Bottom line: RV awning fabric costs $200-$300 for DIY replacement, takes 2-3 hours with help, and can extend your RV's outdoor living space for years to come. Whether you're dealing with UV damage, wind tears, or just want an upgrade, most weekend warriors and full-timers can tackle this project safely with proper planning and a reliable helper. With 11.2 million households now owning RVs according to the RV Industry Association, awning maintenance has become essential knowledge for keeping your outdoor setup in top shape.

Why Do RV Awnings Need Replacement?

RV awnings fail due to UV damage, wind tears, mold buildup, and normal wear after 5-15 years of use, depending on material quality and maintenance.

Your awning takes a beating out there. UV exposure, wind, rain, and road debris can quickly turn a great shade into a saggy, ripped mess. We've all seen that sad awning flapping in the breeze at the campground—don't let that be you.

Common signs your awning needs replacement:

• Fabric tears larger than 6 inches that can't be patched
• Severe fading or UV damage is making the fabric brittle
• Mold or mildew that won't clean out
• Fabric sagging excessively when extended
• Seam separations, especially around the awning rail or roll tube area

The good news? With routine care, your fabric awning should serve you for five to 15 years. But when it's time for a refresh, you've got options that won't break the bank.

What Tools Do You Need to Replace RV Awning Fabric?

Essential tools include a power drill, socket set, ladder, safety gear, and most importantly—a reliable helper for handling the 15-20 foot fabric safely.

Don't try to wrestle a 20-foot awning solo. Awnings are long and awkward to handle alone, and a buddy helps keep things safe and steady. Here's what you'll need:

Required Tools:

• Power drill with bits
• Socket set (typically 1/4" and 5/16")
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Step ladder (sturdy, rated for your weight)
• Safety glasses and work gloves
• Razor knife or utility knife
• Measuring tape

Safety Equipment:

• Park your RV on a flat surface and engage the parking brake
• Lay a padded surface or tarp beneath the awning to catch loose screws and protect hardware during removal
• Have someone spot you on the ladder

Pro tip: Use a flathead screwdriver to widen your awning rail a bit for easier installation, and lubricate the rail for smooth sliding.

How Do You Measure for RV Awning Replacement?

Measure from the center of one mounting arm to the center of the other—this arm-to-arm measurement determines awning size, not the fabric width.

This is where folks mess up. Don't guess the size you need. To get the perfect fit, measure from the center of one mounting arm to the center of the other. This measurement, not the fabric width, is what determines the size of your replacement awning.

Measurement checklist:

• Length: Center-to-center of mounting arms
• Projection: How far the awning extends from the RV
• Roller tube diameter: If reusing mechanical components
• Note your current brand: A&E, Dometic, Carefree, etc.

Remember when ordering replacement fabric, they measure from the center to the center of each awning arm. Get this wrong and you're looking at return shipping costs and delays.

What's the Step-by-Step Process for DIY Fabric Replacement?

Start by extending the awning 12 inches, securing the roller tube, removing fabric attachment screws, then sliding old fabric out before installing the new material in reverse order.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Due to the weight and awkward nature of awning assemblies, you'll need 2-3 people to help you remove an RV awning. Here's the play-by-play:

Step 1: Prep and Safety

• Extend your awning out about 12", and then secure the head assemblies on each side of your awning
• Turn off the power if you have an electric awning
• Clear the work area of obstacles

Step 2: Remove Old Fabric

• Remove the polycord screws holding the awning fabric in the awning rail
• Support the roller tube with helpers or sawhorses
• Use a razor knife to cut the awning where the splines are—along the camper roof and two spots along the roller
• Slide splines out through the end cap holes

Step 3: Install New Fabric

• Slide the polycord tube through the railing, then reinstall the tube into your awning's head assemblies on each side
• Use a flathead screwdriver to widen your awning rail a bit for an easier installation
• Pro tip: Use silicone spray as a lubricant—it helped a lot

Step 4: Final Testing

• Before installing your final polycord screws, we recommend extending and retracting your awning a few times to ensure that your fabric is centered on your roll
• Secure all hardware with original screws
• Test full extension and retraction

How Much Does RV Awning Replacement Cost?

Fabric-only replacement costs $200-$300, while complete awning replacement ranges from $800-$2,500 installed, depending on size and features like manual vs. electric operation.

Let's talk numbers. RV awning fabric will probably cost around $200–$300 for just the fabric. But if you need the whole shebang, costs jump significantly.

