The Complete RV Awning Replacement Buying Guide

The Complete RV Awning Replacement Buying Guide

By Tough Top Awnings  |  toughtopawnings.com  |  360.953.3299

Whether your awning just blew out in a storm, faded beyond recognition, or has finally given up after years of good service — you're in the right place. This guide walks you through everything from figuring out what you have, to ordering the right replacement, to installing it yourself. No experience needed.
Part 1: Research — Know What You Need

Do I Need to Replace My Awning?

Before spending anything, it's worth confirming you actually need a replacement rather than a repair. Here are the signs that it's time for new fabric:

  • Large tears, holes, or rips spanning more than a few inches
  • Fabric that is brittle, cracked, or crumbling at the edges
  • Mold or mildew that has penetrated through the fabric (not just surface staining)
  • Fading so severe the material has weakened — you can often see light through it
  • Stitching that has rotted or is coming undone
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, replacement is usually the better long-term investment and avoids a potential problem on the road.
↑ Back to top

Step 1: Figure Out What Kind of Awning You Have

RVs can have several different types of awnings, and it's important to know which one you're replacing before you measure or order anything.

The Main Types of RV Awnings

  • Patio Awning (Main Awning): The large awning on the passenger side, usually over the main entry door. Extends up to 8 feet and provides the most shade. Can be manual or electric. Some coaches also have a smaller patio awning off the rear.
  • Slide Out Topper: Sits above your slide out room and rolls out as the slide extends. Keeps debris and water off the top of the slide. Most RVs have one per slide.
  • Window Awnings: Smaller awnings that shade individual windows. Usually manual.
  • Door Awning: A small awning over the entry door, separate from the main patio awning.
  • Carefree Omega Awning: A hybrid awning made by Carefree of Colorado from 1999–2005 that functions as both a slide topper and a window shade. Identified by its distinctive question-mark shaped arms.

▶ What Type of RV Awning Do I Have? — Quick visual guide to identifying patio awnings, slide toppers, window and door awnings

Shop by Awning Type

Not sure which one you have? Browse our full product lineup below — each links directly to that product's ordering page.

↑ Back to top

Step 2: Identify Your Awning Manufacturer

Knowing your awning brand ensures your replacement fabric fits correctly. Tough Top Awnings makes replacement fabric for several major awning hardware brands — you don't need to replace the hardware, just the fabric.

The Main Brands We Work With

  • A&E / Dometic: Very common. Usually identifiable by the A&E or Dometic label on the end caps or hardware.
  • Carefree of Colorado: Also very common. Look for the Carefree logo on the end caps or arms.
  • LCI / Lippert Solara
  • Girard: We make replacement slide toppers only.
  • Coleman / Faulkner: For main patio awnings only.
💡 Pro Tip: Not sure which you have? Look at the end caps on the roller tube — both brands typically stamp or label their hardware. Our website has side-by-side reference photos to help you identify yours.

Important: Models We Cannot Replace

Due to the weight of our vinyl material, we are unable to make replacement fabric for the following models — the hardware simply isn't strong enough to support it:

Carefree of Colorado: Paramount, Mirage, Freedom, Apex, Freestyle, Latitude

LCI / Lippert: Solara XL

A&E / Dometic: Horizon

Not sure if you have one of these? Email or call us before ordering. We'd rather help you figure it out than have you order something that won't work.
↑ Back to top

Step 3: Do You Have a Metal Guard?

Depending on your hardware manufacturer, your awning may have a metal guard attached to the coach side. This matters because the fabric attaches to that guard with a different bead size, so we need to know before we make your awning.

Guard Types

  • Flexible Metal Guard: Found on window awnings, patio awnings, door awnings, and slide toppers. If you have one on a patio awning, you'll also need to know how many segments it has — 5 or 6. If you have 4 segments or aren't sure, contact us for help.
  • UniGuard / Aluma Guard: Found on Carefree of Colorado awnings. These are U-shaped solid guards that attach to a Soft Connect — a 4¼" or 5¼" strap of material that connects the guard to the coach. If you need a replacement, we'll need your current measurements so we can duplicate what you have.

LCI LED Light Strip

For LCI Solara models with an LED light bar, we can add a hang-down strip to your patio awning so you can reuse your existing lights. This includes the fabric flap only — not the lights themselves.

↑ Back to top

Step 4: Choose Your Material — Vinyl vs. Acrylic

If you're shopping around, you'll come across two main fabric types: vinyl and acrylic canvas. Here's how they compare:

Feature Vinyl (Tough Top) Acrylic Canvas
Waterproof ✅ 100% waterproof ❌ Not waterproof — water soaks through
UV Resistant ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Mildew Resistant ✅ Yes ⚠️ Prone to mildew when wet
Wind Performance ✅ Moves uniformly with wind ⚠️ Can billow and flap
Lifespan ✅ 10–15 years ⚠️ 5–8 years typically
Warranty ✅ 5 years (Tough Top) ⚠️ Typically 1–3 years
Made in USA ✅ Yes ❌ Usually imported
Thread Type Marine grade thread Cotton-based thread

At Tough Top, we only use vinyl — here's why: We believe in selling a product that is genuinely waterproof and built to last. Vinyl lets us use marine-grade thread that holds up in the elements, resists UV and mildew, and stays easy to clean — season after season.

