I need help! About 2 wks ago while we were camping at the lake, we ran into town to pick up some supplies. While we were gone, a storm came up and bent the roller tube on our awning from the wt of the water. Some friends rolled it up by hand before we returned. It's about 22 ft long and creased about 3/4 of the way down (about a 1 ft crease). I can't find a replacement online. Is there anyway to repair it? It seems OK except for the roller tube. I may have to turn it in on insurance for a full replacement. Any Ideas?

 

From my experiance repairing RV's many years ago, find out who the manufacturer of the awning is, like A&E or whomever. Call them and see if you can buy just the awning tube, but make sure it has all the inards in it. Explain that you don't need the covering or arms, just the tube., They should have something available and advise you how to order and aquire it.. Most manufacturers don't sell direct so you will probably have to order it from a local dealer. It may be more than you are ready to spend though and it isn't real easy to change with winding springs etc. Speak to your lcoal RV dealer and ask his advice before going too far on your own. It may well be much cheaper just making an insurance claim as long as you haven't had very many in the last few years.

Just My opinion..... Don

 

I was hoping to repair it, but my wife is telling me to call insurance co. tomorrow. I've never filed a claim on the TT. I think I've got $250 or $500 deductable, so it may not be worth it unless they replace the whole thing! I heard its about 8-900 $ for a new one. Guess I check tomorrow! Thanks for reply

 

same thing happend to me 700 bucks installed
never leave your awning out even when you go to bed ...thats when mine bent

 

call camping world.
www.campingworld.com
1-888-626-7576

 

I keep mine angled when sleeping or away from camp.....

 

I would just turn it in to the insurance company. You can try to straighten it out yourself but it may roll up cross-eyed or possibly stop working altogether when you are ready to pack up and come home.

Did it do any damage to the trailer ?? Pull screws loose etc ... Always a good spot for water to find it's way into the wall where you can't see it until it's too late.
Have the insurance cover anything that you find.

Do you have the center stabilizing bar in the middle of your awning roller?? I have one on mine, which is about as long as yours ... might help you support the weight if there's a next time.

If you put a serious downward slant on the awning (away from where you walk to the door), put on about 2-3 anti-flap clamps per side and securely strap it down to the ground with about 4 tie-straps, you can weather most storms. Many of the old-timers run a long tie-down strap over the top/ middle of the awning fabric from one side to the other to help with the wind.

PISTOL

 

Good luck getting your insurance to pay for it. Some policies don`t cover awnings. They are called cabanas in some policies. I know because I had mine come open while I was going about 40 MPH. I was lucky because it didn`t do any damage to my camper.

 

If you will take two metal stakes and 10 or 12 feet of rope on each end, and tie each end of the awning to the ground, it will take a lot of wind without damaging it. You can buy the stake down kits which has a spring on them to keep it tight, or easily make one for yourself.

 

I have had the unfortunate experince of a twiked {bent} awning. Once they get bent it is almost impossible to get it correct again. I just filed an insurance claim as the awning cost $900.00 or so. Just my 2 cents.. Good luck --Ray

 

I just filed a insurance claim.

No problem.

Doug