I have removed the awnings from my Excella since the cloth flex keys are decaying and torn. After I removed the awnings, I noticed the protection tape beneath them is noticeably shrunk and UV damaged at each end where it is exposed.
Airstream calls this tape "wear tape, clear, 3.5" wide".
Airstream part number is 385577.
It is sold in 150 ft rolls, at ~$230 per roll, not by the foot. I only need 50 ft for all five awnings.
Has anyone found a substitute wear tape material?
Automotive paint protectant film was my first thought, but I can not find it in the proper width or in a full length, except bulk quantities. The longest awning is ~22'. I do not want to have joints in the tape, so the minimum material length must exceed 22'. The tape extends under the awning rails about 0.5". I do not intend to remove the rails, so I suppose a 3" width will be sufficient. I found a 14 mil UV resistant polyurethane tape, called helicopter blade leading edge protectant tape, 3" x 60', that is a possible substitute, but I know nothing about how the tape's adhesive will react with the acrylic clear coat finish on the aluminum.
I would appreciate your suggestions or thoughts.
Thanks!
add edit:
The original material seems to be 6-8 mils thick.
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