In the past I have received several e-mails from fellow RVers questioning how difficult it is to install a window awning on their RV. My reply was that this is one of those do-it-yourself things most RV owners can install and save some money at the same time.
Window awnings are a nice addition to your RV. They provide us with shade, keep rain away from the RV windows, and protect the interior fabrics and upholstery from damage caused by the sun. And the good news is they are really easy to install. You can save well over $100 in labor fees, and have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. Watch the installation video for easy to follow directions.
Note: The instructions provided here are for installing an A&E Elite window awning.
When your window awning arrives unpack it and make sure all required parts are on hand. Let’s get started with the installation.
Step 1: Install the Awning Rail
Apply a caulking compound on the back of the awning rail before securing it. I use putty tape that you can purchase from an RV dealer. Position and center the awning rail approximately 5″ above the top of the window. Secure the awning rail with #6- x 1/2″ sheet metal screws provided
Step 2: Hang the Awning
Secure the awning arms to the top casting using the 1/4″ x 3/4″ bolts provided. Both arms are identical.
Now unroll just enough fabric so you can slide the bead into the awning rail. If too much fabric is unrolled before you release the preset tension, there will not be the required amount of tension needed to properly roll the awning back up after use.
Step 3: Install the Bottom Mounting Bracket
Position the bottom mounting bracket of each arm so the top of the end cap on each side of the tube is level with the opening of the awning rail. This insures the awning shield wraps up tightly. Mark the location of the bottom mounting bracket holes.
If the brackets will be secured to a wood structure, drill four 1/8″ diameter holes and secure the bottom brackets using four #10 screws. Apply caulking compound to screws before inserting. If the brackets are only secured to the skin of the RV, use a #5 drill bit, and secure the bottom mounting bracket using 3/16″ x 1″ Oscar Rivets. Apply caulking compound to rivets. Repeat on the other awning arm bracket.
Step 4: Release the Preset Tension
A & E window awning torsions are pre- wound at the factory. Remove the cotter pin that is holding factory pre-set tension. The cotter pin is in the roller tube end cap. Twist the roller tube as if unrolling the awning while pulling on cotter pin. Caution: When cotter pins are removed, springs are under tension. The awning will attempt to close. Keep your body and clothing clear of hardware and roller tube. Repeat on the other side. The awning should roll up snugly against the side of the vehicle.
Step 5: Installing the Window Strap Hanger
After the roller tube assembly is mounted on the RV, open the awning to its full extension by pulling down on the pull strap. Center the strap in the awning, then move the loop of the pull strap toward the RV and under the window to locate the placement of the window strap hanger.
Locate the strap hanger so that the top loop of the strap is engaged onto the hanger, allowing for minor height adjustment of the awning. Mark the location and install the strap hanger with three #10 x 3/4″ screws or 3/16″ x 1″ Oscar Rivets as required. Apply caulking compound to all screws or rivets before inserting.
Step 6: Center the window awning
For awnings with a metal weather shield, install #6 self-tapping screws into the awning rail immediately next to the metal hinge. Repeat this on other side. These screws hold the awning in place.
Your window awning installation is complete and ready to use. For more information on all of your RV awnings check out our RV Awning Use, Care & Accessories DVD
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
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Larry
Hi Mark,
I am thinking of adding window awnings to my ’05 Four Winds class C. I want to put them on the side by side windows of the slide out but am concerned about the space. I also have a space problem on the bedroom window where the main awning arm is about 6″ away. My question is when a size is ordered, does that include the width of the arms on each end or is this just the fabric size? For example: On the slide out, the two windows 55″, seperated by 11″. There is 6″ on each side from the end of the slideout. If the measurement does not include the arms..how much space do I need for them?
Thanks,
Larry
Mark Polk
John,
I ordered the awnings from Camping World. Dometic had the same color fabric that matched our patio awning. Window awnings come in various lengths. You measure the window, add 5 inches to the measurement and then round the overall measurement up to the next standard size window awning that is available. For example let’s say your overall measurement was 29 inches and they offer 28 and 32 inch awnings. you would go to 32 inches.
John Thompson
Mark I for one want to thank you for putting all the infro about installing RV awning in plain writing. So many reports are videos, and only having dial up it takes awhile for it to download that is if you don’t lose connection. And the pictures were great. Can you tell us where you ordered the awning and how to measure the windows for the size that you need. Tks John.