After RVing full-time for 4 years, it was time for an RV awning replacement and some new slide topper fabric. We noticed our RV patio awning was looking a little worse for wear. Uncertainty of how to do it ourselves – and how hard it would be – made us continually put the job off. But thanks to some friends, we found out just how easy it is to do this job ourselves!
How Long Does An RV Awning Last?
The lifespan of an RV awning is going to differ for everyone. Depending on how well you maintain your awnings, what kind of weather and climate you camp in, and what environmental factors affect your campsite, your awning could last 5-15 years or just months.
Two big factors that can lead to an early RV awning replacement that we’ve particularly noticed in our travels is sun and wind.
Strong UV can have a big impact on the life of an RV awning. So, finding UV resistant fabrics that don’t crack, get brittle, and fade in the sun is going to extend the life of your RV awning.
Wind is our least favorite weather condition for RVing. If you don’t get your awning retracted in time, wind gusts can mess them up fast! Slide toppers are always out if the slides are out, so get punished by wind and sun even more.
When a big windy day in Arizona finally tore one of our slide toppers, we knew it was time for a full RV awning replacement. The awning stitches were also wearing out, and holes were starting to speckle the fabric. It was time.
Pro Tip: Keep cool with one of these 7 Best Drive-Away Awnings for Campsites.
What is the Best RV Awning Fabric?
Our friends Peter & John of The RV Geeks are RV awning replacement pros. They recommended Tough Top Awnings to us as their top choice for fabric replacement.
In researching about the company and fabric more, we were assured that Tough Top only uses high-quality vinyls that are waterproof, UV resistant, mildew resistant and designed for high wind and rain. This sounded great for the variety of camping conditions we find ourselves in.
Plus, their products came with a 5-year warranty, should last around 10 to 15 years, and are made in Brush Prairie, Washington, USA.
Pro Tip: On the hunt for the perfect awning for your rig? Discover What Is a Batwing Awning?
How Much Does It Cost To Replace RV Awning?
Prices are going to vary according to quality, material type, and size of your awning. This is the same for your slide toppers.
Tough Top Awnings provides estimates right on their site after you fill in some measurements and specifications, plus any accessories you need for your installation.
Roughly speaking, an RV patio awning replacement can cost between $260-$350.
Slide topper replacement fabric can cost up anywhere up to around $350 each max depending on your slide sizes.
Check their website for up-to-date pricing and to fill out your RV’s specs:
RV Awning Replacement Fabric Discount Code
Get 5% off your order!
Use code “MORTONS”
at checkout or over the phone.
Can You Do An RV Awning Replacement By Yourself?
Yes, you can!
We recommend having two sturdy A-frame ladders. If you don’t have these, you can rent them at a home improvement store, like Home Depot.
We also recommend having a couple of extra hands for this job – the RV awning replacement fabric can be bulky and awkward to maneuver.
How to Replace RV Awning Fabric? – Step-By-Step Video
In the video below, we walk through the step-by-step process of measuring for, ordering, and installing new RV awning replacement fabric. We also share how to install the RV slide topper replacement fabric:
You’ll see in the video how easy the process was to replace all of our RV awning fabric ourselves, and how pleased we are with the results!
BIG thank you to our friends Peter & John of The RV Geeks for helping us with this installation! Be sure to visit their website at www.thervgeeks.com and their YouTube Channel.
This installation was done in March of 2019, and the fabric has been holding up great ever since! (This article last updated October 2020)
Pro Tip: Consider These Cool Girard RV Awnings That Have No Support Arms for your RV.
RV Awning Replacement Fabric Discount Code – Tough Top Awnings
If you’re looking for new awning fabric, we highly recommend Tough Top Awnings at toughtopawnings.com.
RV Awning Replacement Fabric Discount Code
Get 5% off your order!
Use code “MORTONS”
at checkout or over the phone.
Disclaimer: Mortons on the Move partnered with Tough Top Awnings for this video and post. We receive commissions on any sales referred through our discount code, at no extra cost to the customer.
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Mark and Kris
Thursday 6th of October 2022
Excellent article, we are following your advice and thanks for the discount. It still works!
Mortons on the Move
Saturday 17th of December 2022
Glad you found it helpful!
Cyrus Juliet
Friday 13th of May 2022
The directions for replacing RV awning fabric are simple to follow, and you can now do it yourself. Always use the most durable awning cloth possible. It wouldn't hurt if the cloth was also lovely. After all, your camper's appearance is crucial.
Jonathan Busch
Friday 23rd of October 2020
Hi Tom, Thanks for all the hard work you and the Bride do. How do you feel about putting 303 on you awning. It has UV protection in it and good for multiple rubbers, plastics and vinyl’s.
Guest Kip Burke
Thursday 22nd of October 2020
I stressed over this job more then a year before I finally took it to task. But in the end it really was like many jobs; get started and you’ll be done and enjoying the fruit of your labor in no time. My second set of hands were a couple 9 year old grandsons. One enjoyed being on the roof. They other my ground based helper. I was on the ladder and the three of us got the 4 slide toppers replaced with no issues. We too used Tough Top Awnings and will again if we own the coach long enough to need replacing.