Removing a camper awning can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a little patience, you can remove your awning quickly and easily.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You will need a ladder, a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. You may also want to have a helper on hand to assist you.
Once you have gathered your tools, begin by removing the screws that hold the awning arms to the camper. Next, remove the bolts that hold the awning roller to the camper. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the awning roller off the camper. Be careful not to damage the roller or the awning fabric.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
To ensure a smooth and efficient camper awning removal process, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials beforehand. Here’s a comprehensive list to guide your preparation:
Tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Wrench or Socket Set | Loosening and tightening bolts and nuts |
| Phillips and Flathead Screwdriver Set | Removing screws that hold awning components in place |
| Utility Knife | Cutting awning fabric and cordage |
| Hammer | Tapping gently to release stuck components |
| Pliers | Gripping and pulling fabric and cordage |
Materials:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Awning Fabric Cleaner | Cleaning awning fabric before storage |
| UV Protectant Spray | Protecting awning fabric from sun damage during storage |
| Awning Storage Case | Storing awning fabric and components neatly and securely |
Retract and Secure the Awning
Follow these steps to retract and secure the awning as part of the removal process:
1. Retract the Awning
a. Make sure the awning arms are straight, parallel to the camper, and not angled outwards or inwards.
b. Slowly use the pull strap or switch to retract the awning.
c. Ensure the fabric has rolled up evenly on the roller tube.
d. When fully retracted, secure it with a strap or bungee cord.
2. Secure the Awning
a. Inspect the awning fabric for any tears, holes, or loose seams. Repair any damage before securing.
b. Fold the side flaps of the awning fabric against the roller tube, protecting the fabric from flapping in the wind.
c. Wrap the end flaps of the awning fabric around the roller tube, overlapping them slightly to keep moisture out.
d. Secure the awning fabric to the roller tube using Velcro straps or a wrap-around cover.
e. Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, or screws that hold the awning in place.
3. Clean the Awning
a. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap solution to wipe down the awning fabric.
b. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
c. Apply a UV protectant spray to help prevent fading and damage from the sun.
| Tools and Materials Needed |
|---|
|
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By following these steps, you can retract and secure the camper awning properly to protect it from damage during storage or transportation.
Remove the Truss Arms
The truss arms are the metal rods that extend from the awning roller to the top of the awning. They support the weight of the awning and keep it from sagging.
To remove the truss arms, you will need to:
- Locate the truss arm mounting brackets on the side of the RV.
- Loosen the bolts that hold the mounting brackets in place.
- Remove the truss arms from the mounting brackets.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other truss arm.
Tips for Removing the Truss Arms
* Be careful not to damage the awning fabric when you are removing the truss arms.
* If the bolts are rusted or stuck, you can use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
* If you are having difficulty removing the truss arms, you can contact a qualified RV technician for assistance.
WARNING: Before removing the truss arms, make sure that the awning is fully retracted. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or damage to the awning.
| Tools Needed |
|---|
| Socket wrench |
| Screwdriver |
| Penetrating oil (optional) |
Remove the Awning Roller
Removing the awning roller involves a few additional steps:
- Support the awning fabric: Loosen the fabric tension by winding in the awning about halfway. This will reduce the weight on the roller.
- Disconnect the power: If the awning is motorized, disconnect the power source at the electrical panel or circuit breaker.
- Remove the end caps: On each side of the roller, you’ll find end caps that secure the fabric and roller. Remove these caps using a screwdriver or wrench.
- Slide out the roller: With the end caps removed, you can now slide the roller out of the awning tube. Be careful not to damage the fabric or roller as you do so.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loosen the fabric tension |
| 2 | Disconnect the power (if motorized) |
| 3 | Remove the end caps |
| 4 | Slide out the roller |
Detach the Awning Fabric
Now that the awning arms are detached, you can remove the awning fabric. Start by unhooking the fabric from the roller tube. There are usually several hooks or clips that hold the fabric in place. Once the fabric is unhooked, carefully roll it up and secure it with a strap or bungee cord.
Removing the Awning Fabric
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unhook the fabric from the roller tube. |
| 2 | Carefully roll up the fabric. |
| 3 | Secure the fabric with a strap or bungee cord. |
Remove the Fascia and Drip Rail
The fascia is the vertical trim piece that runs along the top of the awning. It is typically held in place by screws or bolts. The drip rail is the smaller trim piece that runs along the bottom of the fascia. It is typically held in place by screws or adhesive tape.
To remove the fascia and drip rail, follow these steps:
- Locate the screws or bolts that hold the fascia in place. These are typically located along the top edge of the fascia.
- Remove the screws or bolts.
- Gently pry the fascia away from the RV. It may be helpful to use a putty knife or other thin object to help pry the fascia loose.
- Once the fascia is removed, you can remove the drip rail. The drip rail is typically held in place by screws or adhesive tape.
- If the drip rail is held in place by screws, remove the screws.
- If the drip rail is held in place by adhesive tape, use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the tape until it becomes soft. Once the tape is soft, you can gently pry the drip rail away from the RV.
| Screw or Bolt Size | Quantity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ x 1″ | 4 | Top edge of fascia |
| #8 x 1-1/2″ | 6 | Bottom edge of drip rail |
Seal the Opening
Once the awning is removed, the opening in the RV wall needs to be sealed to prevent water and pests from entering. This can be done with a variety of materials, including silicone caulk, butyl tape, or a combination of both.
