Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine

Are you asking, “How do you attach an awning to an RV?”

While most modern campers come with an awning already attached to them, this isn’t always true of smaller ones. Additionally, many older campers were built without awnings because they simply weren’t a priority. It’s also possible that the awning you originally had became damaged, and you need to replace it.

To attach an awning to your RV, you should start by choosing an awning that’s fitting for the size of your camper. Next, you will need to gather the tools needed to complete the job. Finally, you should follow the instructions we’re about to lay out in this article from start to finish.

If you’re looking to attach an RV awning, whether new or old, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over everything you need to know about how to attach an RV awning, as well as a list of things you’ll need. We’ll also look at what to do when you simply need new awning fabric rather than a whole new awning. Ready? Let’s get started!

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RV Awning Installation Instructions From Start to Finish

Attaching RV awnings to campers is a tall task, but it’s one you’re more than capable of if you follow the instructions in this article. Installing your own RV awning will also save you a ton of money on installation costs. Here’s everything you need to know from start to finish.

Choose the Right Awning or Awning Kit

The first and most important step to installing an RV awning is purchasing the right one. It should fit your RV and not appear too big or small. Choosing the wrong-sized RV awning won’t just look strange. It could also interfere with other parts of your camper. The lower brackets might get in the way of your storage compartments or even your door.

Because of how important choosing an appropriately-sized RV awning is, you should take careful measurements before you buy one. Here’s how to measure your RV awning.

Measure from the ground to the top railing on your RV for height.
Measure from one side of your awning to the other to determine the width.
You should start your measurement on the far side of the door so that it’s under the awning but so that the awning runs past it.
You should measure as far to the other side of the RV as you desire, ensuring that your measurement doesn’t end on a storage compartment because the lower awning arm would interfere with it.
You can choose whatever RV awning size you like, as long as it doesn’t look strange and doesn’t interfere with the everyday use of your RV.

Manual Awning Vs. Automatic Awning

It’s also important that you decide whether or not you want an automatic awning rail or a manual awning rail. Automatic awnings are controlled electronically with the push of a button. You can extend and retract them very easily. Manual awnings are the more traditional option, where you have to extend and retract the awning rail by hand.

You can optionally add an electronic control at a later date, but it’s much easier to install one right off the bat.

The Different Parts and Tools You’ll Need

The best way to ensure you have everything you need to install your RV awning is to purchase an RV awning kit. RV awning kits are extremely handy because they come with the RV awning fabric, the arms, the legs, the brackets, the mounting hardware, and detailed instructions.

As far as tools are concerned, here are some of the main ones you’ll need.