How Do I Replace an A&E 8500 Awning?
- 1). Measure the size of your current canopy and order a replacement one from an RV parts supplier. If you use your awning often, consider an awning material with a tighter weave and heavier weight.
- 2). Mark your current awning's location on the roller tube (which rolls the awning up and down) with a marker, so you know where to position the new awning.
- 3). Take off the end caps on both sides of your roller tube. Remove the rivet that holds the end cap in place by drilling it out, then removing the spring mechanism inside.
- 4). Hand-roll the awning open, with one person on either end of the roller tube. Place two sawhorses on either end of the roller tube, to place the tube on something as it opens up.
- 5). Unscrew the screws holding the awning onto the awning rail on the wall of the RV.
- 6). Pull your awning fabric off the metal rail on the RV wall, as well as off the roller tube. Have two people complete this job, with one person working the roller tube while the other works the rail.
- 7). Run a metal file along the edges of your railing and the roller tube, to smooth out any rough edges that may cause the new awning to rip.
- 8). Slide your new awning into the metal rail and the roller tube, with one person working each side, as you did with the removal. If your new awning comes with cording to keep it in place, be sure to slide the rope into the roller tube along with the fabric.
- 9). Replace the end caps with new rivets. Screw in the screws that hold the awning onto the metal rail.
- 10
Test your new awning's mechanisms by rolling it up a time or two.