Cost Breakdown:

Real-world pricing examples:

• 20-foot Dometic 8500 manual: $1,000 installed
• RV awning replacement costs $500 to $2,500 for heavy-duty vinyl or acrylic fabric awnings
• An all-new, full awning replacement can cost anywhere from $200 to $4,000

The sweet spot for most RVers? Stick with fabric replacement if your arms and roller are solid.

What Are the Best RV Awning Fabric Options?

Heavy-duty vinyl and acrylic fabrics from manufacturers like Tough Top Awnings, Solera, and Carefree offer 5-15 year lifespans with superior UV and weather resistance compared to OEM fabrics.

Not all awning fabrics are created equal. The original equipment fabric that comes on RV awnings and slidetoppers is... well, how do we say this?... Bad!

Top fabric choices:

• Heavy-duty vinyl: Custom-made from an 18oz. military-grade coated vinyl, it is UV/mildew resistant as well as anti-microbial
• Acrylic fabrics: Breathable woven cloth, allowing air circulation for quick drying and cooler temperatures under the cover
• Marine-grade options: Double-stitched with a marine-grade thread. All our awnings come with a 5-year warranty

Recommended suppliers:

• Tough Top Awnings (heavy-duty vinyl specialists)
• Tough Top Awnings material will outlast any fabric we've ever seen
• Solera by Lippert (OEM replacement quality)
• RV Awnings Mart (wide selection, good instructions)

When Should You Call a Professional vs. DIY?

Consider professional installation for electric awnings, structural damage, or if you're uncomfortable with ladder work—labor runs $400-$1,000 but ensures warranty coverage and safety.

Look, we love a good DIY project, but know your limits. The tension placed on the awning assembly can make this a hazardous DIY project for inexperienced RVers.

Go DIY if:

• You're replacing fabric only (arms/roller intact)
• You're comfortable on ladders
• You have a reliable helper
• Most DIYers can complete the project in two to three hours

Call the pros for:

• Electric awning motor issues
• Bent or damaged arms requiring replacement
• If so, you must have your RV's exterior inspected for additional damage
• Wall mounting repairs or structural concerns

Professional benefits:

• Professional labor rates for awning repair range from $50 to $110 per hour
• Warranty coverage on installation
• Proper disposal of old materials
• Safety equipment and experience

What Safety Precautions Should You Take?

Always park on level ground, use proper ladder safety, wear safety glasses, and never attempt awning work in windy conditions above 10 mph.

Safety isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential when you're working overhead with heavy, spring-loaded components.

Critical safety rules:

• Wind check: Never work on awnings when it's windy. The threshold for most RV awnings is 20 to 25 mph, but for safety during replacement, don't work in winds above 10 mph
• Level ground: Make sure your RV is level and stabilized. This prevents twisting or strain on the awning arms
• Ladder safety: Use a sturdy ladder rated for your weight, maintain three points of contact, and have someone spot you
• Spring tension: Be aware that manual awnings have spring tension that can snap back. Secure the roll tube to the head assemblies using cotter pins

Emergency planning:

• Have a plan if the weather changes suddenly
• Keep emergency numbers handy for professional help
• Don't rush—most injuries happen when people hurry

How Do You Maintain Your New RV Awning?

Clean your awning fabric annually, always angle it for water runoff, and retract during winds above 20 mph to extend its 5-15 year lifespan.

Got your new awning installed? Great! Now let's keep it looking sharp for years to come.

Regular maintenance checklist:

• Angle properly: Always tilt your RV awning at a slight angle to allow for water runoff
• Wind awareness: Always bring your awning in when leaving the camper, and whenever it's windy or stormy
• Cleaning routine: Open your awning before each camping season and visually inspect it for damage
• Dry storage: Avoid rolling in your awning when it is wet to prevent mold and mildew stains

Pro maintenance tips:

• Use a long-handled soft brush to scrub dirt
• Choose a cleaner without bleach, as this chemical may cause discoloration and lead to the need for replacement RV awning fabric
• Lubricate all moving parts of the RV awning frame using a silicone-based dry lubricant

Get Your RV Protected Before the Next Project

Just replaced your awning? Now's the perfect time to make sure your entire rig is protected with proper RV insurance that actually gets your lifestyle.

Traditional insurers don't always understand that your house has wheels, or that you might be living full-time in your Class A, travel trailer, or fifth wheel. That's where Roamly comes in. Plus, if you're thinking about making some extra income by renting your rig when you're not using it, you'll want insurance for renting out your RV that won't drop your coverage the moment you list on Outdoorsy.

Get a quick, free RV insurance quote to make sure your rig is protected before and after the repair.