Hail Damage - Holes in Manual Carefree Awning

[huskersteffy]

We got some good sized hail in Lincoln Nebraska a couple of weeks back. My trailer is parked in my driveway w/o any cover. I checked the roof after it hailed and did not notice any damage. However, today I unfurled my manual (Carefree) awning to clean it and noticed three holes (i.e., small rips) at the top where it connects to the camper. I surmise this was due to the hail.

I see several brands of RV awning repair tape on line. Also found a You Tube video where clear gorilla tape was used.

Anyone have experience or recommendation for what product to use for a patch?

[Rossue]

Amazon has awning repair tape for $16 from Camco. Camping World quotes $21.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Awning-.../dp/B005SB6Q2W

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Amazon has awning repair tape for $16 from Camco. Camping World quotes $21.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Awning-.../dp/B005SB6Q2W

Stefan,
I would go with Ross's suggestion. It's better to use a tape that is specifically for the awning fix. Some general-purpose tapes can ooze glue along the edges, effectively gluing each layer of the rolled up awning to the next; no good.

[paulw]

Originally Posted by huskersteffy

We got some good sized hail in Lincoln Nebraska a couple of weeks back. .... noticed three holes (i.e., small rips) at the top where it connects to the camper. I surmise this was due to the hail. ....

Do you think the fabric was weakened from UV where it's exposed along the top.
I was cleaning mine last week - no holes, but was wondering how long the fabric typically lasts. I do hit it with some 303 spray once a year or so.

[huskersteffy]

I might try the gorilla tape since the holes are on the horizontal part where it connects to the trailer. I suppose UV could have something to do with it, although we did get marble sized hail.

I was researching awning covers and some DIY folks make them out of corrugated pipe. I had a downspout extension laying around and tried it out as an experiment (see pics). It looks fine from the ground but up on the step ladder you can see my finger pointing to the hole and the problem with this solution. There is a good 3-4" of awning exposed in the horizontal where it attaches to the trailer. I'm thinking that any pure circular type pipe solution won't help because of this.

Oboy... don't want to start another electric vs manual discussion but yeah, electric ones have a cover.

[cpaharley2008]

I bought one of those covers, it is oversize PVC pipe you slip over the awning. It did not cover that little strip from the awning to the awning rail and was a PITA on/off, gave it away to and other forum member.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

It did not cover that little strip from the awning to the awning rail and was a PITA on/off, gave it away to and other forum member.

Before or after you told him how bad it works?!

[cpaharley2008]

He has never mentioned it to me again? I assume it is not in use.

[fudge_brownie]

My complaint about the manual awning is, it is always is wet. After being parked outside or driving down the highway in rain it seems when unfurling the awning it is always wet. The streaks of mold are a result.

Can this constant wet, coupled with the sun accelerate awning deterioration?

[huskersteffy]

My complaint about the manual awning is, it is always is wet. After being parked outside or driving down the highway in rain it seems when unfurling the awning it is always wet. The streaks of mold are a result.

I have used this cleaning method for mold. Easy and works great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q97gpDupG0E

[gbaglo]

I wouldn't do that.

2 parts bleach to 10 parts water is a strong solution.
The instructions on my Carefree Fiesta say to only use mild soap, water and a soft brush.
I once used Scrubbing Bubbles, which contains bleach, and this is what it did to my t-shirt after I sprayed the underside of the awning.
Bleach is really good for rotting thread.

[dfandrews]

When I wash the trailer after a trip, I unfurl the awning, and wash it as well. Then it drys in the sun, with occasional wiping with a dry rag to help.
If there is evidence of mold, I add a glug of bleach to the gallon of wash water.
5 years and counting; no problem.

[huskersteffy]

I once used Scrubbing Bubbles, which contains bleach, and this is what it did to my t-shirt after I sprayed the underside of the awning.
Bleach is really good for rotting thread.

Haha! Yea that's what my T-Shirt looked like the first time I tried.

[Bea]

I've had good results keeping my awnings clean and mold/mildew free with a product called Simple Green. Great stuff. It was the only product that I was allowed to use on our previous tent trailer canvases, to not void the warranty. Now I'm hooked. -Bea

[huskersteffy]

I applied the CAMCO awning tape in spring. I bought two rolls and applied a continuous run from front to back right up against the edge where the awing attaches to the trailer. Patience was the key since this tape is kinda hard to work with and wrinkles easily. I wrapped it over the front and back edge so it would not lift up.

It's now August and the tape is already coming loose in a couple of places. Have seen on YouTube where others have had luck with clear Gorilla tape. I suppose I'll try that next.

I know that new awning fabric is in my future, but will hold off till things get worse. FWIW I did get a quote from Carefree for a replacement that supposedly is more UV resistant: $350 including shipping.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by huskersteffy

It's now August and the tape is already coming loose in a couple of places. Have seen on YouTube where others have had luck with clear Gorilla tape. I suppose I'll try that next.

Stefan: Gorilla also makes a 4" wide sealing tape in white that might work as long as it is not under constant tension

https://www.acehardware.com/departme...gPkQ&gclsrc=ds

[huskersteffy]

Thanks Rubicon327. I see my local Home Depot has some in stock.