Our 2704T Hi-Lo has the original, factory installed roller-tube type awning. Due to sun exposure the laminated layers of the awning fabric are separating where it attaches to the roof (the area of maximum sun exposure). Duct tape will get me through this camping season, but the long term fix is fabric replacement.

The awning is a Sunchaser 8500, manufactured by A & E/Dometic, and is 17 feet long X 78" wide.

After a bit of web searching, I've found an outfit that will sell replacement fabric, cut and hemmed to fit, for $439. I'd appreciate any information readers may have for sources of finished awning fabric for less cost. Thanks! Jim

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1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2007 Chevy Suburban

Have you checked to see what the OEM replacement awning, fabric only, will cost? Carefree makes replacement awnings.

Jim my 1703T awning did the same thing , just where it was exposed when rolled up , the rest of the awning was fine , probably like yours. I took the awning off the roller and took it to my local tent and awning company here in Phoenix. They cut off about 14 inches including the part that slides into the track on the top. Then stiched and seam sealed in a new piece with a new loop and welting that slide into the track on the roof. Good as new and only $80 dollars.

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Tom
2003 Hi-Lo 17T
2002 Avalanche

Rich,
Good suggestion, I called Dometic (the OEM) and got a quote for $339 + $25 shipping. Interestingly, the phone rep asked for the awning serial# (not the model#) and immediately determined it was for a Hi-Lo. I'm not sure that really mattered, but it was nice to know that they were looking at a replacement part for a very specific application.

Tom,
I REALLY like your solution! Great idea... and much less expensive than a whole new awning. I was kind of bummed that I would need to replace the entire fabric because only a 10" strip was rotting. In fact, we have a fine canvas shop in our area who has done good work for me in the past.

Thanks much!! Jim

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1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2007 Chevy Suburban

One thing to think about is, Dometic mostly "markets" awnings and many other items they sell with dometic badges, yet they are MFG'd by someone else, mine is a cartridge type awning (roller stays on camper arms come out with just the fabric on it), dometic didnt sell the parts I needed, I lucked out and found it was made (and sold) by Fiamma Inc. - Contact. They were able to sell me lots of parts you couldnt get through dometic.

This example, of course isnt your type of awning so I dont know who mfg'd yours.

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From Kansas: 29ft '95 5th, converted to toybox in rear, by Hilo. Pics soon, Some Here.

Try "rvpartscountry.com" go to "awnings'

I would check out Orlando Awning Company. They do a great job at replacing old torn residential or commercial awning. They can also go very custom depending upon your application.

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Sam
Orlando Fabric Awning

Jim

You can order direct replacement awning and/or hardware at A&E Sunchaser II at PPL

Regards,

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John

2007-22T TowLite 50th Anniversary, Valley Towing Equalizer Hitch
2008 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4 Crew Cab, Snug Top & McKesh Mirrors
Cooper AT3 LT265/70R16 AT w Slotted Rotors, Ride-Rite Air Springs

Hi John,

Thanks for the info. about A&E parts. In fact, I do have a piece of awning hardware that's developed a stress crack that I'll be ordering/replacing.

As far as the de-laminating awning fabric, I should have written feedback much earlier. One of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind forget things.

I took Tom's (455Lark) suggestion and had a local boat cover shop replace the end 14 inches of rotted fabric with some white boat cover wonder material... EXTREMELY high UV resistance. Hah, I think they make Superman's cape out of the stuff. Cost came to about $100 total with labor.

I'm very happy with the results.

Jim

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1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2007 Chevy Suburban

Great help in getting the awning repaired at a reasonable cost. I took notes for future reference. Another tip,wash your awning let it dry and then apply a product like son of a gun to both sides of the fabric. Any dirt is easy to spot clean or be brushed off with a soft broom. Sort of the same idea of wax on a floor. We do this every year,over kill. Trailer Life magazinde has an excellent article in the March issue on roof and awning care. We always get compliments on how clean our awning is. A little TLC is better than replacing an expensive awning.!! Take care,SAM