opastrains
Richmond, MI
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Joined: 05/21/2006
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Need to replace 18' canopy on 2004 fiver. Fabric is deteroriated. RV shops differ on what is needed - some say only purchase and install new fabric. One very adamant that we need to replace the roller as well.
Any experience out there on replacing or not replacing roller when installing new fabric?
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W4MBG
Williamsburg, VA
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Joined: 12/15/2010
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and while you're at it, replace the wheels when you need new tires. oh heck, just replace the rv when it needs a bath.
/sarcasm mode off
1999 Winnebago Minnie, 29', Triton V10, mostly stock. So far...
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Jackthewonderdog
United States
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Joined: 03/06/2011
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You do not need to replace the roller because of the fabric unless one of two conditions exist. 1) It is bent or broken or 2) You really don't have anything else you wish to spend money on.
The old fabric slides out of the roller, the new one slides in. Done.
If condition number 2 is true, I'll send you an acct number you can make deposits to.
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MPI_Mallard
McGregor Ontario,St. Cloud Florida
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Jacks right,dealers didn't set up shop to give money away,if they say to replace a perfectly operating roller tell them to kiss yer' shiney metal azz! Do yourself a favor and buy the fabric yourself online and save their overhead costs and get a couple of buddies and a couple of 6' step ladders and if ya' wanna' really go all out grab some steaks and som beers and install the thing yourself!
1-Open you awning
2-Remove the fasteners that lock the awning in place
3-With help from friends slide the old awning off (if the old awning is hard to slide out use some dish soap in the bolt-rope slots to ease thing along then rinse it off when your done)
4-Again with help from friends re-install the new awning and the fasteners
5-Retract the awning several times to make sure all is well
Good Luck!!!
Red Green:
We now come to the part of the show called
"If it ain't broke, you're not trying!"
Badda' bing Badda boom yer' done,now treat yer' pals to a nice steak dinner anbd a cold beer and admire your wormanship!!
07' Dodge 3500 6 speed Cummins Diesel Dually/6.7L Bully-Chipped /
Exhst Brake/07' Cedar Creek 37CDTSD Daydreamer fiver
Mallard @ Frau Blücher
Red Green:
Now lets Bow your heads for the men's prayer.
I am a man, but I can change.
If I have to, I guess...
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opastrains
Richmond, MI
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Thanks for the input. I agree with the $ issue, but still looking for RVers with experience on both sides of the issue - replaced roller and did not replace roller. Shop that advocates replacement says spring in old roller is weak after 8 years of use -- and folks who have not replaced roller end up regretting decision as roller doeso not perform/keep rolled up canopy tight as desired.
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Jackthewonderdog
United States
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OK, I have replaced an awning fabric on a 16 year old RV, original roller still intact. The spring is inside the roller and separate. You can tighten it as it only involves a short screwdriver to turn it (Max 21 turns from compleely unwound), or you can replace the spring if it is broken. The roller casing should last you, I don't know, bout 100 years and two nuclear winters.
I'm getting this sense you really really want to replace the roller. There is basicilly never a reason to unless it looks like a pretzel. In which case, salt it and enjoy.
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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opastrains wrote:Thanks for the input. I agree with the $ issue, but still looking for RVers with experience on both sides of the issue - replaced roller and did not replace roller. Shop that advocates replacement says spring in old roller is weak after 8 years of use -- and folks who have not replaced roller end up regretting decision as roller doeso not perform/keep rolled up canopy tight as desired.
There is some truth to that,
but does it justify the cost???
that’s a decision only you can make…
others also wish they replaced the tube and fabric assembly because it is easier, or because they damaged the new fabric putting it on the older tube…
Most of the time the old tube and springs are just fine, but if one breaks after the fabric is replaced you will also say you should kick yourself in the butt for not doing bith…
the thing is you, I, or that dealer don’t have crystal balls, nor can we predict that the spring will break… I have a awning that is more than 20 years old and the springs haven’t broke… I also had one break that was only a few years old…
So the truth is you risk is higher of the spring breaking the older it gets…
I myself would take my chances with the old tube…
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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Chris Bryant
DeLand, Florida, USA
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Joined: 03/26/2003
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There is nothing to keep you from replacing a spring at the same time- *if* the awning is an A&E with the old style end cap and lock, I would replace that (the new style is far better), but the cost of a spring is less than the added freight costs.
The *only* time I ever replace the entire Fabric Roller Tube Assembly is if it is bent.
-- Chris Bryant
My RV Service Blog
The RV.net Blog
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Weldon
Texas
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Fabric only....a good source last year was PPL in Houston.
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borntwotravel
Central IN
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I just replaced my awning after a fabric deployment on the interstate. I also went through the do this do that from different dealers/repair places/vendors. From the vendor Dometic in my case) I got what sounded like a reasonable answer. "if it isn't broke don't fix it unless it wears out. Tube not bent don't fix it. Weak springs can be tightened.
Dealerships prefer to order the fabric on a roller because it is easier for them to install (theoretically). And the cost is about $400.00 more plus freight charges. You save in labor charges but lose in parts costs and freight.
After discussing my comfort level he suggested just ordering the fabric from a retailer and install it myself. The directions were pretty self explanatory. Having never done this myself it took 2 1/2 hours with two people helping (that had never done it either). I had older springs so replaced them mainly for the changes to the gearing in the newer springs.
Have you had the Vinyl vs. Acrylic debate yet?
Total cost for 18" fabric, front and rear springs was $438.50, 2 1/2 hours of my time and a visit to Culver's for my helpers.
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