↑ Back to top

Step 5: What Can I Expect to Pay?

Fabric material is the biggest cost driver, but it's not the only thing worth thinking about before you buy. Here's what to factor in so you don't end up spending more than you need to — or less than you should.

What Does Replacement Fabric Actually Cost?

Fabric-only replacement typically runs $150 to $750 depending on size and material. A 10-foot awning fabric might cost around $150, while a 21-foot fabric of the same material could run $500 or more. If you're hiring someone to install it, expect to add $100 to $500 in labor on top of materials.

On the low end, you'll find import brands on Amazon and generic marketplaces selling vinyl fabric for $60–$200. Mid-range options from established manufacturers run $200–$500. Premium fabric from quality manufacturers sits at $400–$750 or more, depending on size and grade.

You Get What You Pay For

Budget fabric is tempting when you're comparing a $60 Amazon option to a $400 manufacturer option. But there's a real cost trap: if cheap fabric fails after a season or two and you're paying for professional installation both times, you've already spent more than quality fabric would have cost upfront.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

  • Does it come with a warranty? Any manufacturer confident in their product will back it with one. No warranty is a red flag.
  • What's it actually made of? Thread weight, UV inhibitors, and waterproofing treatments vary significantly — and those differences don't show up until the fabric has been through a few summers.
  • What will installation cost you? If you're not doing it yourself, cheap fabric becomes a lot less cheap the second time around.

How Do the Options Stack Up? (Patio Awnings)


 Budget Mid-Range Us Leading Competitor
Typical source Amazon, generic marketplaces Established resellers Direct manufacturer Brand-name reseller
Where it's made Overseas, imported Varies Washington State, USA Varies
Price range $60–$200 $200–$309 From $309.95 From $394.99
Material quality Basic vinyl, inconsistent Standard vinyl or acrylic High-grade vinyl Standard vinyl or acrylic
UV & weather resistance Minimal to moderate Moderate High Moderate to high
Expected lifespan 1–3 seasons 3–5 seasons 5–10+ seasons 3–7 seasons
Warranty Rarely offered Sometimes Yes — 5 years Yes
Best for Short-term fix, tight budget Occasional campers All campers — best value Brand-loyal buyers

Slide-Out Topper Pricing

Our slide-out toppers start at $169.95 and go up to $374.95 for super slides. For comparison, a leading competitor sells a vinyl slide topper at 63" for $226.91 — we sell the equivalent for $169.96.

All current pricing is available directly on our website.

▶ Amazon importer vs. manufacturer comparison — why the price difference matters

Manufacturer vs. Importer — Why It Matters

Not all awning fabric sellers are the same. Importers like those on Amazon and other marketplaces source overseas-manufactured fabric and resell it with little control over materials or quality. As a manufacturer, we make every awning ourselves right here in Washington State. That means consistent quality, a real warranty, and someone you can actually call if something isn't right — not a generic returns process.

↑ Back to top
Part 2: Ordering — How It Works at Tough Top Awnings

You've done the research. You know what size you need, what material makes sense for how you RV, and what a fair price looks like. The hard part is done — now it's time to buy. Every company's purchasing process is a little different, so here we'll walk you through exactly how it works at Tough Top Awnings, where every replacement fabric is custom made to order right here in Washington State.

Step 1: Measure Your Awning

This is the most important step — and where most people get tripped up. Take your time here. Every awning we make is custom-built to your exact measurements and cannot be returned once made.

Measuring a Patio (Main) Awning

Measure the full length of the roller tube inside the end caps, then subtract 4 inches (2 inches of clearance per side). Give us this final measurement — not the raw roller tube length.

You'll also need to measure your roll-out depth, but only if it doesn't roll out the standard 91" from the first coach attachment to the first roller tube attachment. This mostly applies to certain Carefree of Colorado models.

▶ How to Measure a Patio Awning — step-by-step video showing exactly where and how to measure

Measuring a Slide Out Topper

  • Width: Measure the roller tube from one end to the other (inside the end caps). Subtract 1.5 inches total (¾" clearance per side). Give us this final number.
  • Depth (slide extended): Measure from the outside wall of the coach to the face of the slide room.
  • Depth (slide retracted): Go inside the RV and measure from the interior slide box.

We add the extra fabric needed for proper spring tension and wrap-around based on your measurements — something mass producers don't bother to do. This makes your hardware work better and last longer.

