Use high-quality, heavyweight, tight-weave vinyl for the best results. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for fabric recommendations.

If your awning legs extend to the ground, don’t worry about the awning falling off—the combination of spring tension in the roller tube and the legs attached to the base of the RV will hold it up. For awnings that fold into the side of the RV, keep a firm grip on the bracket at the left end of the roller tube to prevent the spring from unwinding.

Use a screwdriver instead of an electric drill if you’d like.

Pull the bottom of the awning arms down to the ground to extend them. On some RV models, you can arms upward against the RV instead of to the ground.

Check that both arms are resting on the ground so that the fabric is unrolled about 1 foot (0. 30 m) from the awning.

Be sure to apply tape before sliding the awning off the RV. Scrape any debris from the inside of the track with a sharp edge.

Spread the end of the track to about 2 to 3 inches (5. 1 to 7. 6 cm) for the best results.

Before walking the awning out, make sure you have plenty of room in front of or behind the RV. If the fabric is stuck in the track and difficult to slide, ask a third person on a ladder to continue pulling until it slides easier. If you don’t have any helpers, elevate the awning legs with bricks. Set the awning tube down carefully when you’re done.

Don’t remove the screwdriver from the rear spring.

Be sure to count the exact number of rotations required to fully unwind the awning as you need to roll it up later. Remove the vice grips when you’re done.

Don’t use permanent marker!

Always hold the punch perpendicular to the awning

Double check that both rivets are removed before taking off the right spring assembly.

Use a felt marker to make 2 marks on the roller tube—a straight line to mark the channel that the main part of the awning goes into, and a V at the channel that the decorative valance slides into.

Skip this step if you can remove the fabric in one piece without trouble.

Try to spray the lubricant evenly across each channel.

If possible, have 2 helpers hold the rolled up fabric off the ground. Otherwise, place it onto 2 bricks to hold it up.

If you have 1 to 2 friends that can help with this step it will be a lot easier.

Be sure to keep a tight hold on the vice grips.

If your awning folds into the side of your RV, press in the spring and grip the bracket at the left of the roller tube before attaching the bolts.