Awning "Bag" Worn Out

[SpeakEasy]

The awning bag's zipper failed last summer while we were "on the road," and I had to hold it together with duct tape until we got home. The failure point was the zipper. Actually the fabric that the zipper is manufactured into. The camper was about nine years old at the time. During its first four years it was stored in a garage in the winter. For one or two of the other winters I took the awning off and stored it in the garage. So all in all, that bag probably saw only about three winters outdoors. (Around here we're talking about "winter" as the whole six months between the last camping trip of the year and the first one of the next year.)

So, what I'm saying is, I think the thing probably held out longer than most, if the normal camper is stored outdoors year-round.

What have the rest of you done for repairs in this case? Do you replace the zipper only? Do you get a new awning bag sewn on? Do you buy a whole replacement awning? We opted to have a new awning bag sewn on. The shop that did it was glad for the business, but after it was done he told me I could have gotten away with just replacing the zipper.

-Speak

[Ranger3/75]

I use a cover for my unit during the winter,when its outside.Before storage I Armorall the bag real heavy,as well as all seals..Covers do help year around to protect your camper from both heat and cold affects...also,during the season,keep your awning clean,and try to avoid putting up wet
 
probably would have replaced the bag also,not just the zipper...Good luck

[Daddie_Tom]

Real common problem with Coleman bag awnings. Mine did it in my driveway..Luckily NOT on the freeway!  I just removed it and put inside the camper. It does fit from corner to corner.. I ended up buying a new awning. With the new one I keep it in the basement for the winter. Also when stored in the driveway I flip it up on the roof to relieve stress on the zipper.  Another thing I do is store the poles under the mattress to keep the weight off that zipper. To get my old one fixed it was almost as much as a new awning..

[wavery]

I have a 12' Coleman awning and awning bag that someone (local) can have. You just have to come get it.

It's from a 2002 Coleman Tacoma. The frame got bent in a wind storm and I opted to buy a new awning. However, this awning and bag (and most poles) are in great shape and I just hate to throw it away.

[tlhdoc]

I had a new awning bag made for my Coleman PU.  I had a few mods done as well. I had the lady put some Velcro straps inside the bag so that I can Velcro the awning in place before zipping the bag up.  This removes pressure from the zipper and allows me to secure the awning in place with the bag open.  This in handy when I am putting the awning away by myself.  i Velcro the awning and then I can move to the end of the bag and zip the zipper.

[rccs]

I had to replace the zipper on my awning bag a couple of years ago also. I had them put on a heavy duty brass zipper and a new bead that goes into the awning rail at an awning shop. It cost me about $60.00 to have both replaced.

[treephiz]

I just bought a whole new awning as ours didn't have one for 290 bucks with free shipping from this outfit //www.rvworkshop.com

real decent people to work with.

[wavery]

I just bought a whole new awning as ours didn't have one for 290 bucks with free shipping from this outfit //www.rvworkshop.com

real decent people to work with.

Too bad that you didn't see this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/A-E-TRIM-LINE-12-AWNING-CAMPER-POP-UP-PICKUP_W0QQitemZ140320315697QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories?hash=item20abbe1931&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318