Possible to replace canvas awning on travel trailer?

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Not exactly homesteading, but in trying to do it ourselves, just wondering if it would be possible to replace the canvas portion of an awning on a travel trailer ourselves? "Inherited" one, and the awning needs to be replaced. The metal supports are good, just the canvas part needs replacing, so I wondered IF I can get the piece from an RV dealer, how difficult would it be to replace? Anyone ever done it? Any special equipment or tips? Thanks, Jan

-- Jan in COq (Janice12@aol.com), June 13, 2001

Answers

I have not done it, and this is not a do it yourself idea but...My brother had an Amish buggy factory fix his

-- grant (organicgrange@yahoo.com), June 13, 2001.

Jan, a couple of questions. Are you talking about the side walls in a "pop-up" or tent style camper, or the awning that rolls out from the side of the camper to form a "porch"? The short answer is yes, it's replaceable in either case. One is obviously alot harder than the other. Check at your local camper sales outlet, supply store or at a local campground. The roll-up awnings are NOT real difficult. Just takes a couple of people and patience. E-mail me direct if I be of further help. John D in Pa

-- John D in Pa (zeke1@usachoice.net), June 13, 2001.

Dumb, I know! Didn't give enough info. The trailer is an '84 model, about 28 footer, with a long, 22-25 foot roll up shade type awning on one side. Just the canvas needs to be replaced, if it's possible to do? Thanks, Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), June 13, 2001.

Jan, As much as I hate to say this, you might find it cheaper to purchase a new awning as to replace the material only. Around here RV/trailer parts are higher than a kite. I bet if you shop around, you might get a good deal. Just my two cents. Jeff

-- clovis (clovis97@Yahoo.com), June 14, 2001.

Try "canvas" in the phone book or ask around locally. Usually there are a few folks around who make everything from boat tops, canopies, covers, cushions, awnings, ect. An RV dealer may be a great place for info., but prices are extremely high. Oddly enough, I've started seeing these trailer type awnings on houses... so I doubt you need anything RV specific.

cheers,

-- Max (Maxel@inwindsor.com), June 14, 2001.



Other possible phone book categories - awnings (duh!), upholstery (really!), sailmakers (if available), tents or tentmakers. But get the price of a complete replacement and use it as a yardstick.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), June 14, 2001.

We had a canvas place replace ours.She did an awesome job,cheap!Too bad you don't live near me!!!(Canada)

-- teri (mrs_smurf2000@yahoo.ca), June 14, 2001.

Try looking at Campers World on line catalog for parts & pieces. http://campersworld.com

-- hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), June 14, 2001.

Dear Jan,

Would it be possible to remove the old canvas and use it as a pattern to make a new cover? If so, You might consider getting some heavy muslin or other fabric from a local sewing store and then waterproofing it. I know several people who've made trail tarps and awnings using 'old time' waterproofing, including paint. Roofs used to be finished this way and would last for years with a touchup coat every few years.

Please e-mail me for more details or if You want some of the 'recipes'.

Randle

-- RAndle Gay (rangay@hotmail.com), June 14, 2001.


Thanks for all the good ideas! Tried Camper's World, and it would be around $800 for an inexpensive replacement! I'm going to try to remove the torn up one and see if I can get some heavy fabric, plastic or canvas and try to replace it so it will be decent looking enough to sell and for someone to use. Not trying to rip anyone off who buys it, but can't afford to put a fortune into it, either. Thanks again for the great ideas! Jan

-- Jan in Co (Janice12@aol.com), June 14, 2001.


Here's another thought.

Since it appears you're in CO, call some of the RV dealers in Az & NM. See if they can direct you to any wrecked RV's. With all the travelers there, odds are you should be able to find some.

You might get lucky and find an RV that rolled or has been rear-ended. Consider that even if the mechanical part of the roll-up is damaged, the fabric may be okay. Also, if the one you find is longer (wider?) that what you have, it could probably be cut to size and a new hem/trim edge added.

A few phone calls, driving gas, and removal time might come in under that $800...

Just something to consider -

j

-- j (jw_hsv@yahoo.com), June 15, 2001.


Plastic was mentioned, there is a very cheap type of plasitc tarp that is made in Asia. Usually coloured dark green or light blue. Good for it's intended purpose but be aware it has a very short life when exposed to strong sunlight.

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), June 16, 2001.

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