How To Repair A Damaged Vintage Trailer Awning

I originally made this Sunbrella Coastal Spa 15' awning for my nephew and his wife. I had informed  them to repair the awning rail on their vintage trailer, before using the new awning. However, the young couple forgot to. Needless to say, damage was incurred during their very first time out camping. Other campers, trying to help the "Newbies" set up, forced the awning through a dented, dinged up awning rail, with rough edges. So, let me use this as a reminder, to always clean out your awning rail, and check for any damage each year before going camping. 

Their trailer was beyond their skill level to repair, so it was sold within the first year. I told them I would repair their awning and see if anyone else wanted it
Another young family purchased the repaired awning, and used it extensively for 6 more years, before a severe storm took it's toll on it.
Since it was Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric, I agreed to make repairs again, knowing it had many more years of use ahead.
It was tedious removing so many stitches, but I was able to free up the fabric covered pull cord, to replace the damaged, previously repaired section again. The pull cord also was starting to fray, so I wrapped each strands with double sided Sunbrella seam tape. I am waiting on washable fabric glue to arrive, to re-twist the rest of the cord.

Repaired section of fabric covered pull cord needs replacing again after 6 years

A weakened area, from the original dented awning rail, has frayed and needs repair after 6 years

Damaged section of fabric was replaced over the pull cord

Double sided awning seam tape was inserted into the torn area, then the frayed ends tucked into the tape and down into the  cord with the tip of a seam ripper. Fray Check then was layered over the repair.

I had a scrap of fabric stored away in a dresser drawer for 7  years. As you can see the awning hasn't faded over the years, even with extensive use.

Before I replaced the popped grommets, I tucked some interfacing into the hole, reshaped the hole and placed  new grommets.

Here again you can see the fabric scrap next to the 7 year old awning. Also, see the repaired fabric covered pull cord.

Replaced a section of the fabric on the end of the pull cord.

                                                       #awningrepair

Popped two grommets during a severe storm.

Next I inserted both repaired ends of the fabric covered pull cord into my c-channel awning rail, to be sure they would slide through past the repairs. Thankfully, they did!

Repaired fabric covered pull cord slides into the c-channel awning rail, past the new section.

The awning is upside-down in this picture, because I am just testing the repaired section of the fabric covered pull cord to be sure it will still slide into the c-channel awning rail past the repair.

This repair was not for the faint of heart, so to speak!  An awning with "wounds" needing surgery, after many years of continuous use, in all types of weather. Many stitches were removed to access the areas, many more stitches were needed to replace and repair all of the damage. Weak, frayed, areas were reinforced with Sunbrella seam tape and Fray Check. Popped grommets were replaced after reinforcing with interfacing and re-contouring the holes. I hope this information is useful, as a reminder to always repair your awning rails, and clean them out each year before setting up your awning. Dings and dents will happen, while pulling into campsites, or even while stored when branches fall.  This particular awning had been repaired once 6 years ago, so I am hoping it will provide at least 6 more years for this family to enjoy, on their many travels across the great USA.

Expecting a Small Shipment Of Marine Grade Awning Fabric For Fall 2017

I will be supplementing my Sunbrella Inventory of patterns with a small shipment, to finish off the 2017 awning making season. Some patterns have limited yardage, because I just don't have room to store large quantities of fabric at this time. Be sure to inquire with the most level section of your c-channel awning rail, so I will know which patterns have a sufficient amount for that size of awning.
Contact Me: 

Burgundy Black White

Saxon Chili

Baycrest Sky

Forest Green Beige Natural

Manhattan Classic

Kiawah Spa

Colonnade redwood

Forest Green Fancy Stripe

Henna Fern

4768 Preston Stone dfoster@bellsouth.net

4878 Rodanthe Sunrise dfoster@bellsouth.net

4891 Manhattan Dune dfoster@bellsouth.net

                                     Motive Denim 4895 dfoster@bellsouth.net

I have a Ready Made Awning 10' x 8' Available for Sale

 SOLD

4949 Forest Vintage Bar Stripe dfoster@bellsouth.net

4994 Eastridge Cocoa dfoster@bellsouth.net

4946 Black Taupe Fancy Stripe dfoster@bellsouth.net

Gray/Black/White dfoster@bellsouth.net

          Here are other patterns that are still available too:

Clinton Granite dfoster@bellsouth.net

Mediterranean Canvas Block Stripe dfoster@bellsouth.net

Manhattan Fog dfoster@bellsouth.net 10' x 8' available for sale

Forest Green/Natural

Westfield Mushroom

5907 Taupe 5 Bar

Navy/Taupe Fancy Stripe

Black Forest Fancy Stripe

Brass Black Cherry

Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe

Heather Beige Classic

Putty Regimental

Cooper Black

4740 Beaufort Ember

Colonnade Current

Manteo Cardinal

Hatteras Raven

                         

Do A Little Research To Be An Educated Vintage Trailer Awning Consumer

Glen Raven has so much confidence in their Sunbrella line of 46" wide marine grade awning fabric, that they expect 10 years in constant direct sunlight before experiencing any fading.
Have you looked into the hours of expected direct sunlight before fading, using different brands of outdoor furniture upholstery fabric? It ranges from 300-1000 hours. So expect fading after about 4 weeks of camping during the long, hot, summer days. Why is this? Because outdoor upholstery fabric is intended for furniture cushions, and pillows protected from direct sunlight on a porch.

Of course, I have customers asking me to make awnings with 54" wide patterns, that they want to send me. However, I do not make decorative, fair weather awnings, using outdoor grade upholstery fabric.
If you want a Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric awning, that stands up to the sun, wind, and rain, for many years to come, then Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi is happy to help. More vertical striped marine grade awning fabric patterns should be arriving soon.
The color to the core technology of 100% acrylic, solution dyed Sunbrella, is what makes the difference. It is not just a screen printed layer of color, and UV protection, on top of a woven fabric. With Sunbrella, every fiber is dyed to the core before it is woven into material.
Be an educated consumer-Do A little Research-Hope this information is helpful.

