goes through the anti-billow part and holds the spring to the tube.

Three rivets later and the spring comes out

Here is one of the springs

End view of tube showing slot

Removing valance

Removing awning


Here is an attachment that tells how to wind spring
carefree%20awning%20spring[1].pdf


It took three of us to put the awning back on the camper. I would recomend using dish soap to lube the rail before sliding the awning into place.take your time and be careful it is possible to rip new awning. after we had awning in place we wound the springs and slipped the into the arms. all that was left was to install the bolts and we were done. Good luck everyone, Don

[Tom Nugler]

The silvery, brittle pin-holed fabric is Carefree’s WeatherGuard. I’m replacing mine for the same reason.
I had a hard time finding an appropriate vintage styled awning on line. Carefree of Colorado’s site is pretty good for info on sizing and the different grades of material. Not so good on the vintage however. http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/rvttpa.asp?m=01020100 If your looking for a modern look that's a good place to start.
On-line sellers state quite plainly that once you buy it you own it. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. There is quite a lot of ambiguity concerning spline size, the valance, roller tubes and dimensions.
I found a local shop that would sew one up with our choice of fabric and design.
I was able to take him the old awning so there would be less chance of an error.
Don’s pics are right on the mark. Similarly I’ve refurbished all the hardware with stainless steel fasteners and nylon bushings.

Good luck,
Tom

[oldcar29]

Thanks folks I appreciate your help,, I just porchased a new awning on ebay for less then $200. Thanks again
Dave