Materials Needed:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Silicone caulk | Seals gaps and cracks |
| Butyl tape | Creates a weather-tight barrier |
| Caulk gun | Dispenses caulk |
| Butyl tape roller | Applies butyl tape evenly |
Steps:
1. Clean the opening around the perimeter of the awning tube.
2. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the opening.
3. Roll out a strip of butyl tape over the caulk, ensuring it overlaps the caulk by at least 1 inch on each side.
4. Use a caulk gun to apply a second bead of silicone caulk over the butyl tape.
5. Smooth out the caulk using a finger or a caulk finishing tool.
6. Allow the caulk to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Double-check the seal for any gaps or cracks, and apply additional caulk or butyl tape as needed.
Inspect and Clean the Removed Components
Inspect the Fabric
Unfold the awning fabric and inspect it thoroughly for any damage, such as tears, holes, or stains. If you find any damage, mark it with a piece of tape or chalk so you can repair it later.
Clean the Fabric
Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to clean the fabric. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as these can damage the material. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Inspect the Frame
Inspect the awning frame for any signs of damage, such as rust, corrosion, or bending. If you find any damage, it is important to repair it before reassembling the awning.
Clean the Frame
Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to clean the frame. Pay special attention to the areas where the fabric attaches to the frame, as these areas are more likely to accumulate dirt and debris. Rinse the frame thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Inspect the Arms and Brackets
Inspect the awning arms and brackets for any signs of damage, such as bent or broken parts. If you find any damage, it is important to replace the affected parts before reassembling the awning.
Clean the Arms and Brackets
Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to clean the arms and brackets. Pay special attention to the areas where the arms attach to the frame and the brackets attach to the RV, as these areas are more likely to accumulate dirt and debris. Rinse the arms and brackets thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry.
Inspect the Drive Motor
If your awning is equipped with a drive motor, inspect the motor for any signs of damage, such as loose connections or faulty wiring. If you find any damage, it is important to repair or replace the motor before reassembling the awning.
Clean the Drive Motor
Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the drive motor. Avoid using water or any other liquids, as these can damage the motor. If the motor is particularly dirty, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Regular lubrication is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of your camper awning. Applying lubricant to the moving parts helps reduce friction and prevents premature wear or damage. Here’s a detailed guide to lubricating the moving parts of your camper awning:
Tools and Materials
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Silicone-based lubricant spray | 1 can |
| Clean cloth | 1 |
Steps
-
Clean the moving parts: Start by cleaning the awning’s arms, joints, and pulleys with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Allow the parts to dry completely before lubricating.
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Identify the lubrication points: Locate the moving joints where friction is likely to occur, such as the hinge points of the awning arms and the pulleys that guide the awning fabric.
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Apply lubricant: Shake the lubricant can thoroughly before use. Spray a light coat of lubricant onto each lubrication point, ensuring the lubricant penetrates the joints and pulleys. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and debris.
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Wipe away excess: Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant that may have dripped or leaked out. This helps prevent dirt from sticking to the lubricated parts.
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Lubricate regularly: Repeat the lubrication process every few months or more frequently if your awning is used frequently or exposed to harsh weather conditions. Regular lubrication will prolong the life of your awning and keep it operating smoothly.
Reinstall the Awning
To reinstall the awning, simply reverse the removal steps.
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1. Insert the opposite end of the awning into the roller tube.
2. Roll up the awning and secure it with the strap or cord.
3. Align the awning tube with the mounting brackets and slide it into place.
4. Tighten the bolts or screws to secure the awning.
5. Attach the support arms to the awning tube and extend them outwards.
6. Adjust the support arms to level the awning.
7. Attach the end caps to the awning tube.
8. Connect the awning fabric to the support arms and secure it with the fabric clamps.
9. Roll out the awning and extend it to its desired length.
10. Extend the awning legs to support the awning and adjust the height as needed.
| Bolt/Screw Size | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 10-15 ft-lbs |
| 5/16″ | 15-20 ft-lbs |
| 3/8″ | 20-25 ft-lbs |
| 1/2″ | 25-30 ft-lbs |
How To Remove Camper Awning
Removing a camper awning can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow the steps below. First, you’ll need to gather your tools. You’ll need a ladder, a socket wrench or drill, and a helper.
Once you have your tools, you can start removing the awning. First, climb up the ladder and unhook the awning from the roller tube. Be careful not to drop the awning, as it can be heavy.
Next, remove the bolts that hold the roller tube to the camper. Be sure to support the roller tube as you remove the bolts, as it can be heavy.
Once the roller tube is removed, you can remove the awning fabric. Start by unhooking the fabric from the roller tube. Then, fold up the fabric and store it in a safe place.
Finally, you can remove the awning arms. Start by removing the bolts that hold the arms to the camper. Then, carefully remove the arms. Be careful not to damage the camper as you remove the arms.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Camper Awning
How do you remove a slide out awning?
To remove a slide out awning, you’ll need to follow the steps below:
1. Retract the awning all the way into the housing.
2. Unbolt the mounting brackets from the slide out.
3. Carefully lift the awning straight up and off of the mounting brackets.
4. Store the awning in a safe place.
How do you remove a retractable awning?
To remove a retractable awning, you’ll need to follow the steps below:
1. Retract the awning all the way into the housing.
2. Remove the screws that hold the housing to the wall.
3. Carefully lift the housing straight up and off of the wall.
4. Disconnect the electrical wires from the motor.
5. Store the awning in a safe place.
How do you remove a window awning?
To remove a window awning, you’ll need to follow the steps below:
1. Remove the screws that hold the awning to the window frame.
2. Carefully lift the awning straight up and off of the window frame.
3. Store the awning in a safe place.
