Removing (and reinstalling) an awning

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

DLW - 07 Dec 2006 12:21 GMT

Sometime this Spring I would like to remove the awning from my pop-up,
clean it, and then put it back on. I have come concern on getting the
thing in the channel though. It doesn't seem likely that it will just
slid back in with no problem. Is there some sort of lubricant that
will help? I know I have used just soapy water when installing new
hand grips on motorcycles.

I would just clean it in place, but about 8 to 10 inches of the awning
has slipped out of the channel (thank to me trying to get the thing
rolled up by myself last time I camped), so it need to figure out how
to get it back in anyway.
D.Williams

Reply to this Message

Jim Redelfs - 07 Dec 2006 14:05 GMT

> Sometime this Spring I would like to remove the awning from my pop-up,
> clean it, and then put it back on. I have come concern on getting the
> thing in the channel though.

If it is a common, "bag"-style awning, it should be an easy task. It was for
me for the 13-years I had it. The bag awning on my Starcraft was so
labor-intensive in its setup that I ended-up removing it completely from the
camper except for our annual, week-long family gathering.

The whole thing should slide in-and-out of the awning rail almost easily. If
the end of the rope is frayed, you might consider moistening it and rolling it
between your thumb and fore finder (a la threading a needle) to compress the
rope and create a "point" before inserting into the rail.

> It doesn't seem likely that it will just
> slid back in with no problem.

Mine did. Yours might, too.

> Is there some sort of lubricant that will help?

I'm concerned that anything beyond what I describe above might attract dirt,
swell the rope (depending on its material) or cause other problems.

Mine was difficult enough ONCE that I thought of PULLING the rope through the
rail with some stout fishing line or leader. I'm sure that would work nicely,
if necessary.

> I would just clean it in place, but about 8 to 10 inches of the awning
> has slipped out of the channel (thank to me trying to get the thing
> rolled up by myself last time I camped), so it need to figure out how
> to get it back in anyway.

As you have discovered, having a second set of hands helps a lot in deploying
or stowing a bag awning. That SAME help is quite valuable when REINSTALLING
the awning: One person pulls the leading end of the awning into and along the
rail while the other person feeds the assembly into the rail. Good luck!

Signature

:)
JR

Reply to this Message

DLW - 08 Dec 2006 12:43 GMT

>> Sometime this Spring I would like to remove the awning from my pop-up,
>> clean it, and then put it back on. I have come concern on getting the
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
>the awning: One person pulls the leading end of the awning into and along the
>rail while the other person feeds the assembly into the rail. Good luck!

Thanks Jim. First warm day we have, I'll give that a try. It is a bag
type on an older Starcraft. Next year I'll see if I can get some help
getting it rolled back up. More than likely I'll be camping by myself
again. My wife doesn't think that camping for 2 weeks at a music
festival would be much fun.
D.Williams

Reply to this Message