Dometic is one of the two major OEM awning hardware manufacturers (the other is Carefree of Colorado), so if your RV came with a factory awning, there's a good chance it's a Dometic or Carefree unit. When that fabric wears out, most owners assume they have to buy Dometic-branded replacement fabric, but you don't. Any fabric built to fit Dometic hardware will work, including ours. Here's an honest look at how we compare.
People might choose Dometic if they want an exact factory color and pattern match and prefer buying through an RV dealer network. People choose Tough Top Awnings because of our material: heavy-duty 18 oz, 100% waterproof vinyl, custom-cut to your exact measurements in our Washington State shop and backed by a 5-year warranty.
18 oz
Free shipping in the lower 48. We also ship to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
Us vs. Dometic at a Glance
| Feature | Tough Top | *Dometic (OEM) |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric type | 18 oz heavy-duty coated solid vinyl, 100% waterproof | Patio awnings are double-sided vinyl. Slide toppers come in vinyl or acrylic. |
| Warranty | 5 years on every awning | 1-year limited warranty (per Dometic's published awning warranty statement) |
| Price: patio awning | $309.95Up to 14'6" $369.9514'6" to 19'6". Free shipping in the lower 48 | Sold only through their dealer network. Prices vary. |
| Price: 66" slide topper | $169.95Free shipping in the lower 48 | Sold only through their dealer network. Prices vary. |
| Sizing | Custom-cut to your exact measurements | Ordered by specific factory model/part number |
| Color match | Solid colors; won't exactly match the original A&E/Dometic factory color | Matches the original factory color and pattern |
| Where to buy | Direct from us | RV dealers and parts distributors |
| Best for | Owners who want the heaviest, fully waterproof fabric | Owners who want an exact factory-original look, especially for insurance or dealer warranty work |
On a phone? Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
*Dometic info is based on Dometic's published product and warranty information. Confirm current specs and terms with Dometic.
Made in the USA, Direct From the Manufacturer
We build every awning ourselves in Washington State and ship it straight from our shop to you. No middleman, no overseas factory. Because we make every awning here, we control the quality ourselves, from the first cut to the final stitch, and when you call, you're talking to the people who made your awning. Here's why that matters when you're shopping for replacement fabric:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dometic awning fabric vinyl or acrylic?
Mostly vinyl. Dometic's current patio awnings, the 9200 Power Patio Awning and the 9500 manual and power case awnings, all use double-sided vinyl fabric. The one exception is the Full Cover SlideTopper for slide-out rooms, which Dometic offers in either double-sided solid vinyl or acrylic fabric. If you have a Dometic slide topper, check which version you have before ordering replacement fabric.
How long is the warranty on a Dometic RV awning?
Dometic's published warranty statement for awnings is a 1-year limited warranty. Always confirm current terms directly with Dometic, since warranty policies can change.
Can I put Tough Top vinyl fabric on my Dometic awning hardware?
Yes. We manufacture replacement vinyl fabric designed to fit A&E/Dometic awning hardware. You replace only the fabric, not the hardware. A small number of Dometic models (such as the Horizon) aren't compatible because that hardware isn't rated for our fabric's weight.
Replacing a Dometic Deluxe slide topper? Our step-by-step Dometic Deluxe slide topper replacement guide walks you through it.
Which is more waterproof, vinyl or Dometic's acrylic fabric?
Vinyl is 100% waterproof. Acrylic canvas is water-resistant, but water can soak through over time, which is why acrylic awnings are more prone to mildew when they stay wet. Most Dometic awnings, including the 9200 and 9500 patio awnings, already use double-sided vinyl fabric. The exception is Dometic's Full Cover SlideTopper, which comes in either vinyl or acrylic.
At Tough Top Awnings, we only use vinyl. Our replacement fabric is heavy-duty 18 oz vinyl, sewn with marine-grade thread and custom made to your measurements in Washington State. It fits Dometic and A&E patio awnings and slide toppers, and it's backed by a 5-year warranty. If you're replacing an acrylic slide topper, switching to our vinyl gives you a fully waterproof topper that's easier to keep clean and mildew-free.
Do you ship outside the lower 48?
Yes. Shipping is free in the lower 48 states, and we also ship to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
Not sure if your hardware is A&E, Dometic, or something else? Our Buying Guide walks through how to identify your awning manufacturer before you order, or call us at 360.953.3299.