RVs are an extension of your traveling life. They are sometimes an extension of your everyday life. RV awnings, however, are a literal extension of your vehicle and can be a fantastic addition to vacation activities. They provide shaded outdoor areas perfect for outdoor picnics and dinners. They can also keep your RVs side window from receiving direct sunlight, keeping the interior cooler longer.
Fixing an RV awning is a problem we come across often at Coach Specialists. Because they are consistently used, especially during the hotter, summer months, awnings see a lot of wear and tear. Fixing RV awnings requires a decent amount of effort. While some are able to repair awnings themselves, it is important to know that RV awnings are expensive to replace. Trusting professional technicians with this job may help save you some troubles.
Replacing Awning Parts
How much you will pay for your RV awnings to be replaced is determined by several different variables:
Fabric Replacements
The typical cost of fabric repair ranges from about $350 to $1,000. Depending on the severity of damage to your awning, you may only need to replace certain areas of the awning to save some money. Vinyl is a sturdy material but will need replacing if ripped or loose. It should also be replaced if it doesn’t do its job in providing cover to windows or sitting areas.
Retractable Arms
Retractable arms are what hold the RV awnings and retract them manually. If a retractable arm is damaged, it can cost anywhere up to $300 and as little as $75. The larger an RV is, the larger the awning. Larger RV awnings will require a more expensive fix.
Worm gears, which are what help retract arms and the awnings, usually require replacing if they cannot move the canopy. Replacing those gear will run you between $100 and $400.
Replacing a Motor
Motors are going to be one of the most expensive feature of a retractable awning to fix or replace. A motor can cost anywhere between $200 and $700. There are issues with retractable awning motors that can be solved with a quick fix. However, if you are experiencing more problems with your motor, there is a good chance it will need to be replaced. If it is necessary to purchase a new motor, some brands will include retractable arms in the price.
Fixing RV Awnings
Now that we’ve talked a little about the cost of replacing RV awnings, let’s talk about the cost of fixing parts. Sometimes these issues only require a little handy work to get you well on your way to enjoying the open road.
Electrical Issues
Before you worry about there being trouble with the motor controlling the awning, take a step back. There could be an issue with the electrical system. Hiring an electrician can cost anywhere from $70 to $300 depending on the severity of the problem. Usually, the source of a problem is a blown fuse or a short in the system keeping the awning from retracting successfully.
Other Common Problems
Most of the problems we see with RV awnings are snags or tears that cause leaks. There are quick fixes like patches that can run from $100 or more. These costs typically include labor and supplies. Stains are another common problem with RV canopies. These can easily be taken care of with power washing. The typical cost of a power wash is around $100.
Why You Should Trust the Professionals
One thing we see at Coach is damage made worse by RVers trying to fix something by themselves. While yes, there are DIY repairs that can save you a few bucks, there are some that simply should be left to the professionals. There are many reasons to trust professional technicians such as:
• Advanced knowledge in damaged areas
• Ability to repair damage completely
• Bad DIY work can cause further expenses. Professional work can save you more money in the long run
• Technicians know how to match paint colors, fabrics, and other features perfectly to maintain a proper aesthetic
Do you need assistance with your RV awnings? Let Coach know! We can help you identify the problems you’re having and help you through every step of the way. Just reach out!
