What you need to know before ordering a replacement awning
Replacing a camper awning means ordering a new fabric roller assembly that mounts to the same brackets your old one used. Most replacements take between one and three hours to install if you do it yourself, or you can have a dealer or RV service center handle it. The cost varies widely depending on whether you replace just the fabric, the entire roller tube assembly, or the whole awning system — and whether your camper uses a manual crank awning or a motorized one.
Before you order anything, you need three pieces of information: the exact width of your awning opening (measured in inches), whether it's a manual or electric awning, and your camper's make and model. The width is the most critical measurement because awnings do not stretch to fit — they come in standard sizes, usually 8 to 20 feet, and ordering the wrong width means the new awning won't cover the space or will hang off the side of your camper.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your awning opening width in inches before ordering, because awnings come in fixed sizes and cannot be adjusted to fit.
- You can replace just the fabric, the roller tube assembly, or the entire awning system depending on what's damaged and your budget.
- Manual awnings cost less upfront but require hand-cranking to extend and retract, while motorized awnings cost more but operate at the push of a button.
- Installation takes one to three hours for a DIY replacement, or you can have an RV service center do it for a labor fee.
- Aftermarket awnings from brands like Carefree and A&E are often cheaper than OEM parts but may require bracket modifications.
How to measure your awning opening
Measure the width of the space where your awning mounts, not the length of the fabric when it's extended. Stand at the side of your camper and measure horizontally from the left mounting bracket to the right mounting bracket in inches. Write this number down — it's the dimension you'll use to order a replacement.
If you can't access the brackets easily or your old awning is damaged, check your camper's manual or contact the manufacturer with your camper's model number. They can tell you the awning width specification. You can also take a photo of the awning opening and email it to an RV parts supplier; many will help you identify the correct size from a picture.
Fabric-only replacement versus full awning replacement
A fabric-only replacement means you keep your existing roller tube and brackets and order just the new fabric material. This is the cheapest option, usually $200 to $600 depending on width and fabric quality. It works if your roller tube is still straight, the brackets are find, and only the fabric is faded, torn, or mildewed. Most fabric replacements come with new end caps and are ready to install on your existing hardware.
A full awning replacement means ordering a complete new assembly — fabric, roller tube, brackets, and hardware. This costs $800 to $2,500 or more depending on size and whether it's motorized. You need a full replacement if your roller tube is bent, your brackets are rusted or cracked, or if you want to upgrade from manual to motorized operation. Full replacements also let you choose a different brand or style than your original awning.
A roller tube assembly replacement sits between these two options. You keep the brackets but replace the tube and fabric together. This costs $400 to $1,200 and is useful if your brackets are still good but the tube is damaged or you want to upgrade the fabric quality without replacing everything.
Manual versus motorized awnings
A manual awning extends and retracts using a hand crank on the side of your camper. You turn the crank to roll out the fabric, and turn it the opposite direction to roll it back in. Manual awnings are simpler mechanically, cost $300 to $1,000 for a full replacement, and have fewer parts that can break. The trade-off is that extending or retracting takes 30 seconds to a minute of hand-cranking, and you have to do it every time.
A motorized awning extends and retracts with a switch or remote control. Most run on 12-volt DC power from your camper's battery system, though some larger RVs use 110-volt AC power. Motorized awnings cost $1,200 to $3,000 for a full replacement and are convenient if you extend and retract frequently or have mobility issues. They also usually include a wind sensor that automatically retracts the awning if wind speeds get too high, protecting the fabric from damage.
Where to order a replacement awning
You have three main sources: the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), aftermarket brands, and local RV service centers. OEM parts come directly from your camper's maker or through authorized dealers and are may provide to fit your specific model. They cost more — often 20 to 40 percent more than aftermarket options — but the fit is exact and installation is straightforward.
Aftermarket brands like Carefree, A&E, and Dometic make awnings that fit most camper models and cost less than OEM parts. They're reliable and widely available through RV parts suppliers like Camping World, Amazon, and specialty online retailers. The downside is that brackets or mounting hardware may need minor modifications to fit your camper, which adds installation time.
Local RV service centers can order the awning for you and handle installation, which removes the guesswork. They know your camper's specific setup and can spot any bracket damage or other issues during installation. Labor typically costs $150 to $400 depending on how complex the job is and your location.
Installation: DIY versus professional service
A DIY fabric-only replacement usually takes one to two hours if you're comfortable working at heights and using basic hand tools. You'll need a ladder, a socket wrench set, and possibly a helper to hold the fabric while you align it on the roller tube. Most fabric replacements come with installation instructions, and YouTube has many step-by-step videos for your specific awning brand.
A full awning replacement or motorized installation is more involved and usually takes two to four hours. You have to remove the old awning, install new brackets if needed, mount the new roller tube, wire up the motor if it's motorized, and test everything. If you're not comfortable working on your camper or don't have the right tools, a professional installation is worth the cost to avoid damage to your camper's exterior or electrical system.
RV service centers charge $150 to $500 in labor depending on the job's complexity and your location. Some dealers bundle installation with the awning purchase at a discount. If you order from an online retailer, you'll need to arrange installation separately, which may mean shipping the awning to a local service center or having a technician come to your camper.
Fabric types and durability
Most replacement awning fabrics are acrylic or vinyl. Acrylic fabric is breathable, resists mildew, and comes in many colors and patterns. It costs less upfront but fades faster in direct sunlight and typically lasts 5 to 7 years before needing replacement. Vinyl fabric is heavier, more waterproof, and lasts longer — often 8 to 10 years — but it can trap moisture and mildew more easily if not dried properly after rain.
Some manufacturers offer upgraded fabrics with UV protection or solution-dyed acrylic, which resists fading better than standard acrylic. These cost 10 to 20 percent more but may last longer in sunny climates. If you camp in wet or humid areas, look for fabrics with mildew-resistant treatments or choose vinyl with good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a motorized awning if my camper originally had a manual one?
Yes, but it requires new brackets and wiring. You'll need to run a 12-volt or 110-volt power line from your camper's battery or converter to the awning motor, which may involve drilling holes and routing wire through your camper's exterior. A professional installation is recommended because improper wiring can damage your camper's electrical system.
What size awning do I need if I don't know my camper's original width?
Measure the distance between your mounting brackets in inches. If the brackets are missing or damaged, check your camper's manual or contact the manufacturer with your model number. RV parts suppliers can also help identify the correct size from a photo of your awning opening.
How long does a replacement awning last?
Acrylic fabric typically lasts 5 to 7 years, while vinyl lasts 8 to 10 years. Lifespan depends on how often you use it, your climate, and how well you maintain it. Regular cleaning and keeping the awning dry when not in use extends its life. Motorized awnings with wind sensors last longer because they retract automatically in high winds, preventing fabric damage.
Can I patch a torn awning instead of replacing it?
Small tears can be patched with adhesive fabric repair kits, but large tears or multiple damaged areas usually mean the fabric is near the end of its life. Patching is a temporary fix that may not hold under wind or rain. A full fabric replacement is more cost-effective if the damage is extensive.
Do I need to remove my camper's old awning before ordering a new one?
No. You can order a replacement while the old one is still mounted. However, you'll need to remove the old awning before installing the new one, which takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you're having a service center do the installation, they'll handle the removal and disposal of the old awning.