Repair Tips For a Torn RV Awning

How to Repair a Torn RV Awning

At the first indication of a rip or a rear in your RV Awning, it is important that the rip does not get any longer or the hole any bigger. Small repairs are much easier to fix than replacing the whole awning. Repairing a rip in an RV awning is similar to repairing a rip in a tent. If your rip is longer than 3 feet or 1/4 the length of the awning, you may want to have someone sew the section or you may need to replace the awning completely. Check with your RV dealer for additional information on replacing the damaged awning.

Things You'll Need:

RV Awning Repair Tape or Eternabond Tape, Cleaning solvent, and drying towels

Step 1

At the camping supply store or the RV Sales depot, purchase a roll of clear RV Awning Repair Tape. It usually cost about $15 a roll and the roll is usually 15 feet long.

Step 2

At the location where the tear is, clean the top and bottom surface of the awning according to the package directions on the repair tape. The surface must be very clean and dry! Do not use oil or silicone based cleaners or the tape will not stick for very long.

Step 3

Against a flat surface, piece the two edges of the torn piece together. Carefully place the clear repair tape on the tear and press out any air bubbles. Do not reposition the tape! Once it is on there, leave it there. Add another piece of tape if you placed the tape incorrectly.

Step 4

Carefully tape the back of the rip along the same length as the front on the rip. Check the awning for other weak spots. If you find any small holes or weak fabric, clean the awning and attach a piece of clear tape. Preventing weak spots from tearing now will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Tips & Warnings

• When setting up the awning on your RV at the campsite, make sure to keep one end lower than the other to allow for moisture and rain run-off. This will help your awning last longer.
• The clear RV Awning Repair tape works great on vinyl chairs and curtains. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry when you attach the tape.
• For a heavy-duty repair, you may want to use Eternabond Tape. Though it is silver like duct tape and designed for RV roof repairs, if you want to use it in a section of the awning that is not visible, you can use it the same as the clear tape. Make sure the surface area is clean!
• As part of your RV Maintenance kit, you should also have a tent repair kit. They sell for about $6 and are available at Camping supply stores. It can be used to repair screens as well as awnings.
• Awnings can be replaced by some RV owners, but it is a complicated job best left to experts. Do not attempt to replace the awning without assistance and a complete understanding of what you are doing.
• Don't leave you awning out when you leave the RV unattended. It doesn't take much wind for the fabric to be torn to shreds. Even if the day is calm, it is a good idea to roll it up when you go away, just to be safe.
• It is very important to thoroughly clean the area to be repaired. Over the years all sorts of material builds up on your canopy from exposure to the elements and cleaning and polishing. By follow the directions on the tape kit you will have a successful repair that will last a long time.