▶ How to Measure a Slide Out Topper — bead-to-bead measuring demo with visual reference

Why We Don't Ask for Pole-to-Pole Measurements

Most suppliers ask you to measure from center pole to center pole because they're shipping you a pre-made awning in a standard size. We're not. We make your awning to your exact measurement right here in the USA, so you tell us what you have, and we cut it precisely for you.

↑ Back to top

Step 2: Tell Us Your Awning Manufacturer

We'll need to know who made your awning hardware — Carefree of Colorado, Dometic, or another manufacturer — as this determines which replacement fabric will fit correctly. We may also need to know whether your awning has a flexible metal guard or another guard type.

Not sure what you have? Head back to Step 2 in Part 1: Identify Your Awning Manufacturer.

↑ Back to top

Step 3: Pick Your Color

We offer a range of solid colors for our 18 oz vinyl fabric:

  • White
  • Sand
  • Gray
  • Black
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Chocolate (not available for patio awnings or Omegas over 55" deep)
  • Charcoal Gray

A Few Important Notes on Color

  • Colors are solid — no patterns or stripes, same color top and bottom. We use solid vinyl rather than pieced-together panels so your awning lasts longer.
  • Our colors do not match A&E Dometic or Carefree of Colorado colors. If you're replacing just one awning, there may be a visible difference. Replacing all at once gives you a clean, uniform look.
  • Colors can look different on screen depending on your monitor. We strongly recommend requesting physical color samples before ordering.
💡 Pro Tip: Email us at christie@toughtopawnings.com to request free fabric color samples. It's the best way to make sure you love your choice before committing.
↑ Back to top

Step 4: Enter Your Fabric Measurements

The measurements we need depend on whether you're ordering a patio awning, slide-out topper, window awning, or door awning. Our ordering pages walk you through exactly what to enter and where to find each measurement on your RV.

↑ Back to top

Step 5: Add Accessories (Optional)

We carry everything you'll need to get your new fabric installed. Accessories can be added directly to your order when purchasing your awning, or ordered separately if that's all you need.

What We Currently Offer

  • Pull straps
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Rivets
  • Rivet tool
  • Seal conditioner
  • Dry lube
  • Camco Max De-Flapper
  • Windshield repair kit
  • RV awning stabilizer kit
  • Gloves
↑ Back to top

Step 6: Installation — Can I Do This Myself?

Yes — most people can replace their own RV awning fabric with basic tools and a free afternoon. Our replacement fabrics are designed to be DIY-friendly, come ready to install, and we have a full library of how-to videos to walk you through it.

What You'll Need

Each installation is a little different — watch the how-to video for your specific awning type to get a full tool list. Most jobs require:

  • A ladder
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • A drill
  • A straight pick, thin rod, or vice grip (for some end cap styles)
  • Rivet tool and rivets
  • A helper is recommended but not always required

How Long Does It Take?

  • Slide-out topper: 30–60 minutes for most people
  • Patio awning: 1–3 hours depending on your setup and experience
💡 Pro Tip: Watch our how-to video for your specific awning type before you start. Knowing what to expect makes the job go much faster.

▶ DIY Patio Awning Replacement — full walkthrough, end-to-end installation guide

▶ DIY Slide Out Topper Replacement — full walkthrough, end-to-end installation guide

Not Comfortable Doing It Yourself?

No problem. We maintain a list of trusted RV awning installers across the country. Visit our Installers page or email us and we'll help connect you with someone near you.

↑ Back to top

Step 7: Place Your Order

Once you have your measurements and color selected, ordering is straightforward. Here's a quick checklist of what you'll need:

  • Awning type (patio, slide-out, window, door, or Omega)
  • Awning manufacturer (A&E Dometic, LCI, Carefree of Colorado, or Coleman — call us for Girard slide toppers)
  • Whether you have a metal guard and what type
  • Your width measurement (already adjusted for clearance)
  • Your depth measurement (slide-outs and certain patio awnings)
  • Your color choice

Shipping & Turnaround

  • Free shipping on all replacement awnings to the lower 48 states (does not include standalone accessories)
  • Alaska and Hawaii: free shipping is not currently available
  • Custom orders typically ship within a few business days — check our product pages for current turnaround times
  • We ship to Canada via USPS to Canada Post. Visit www.toughtopawnings.ca for Canadian pricing in Canadian currency

Can I Order by Phone?

Yes. Call us at 360.953.3299 and we'll walk you through it. We receive a high volume of calls, so if you reach voicemail please leave a message — we return all calls within one business day.

↑ Back to top

Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

We know awnings can feel complicated when you're starting from scratch. Don't hesitate to reach out — we'd rather answer your questions than have you order the wrong thing.

Tough Top Awnings  |  Made in the USA  |  5-Year Warranty on All Awnings