You pull into your favorite campground, pop the rv awning parts out for some shade, and suddenly hear that awful ripping sound. We have all been there. One gust of wind or a few too many seasons in the sun, and your awning needs help. The good news? You do not have to buy a whole new awning. Most problems are fixed with just a few smart rv awning parts replacements, and it is easier than you think.
This guide breaks everything down in plain English. You will learn exactly which parts wear out first, how to spot trouble early, how to replace them yourself, and where to get the right pieces without getting ripped off. Whether you have a manual patio awning or a fancy power one, you will walk away ready to handle any repair.
Why RV Awnings Fail (And Which RV Awning Parts Break First)
Wind is the number one awning killer. A sudden 20-mph gust can bend arms or tear fabric in seconds. Second place goes to the sun – UV rays make vinyl brittle and colors fade after 5–7 years. Add a little mildew from damp storage, and you have the perfect storm.
The three most-replaced rv awning parts (in order) are:
- Awning fabric – tears, holes, fading, mildew
- Support arms – bent or broken from wind
- Power awning motors – burn out or strip gears
Everything else – springs, pull straps, roller tubes, switches – comes after those big three.
The Essential RV Awning Parts You Should Know
Here is the complete list of parts that actually wear out or break. Keep this as your cheat sheet.
1. Awning Fabric (The #1 Replacement Part)
This is the big vinyl or acrylic sheet that gives you shade. Vinyl is cheaper and waterproof. Acrylic (like Sunbrella or RecPro) breathes better, resists mildew, and lasts longer.
Signs it is time to replace:
- Small holes or tears bigger than a quarter
- Fading so bad it looks pink instead of blue
- Mildew that will not wash out
- Fabric feels stiff or cracks when you roll it
Pro tip: Measure from the center of one arm to the center of the other arm (not the metal box on the RV). That is your fabric size. Add 6–8 inches for the roller tube hem on each end.
2. Support Arms / Rafter Arms
These are the long metal arms that hold everything out. Wind loves to bend them like pretzels.
Most common damage: Bent lower arms, broken pivot brackets, cracked knuckles.
Brands to look for: Lippert/Solera, Carefree, Dometic. Buy exact-match arms – universal ones rarely fit right.
3. Power Awning Motor (The Expensive One)
If your awning is electric, the motor lives inside the roller tube. They cost $300–$600, but replacing one beats buying a $2,000 awning.
Symptoms of a dying motor:
- Clicking but no movement
- Moves slow one way and fast the other
- Stops halfway and reverses
Lippert and Carefree make the most common motors. Have your awning model number ready when you order.
4. Roller Tube
The big aluminum tube the fabric rolls onto. They rarely fail, but they do get dented by tree branches or bent in wind storms.
5. Tension Springs / Spring Assemblies
Found on manual awnings and some power ones. These are the big coiled springs inside the roller tube that make the awning snap shut.
A broken spring makes the awning feel heavy to close or it slams shut dangerously.
6. Pull Strap & Travel Locks
The cheap nylon strap you pull to extend a manual awning. They fray and break all the time – keep a spare $12 strap in your toolbox.
7. Awning Head (Drive Head / Idler Head)
The black plastic ends of the roller tube. The drive head connects to the motor on power awnings.
8. Hardware Kit (The Little Stuff That Gets Lost)
Screws, bolts, rivets, end caps, knobs – all the tiny pieces that disappear the minute you work on the awning. Buy a universal hardware kit and thank yourself later.
9. Switches, Remotes, and Wind Sensors
Power awnings use wall switches and wireless remotes. Wind sensors auto-retract the awning in high wind (worth every penny).
How to Replace the Most Common RV Awning Parts (Step-by-Step)
Replacing Awning Fabric – The Big Job You Can Totally Do
Tools needed: Two ladders, two helpers, cordless drill, socket set, torque wrench.
- Fully extend the awning and lock the arms.
- Unwind the fabric completely and tape the roller tube so it cannot spin.
- Remove the screws holding the fabric to the roller tube and the front rail.
- Slide the old fabric out (it comes out like a giant sock).
- Slide the new fabric in – make sure the hem beads go into the correct tracks.
- Center it perfectly (this is the tricky part – measure twice).
- Re-attach with new self-tapping screws (do NOT reuse old ones).
- Roll it up slowly and check for wrinkles.
Total time: 2–3 hours with friends and beer.
Replacing a Bent Support Arm
- Support the awning with straps or have helpers hold it.
- Remove the top and bottom bolts (usually 9/16″).
- Swap the new arm in – grease the pivot points.
- Torque bolts to factory specs (Lippert = 30 ft-lbs on most).
Replacing a Power Awning Motor
- Unplug the RV from shore power and disconnect batteries.
- Extend awning halfway.
- Remove the drive head cover (few screws).
- Disconnect motor wires and remove the three bolts holding the motor.
- Install new motor – match the spline exactly.
- Test before you put tools away!
Best Places to Buy Reliable RV Awning Parts
- Lippert Official Parts & Accessories – Biggest selection of Solera and some Dometic parts. Great diagrams.
- Carefree of Colorado Replacement Parts – The gold standard for diagrams and exact-match parts. Use their parts finder.
- Camping World Awning Parts – 150+ items, fast shipping, real customer reviews.
Maintenance Tips That Make Your Awning (and Parts) Last Twice as Long
- Always retract in wind over 15 mph.
- Clean fabric every spring with mild soap and a soft brush – never pressure wash.
- Spray silicone lubricant on arms and pivot points twice a year.
- Keep the roller tube clean so dirt does not grind into the fabric.
- Store dry – mildew is the silent killer.
FAQ About RV Awning Parts
Q: How long should RV awning fabric last? A: Good vinyl 5–8 years, premium acrylic 10–15 years with proper care.
Q: Can I use any brand fabric on my awning? A: Yes for most box awnings (Lippert, Carefree, Dometic all use similar tracks). Just match the exact width.
Q: Is it worth fixing an old awning or should I buy new? A: If the roller tube and arms are straight, replace fabric and motor for $600–$900. A new comparable awning costs $1,800+ installed.
Q: My power awning goes out but not in – what part is bad? A: Usually the motor or the control board. Start with the $15 fuse, then the motor.
Q: Where do I find my awning model number? A: Look on the roller tube (big white sticker) or inside the awning rail when extended.
Final Word
Knowing your rv awning parts inside and out saves you thousands of dollars and keeps you camping instead of cursing in the driveway. Fabric, arms, and motors are the parts you will replace eventually – now you know exactly what to buy and how to install them.
What rv awning parts have you replaced lately? Drop your story in the comments – we all learn from each other!
