Awning Replacement Recommendations

[DaleandKarla]

We are looking for recommendations on how to approach a needed awning replacement on our 2008 Itasca Latitude Diesel Pusher.

Our RV has the original large (19 foot) manual awning. The fabric is very faded and recently got got some tears in it when I broke the cardinal rule of not leaving it out in the wind. I'm debating what path to take on the replacement.

I know I can get replacement fabric for around $300 and maybe replace it myself, with some help from a friend. I also know that I'm not thrilled with the mechanics of the arms when I pull it out. I'm assuming I could get an electric awning put on for a price. I wonder if the cost of a new electric awning may not be worth it on an older RV. Also may be just another thing that could break.

I'd love to hear other's experience, opinions, recommendations, etc. as I weigh my options.

Thanks in advance!
Dale and Karla

 

[Kirk]

I wonder if the cost of a new electric awning may not be worth it on an older RV. Also may be just another thing that could break.

If by worth the cost, you mean that you could recover it by selling the RV, then no it isn't, but if you mean that it would make life easier, then most folks would probably say to do it. They have been around long enough now that most are very reliable and last for years, with few if any problems. There are even models that have a wind sensor to retract automatically if the wind comes up. The cost to install would vary as you would need to get 12V electricity from somewhere to supply the awning motor and controls. If you are thinking of putting one on yourself, the need for electricity will add considerable to the work required. Of course, part of the question is the age and model of your RV and how long do you expect to keep it.

 

[Bobtop46]

Used Tough Top Awning with good results and service.

 

[DaleandKarla]

If by worth the cost, you mean that you could recover it by selling the RV, then no it isn't, but if you mean that it would make life easier, then most folks would probably say to do it. They have been around long enough now that most are very reliable and last for years, with few if any problems. There are even models that have a wind sensor to retract automatically if the wind comes up. The cost to install would vary as you would need to get 12V electricity from somewhere to supply the awning motor and controls. If you are thinking of putting one on yourself, the need for electricity will add considerable to the work required. Of course, part of the question is the age and model of your RV and how long do you expect to keep it.

Thank you so much, Kirk. Yes, the question "is it worth the cost?" is not an easy one - subjective based on several factors. I've let go of any illusions of recovering any costs when I sell this Lots to think about here. Thanks again!

 

[Kirk]

I never thought of deploying and retracting our awnings manually as any big deal but some folks do. Knowing human nature, if I had ever had a power awning for an extended time, I would probably have come to feel it was important to have. I remember when I considered power windows in a car to be ridiculous, but a now I consider them vital.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Kirk summed it up well. Economically the only thing that makes sense is to replace the fabric as a DIY project. Would you enjoy an electric more? Sure, but I'll bet there are a lot of other things you would enjoy as much or more with the extra $$ spent. Online you can get a decent basic electric in your 19' size for around $1200, but if you aren't up to mounting new arms and running the 12v power, a dealer will charge you 2x that for the awning PLUS substantial labor. You would have to LOVE it to make it worthwhile.

 

[DaleandKarla]

Great points by both Gary and Kirk here - thank you! Given the age of the RV and the cost of putting an electric one on, I think I'll tackle replacing the fabric myself and some maintenance on the arms and call it a day. Thanks again!

 

[woof-n]

Shade pro is a good choice for the do it yourselfer. 19' awning (just fabric) is under $200. Several friends and I have installed them on our campers. So far, they are holding up better than the OEM. You will need a ladder, a friend and about an easy two hours. oh, and beer afterwards LOL

 

[Kirk]

I think I'll tackle replacing the fabric myself and some maintenance on the arms and call it a day.

That is what I would do. I also suggest that you find someone to help you put the new fabric on as it will go better as a two-person job. If you would, let us know how the project went once you are finished. You-tube has some good videos about that process.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

A helper and a second step ladder is a whole lot easier.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

I also have the 19 foot Siesta and its 26 years old and still original,, I have found that the electric models are not as robust or strong as the old manual types.. I would stay with what you know..>>>Dan

 

[indiana journey]

Great points by both Gary and Kirk here - thank you! Given the age of the RV and the cost of putting an electric one on, I think I'll tackle replacing the fabric myself and some maintenance on the arms and call it a day. Thanks again!

