This is a follow-up to the recent post on What is the best tape to use for a tear in an awning?, with comments and questions from RVtravel.com readers about repairing RV awnings.
From Gary
I just wanted to comment on the Gorilla Patch and Seal Tape! I applied it to my awning in December 2023. It is full length on two full-length seams. It is still doing a pretty good job, considering I am in Apache Junction, Arizona, and my awning is out 24/7. So far we have experienced about 30 days of 110 degrees or hotter with at least 5 or 6 of them up around 115 degrees! I have also used the Flex Seal spray on my awning at the same time as the above project. So far, so good. I probably will have to respray it this winter! Thank you.
Conditioner for RV awnings
From Michelle
As a follow-up to your article on taping awning tears, you had mentioned cleaning and conditioning awnings annually. Do you have a recommendation on what type of conditioner to use? Our Lance comes with a Carefree Latitude Awning. Thank you!
My response
I have reviewed all the owners’ manuals from the current offering of awnings and they just recommend cleaning periodically and letting the fabric dry. Some, like Lippert, recommend 1/4 cup dish soap in 5 gallons of water. However, Carefree has its own brand-name cleaner.
I do not see any recommendations for conditioning, which seems odd. I cannot find the Dometic 201 or Acrylife products offered anywhere. These were recommended several years ago for vinyl and acrylic material. However, I still think it is a good idea to apply 303 Protectant once a year to help protect the fabric from harsh UV rays.
More tape recommendations to repair RV awnings
From Neal
Thank you, Dave! We did have a small tear and used Gorilla tape. We have since traded the RV and don’t know how it is doing. It worked while we still owned it. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays!
From JB
I have used Flex Tape on awnings… it doesn’t look so nifty but does the job if applied correct.
From Dave N
We used Camco awning tape on ours. It’s clear and good stuff. Has been 5 years on the awning.
From Jim
Had a tear near the wall end side edge on our awning. This is one of the highest stress points. Gorilla tape held up fairly well for nearly two years under Texas sun. I did use one of those plastic awning groove mounted light string holders in the awning track and extended the tape to go around the light holder to take up some of the stress. Ultimately, even Gorilla tape started to delaminate. We then replaced the entire fabric portion of the awning.
Did learn a lesson. Don’t use tie downs on an awning mechanism designed to flex in the wind or automatically dump rain water. When you do, it transfers the stress to the back or front edge of the material.
From Paul
We had a tree limb fall on our awning when camping that put a small tear (about 3″ long) in it. We put the clear Gorilla tape on it. It was still holding well when we traded the camper in over 3 years later.
RELATED
- Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape
- Flex Seal Waterproof Sealant
- 303 Protectant
- Flex Tape
- Camco Awning Tape
You might also enjoy this from Dave
My RV awning is leaking. Is there a waterproofing product I can use?
Dear Dave,
I have a standard Dometic awning and it has started to “leak thru” the fabric. What do you recommend as a water repellent? I would also like to know your recommendation for hydraulic fluid (slides/stabilizers). Thanks. — Mike, 2017 Forest River Georgetown
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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Thank you, Dave! 🙂 Have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