 

 dfoster@bellsouth.net

Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi

Sunbrella Marine grade awning fabric is a stiff, sturdy, durable material, designed specifically for awnings

While I Am Away Instructions

 My husband will still be at home, to mail out any Pre-Made awning sales.

I have been going through my new fabric inventory this past week, so I have a pretty good idea of how much yardage I have in the different Sunbrella patterns.
Since I will be trying to answer questions from an I-Phone, here are some basic instructions, for while I am away.
1) Know the name of the Sunbrella pattern that you are inquiring about. Or attach a picture of it in an email or Facebook private message. Select patterns from my inventory of Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric.
Click the picture, then click the i (information), for a new screen to open with the name and pattern number up on the right hand side of the page.

 Pictures Of Patterns Link
2) Know the measurement of the most level section of your c-channel awning rail and make sure the opening on the end of the rail has a 3/8" diameter.
3) Let me know if it is a traditional flat awning or an arched awning that you are inquiring about, or a VW Westfalia Awning.
4) A zip-code is helpful in figuring out the shipping and insurance.
5)Attaching a picture of your trailer's color scheme and awning rail is also helpful. Especially if you aren't sure where to measure or need help deciding on a fabric pattern to coordinate.
6) While I am away, a PayPal deposit of $100.00 will reserve the Sunbrella fabric pattern, or inventory awning, plus the next place in line upon my return. The date and time of deposit will determine the wait line order.

I will answer questions by email, or Facebook private message as time allows. 
Your help will be appreciated. My answers need to be short and to the point.  Thank You, Kristi

Contact me:
Facebook Page 

2017 Inventory Is In Progress Awnings For Sale

I have been gradually making progress going through some of my fabric inventory, to see which patterns I will be turning into Inventory Awnings. Here is the run-down so far:      Contact Me
PayPal fees are based on awning price. Expect $10.00 -$12.00 extra to cover fees.
GA shipping ONLY add 7% state sales tax.

Update 2018: Between awning orders I am also working on more inventory awnings. The extremely cold temperatures of January 2018 in Georgia, only allow me to work in my basement workshop on certain days. Hopefully this arctic express will end soon!
                           8' x 8' Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe Sunbrella awning for sale

8' x 8' awning for sale

                                    8' x 8' Turquoise Sunbrella awning for sale

8' x 8' Turquoise Sunbrella awning for sale

                                                         dfoster@bellsouth.net

8' x 8' awning for sale

8' x 8' awning for sale

Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe Sunbrella 8' x 8' For Sale

Sunbrella Turquoise 10' x 8' awning for sale SOLD

dfoster@bellsouth.net 10' x 8' awning for sale Turquoise SOLD

Kiawah Spa 6' x 6' awning for sale

dfoster@bellsouth.net

Sunbrella Kiawah Spa awning for sale 6' x 6'

6'x6' Beaufort Azure Sunbrella Awning for sale

6' x 6' Vintage trailer awning for sale dfoster@bellsouth.net

Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi dfoster@bellsouth.net

12' x 8' BayCrest Sky Awning For Sale SOLD

12' x 8' Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric BayCrest Sky SOLD

Awning for sale 12' x 8' BayCrest Sky Sunbrella

                                                     #awningsforsale
                                                     #vintagetrailerawningsforsale
                                                      #ropeandpoleawningsforsale
Contact Me:
                                 10' x 8' Manhattan Fog Sunbrella Awning for Sale

Awning for Sale $275.00 plus $25.00 S/I plus PayPal fees

SOLD

                                     10' x 8' Motive Denim Awning for Sale SOLD

Awning for Sale $275.00 plus $25.00 S/I plus PayPal fees

Ready to mail 8' x 8' Dickson Beverly a 100% acrylic marine grade awning fabric. PayPal and USA only                                   SOLD

$225.00 plus $18.00 S/I in USA.plus PayPal fees

 Preston Stone 7 1/2' x 8' with pockets for shock poles and center tie strap for shock poles. Shock poles sold separately or make your own. (SOLD WITH SHOCK POLES)

$250.00 plus $18.00 S/I in USA.

      Grey/Beige/Chip Fancy is almost completed. It can either be for a VW Westfalia or a vintage trailer 71/2' x 8' arched awning with pockets for shock poles.

$250.00 plus $18.00 S/I in USA shock poles sold separately or make your own.

 Mediterranean Canvas Block Stripe Awning 8' x 8' is completed and ready to mail.

$225.00 plus $18.00 S/I in USA plus PayPal fees SOLD

                    Eastland Redwood 10' x 8' 

dfoster@bellsouth.net

                  Yellow/White 6 Bar 7 1/2' X 7 1/2' (SOLD)

Arched Awning SOLD Add

                        Baycrest Sky 12' x 8' Ready to Mail

                    Colonnade Current 8' x 8' or 10' x 8'

dfoster@bellsouth.net

                          Manhattan Classic 10' x 8'

                             Sapphire Vintage Bar Stripe 10' x 8' SOLD

                        Black Taupe/Fancy Stripe 8' x 8', 10' x 8'

                          Preston Stone 7 1/2' x 8' is ready.
Has pockets for shock poles to arch it upward for extra height underneath and incline for rain run-off. SOLD

Arched awning with pockets for shock poles

                                              Rodanthe Sunrise

                                     Captain Navy Natural Classic

                                                 Brass Black Cherry

9' Rail length extending out 8' from trailer. In progress.

I will continue to update this as I measure remaining fabric and decide what size awning can be make from the leftover yardage.