We replaced our original 20' A&E 8500 awning fabric on our 2004 Journey last year. We used Shade Pro replacement fabric. They worked with us on the proper replacement (aluminum protector) and had the almost identical color as the original awning. Our Son and Grandson helped us do the replacement. After watching the U tube videos it was relatively easy.
Good Luck
Indiana Journey

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Great points by both Gary and Kirk here - thank you! Given the age of the RV and the cost of putting an electric one on, I think I'll tackle replacing the fabric myself and some maintenance on the arms and call it a day. Thanks again!

Good Choice!

YouTube RV'ers "Keep Your Daydreams" just lost the awning on their Airstream TT. Marc, the owner comments "I never cared for those electric awnings".

 

[pshipsey]

Great points by both Gary and Kirk here - thank you! Given the age of the RV and the cost of putting an electric one on, I think I'll tackle replacing the fabric myself and some maintenance on the arms and call it a day. Thanks again!

Let us know how it went. I have a 2001. Lost my awning in Laramie, WY. It was unfurled, blowing in the wind. Pulled over and cut it off. When we tried to attach new fabric, the whole thing, spring and all, broke! It had rusted inside and was no longer usable. Since I don't use it often, i bought a pop-up shade. $100. I'm good.
Best to you with your repair.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Let us know how it went. I have a 2001. Lost my awning in Laramie, WY. It was unfurled, blowing in the wind. Pulled over and cut it off. When we tried to attach new fabric, the whole thing, spring and all, broke! It had rusted inside and was no longer usable. Since I don't use it often, i bought a pop-up shade. $100. I'm good.
Best to you with your repair.

I have read tales similar to yours, several different times. This is why I installed an RV Awning Lock to secure the roller. Some people say they tie the arms together (doesn't help) Others secure the little lever that works the reversing pawl (doesn't work, force of the air is great enough to over ride the pawl) so I installed a positive lock on mine.

I have an A&E 9500 awning that has different arms than most, so I had to customize the installation, but the idea is the same. Pics will tell the story. Between the lock pawl at the front, and the lock pin at the rear, the roller cannot turn, so if the wind gets underneath the roller, it cannot break the pawl and unwind the awning. It only adds one more step opening, take the rod and pull out the D ring and rotate it to hold the lock pin retracted. After stowing the awning, use the rod to rotate the D ring and allow the pin to engage with the hole in the awning. If it won't go, then I know I don't have the awning properly retracted.

Charles

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Knock on wood, I haven't had a problem with my main 16ft awning. But, in 2023, I went through 3 slide-out toppers on my 17ft slide-out. The first one was in late March, traveling on I-15 through Frederick, Maryland, where 50+ mph crosswinds unfurled my topper and sprung the springs so badly the end caps were barely hanging on. Thank you, Progressive. Our next outing was our two-month cross-country trip. Traveling along I-70 in Eastern Colorado, again we encountered high crosswinds over 50 mph, so strong they unfurled almost the whole topper. When we got to our campground in Longmont, CO, I cut away all the fabric. When we got home, our friends at Progressive covered the cost of an upgrade topper with a wind guard. On our very next outing with the new topper, we visited my SIL's campsite in Ontario, Canada. I knew this campground had a lot of low branches. The last time we were there, I tipped one of the summer help guys $20 to cut down some branches on my exit road. Even when my SIL booked the campsite, I told her to check out the road in the park to the site. Preparing to leave, I knew I had to make a right out of the site. For some stupid reason, I turned left. Yep, I ripped that sucker almost completely off. It took quite a few bungees and ropes to secure it enough to make it home to WNY. This time, I covered the cost of replacement to the tune of $1200. I just couldn't call Progressive again.

 

[CharlesinGA]

The OP needs to make a trip to Arizona and let AZ Expert (James) and his awning replacement buddies replace it. He knows Winnebago products real well, so he can fix anything you need taken care of.