Pity you are so far away GANDK as I just replaced ours two months ago. 

But there are a number of You Tube videos on the Internet about how to go about it. Two people can do it, three people better. (Generally, wives don't like standing on a ladder!)

Firstly: buy a can of silicone spray to squirt into the grooves to make the awning splines slide in easy.

One of the end caps on the roller will have an arrow embossed on it - that will be the one with the spring. After removing the holding screws on that cap put a screw driver or such into the slot where the locking tab on the horizontal arm goes and hold it while easing the cap off. Then hold onto the screw driver and let it turn slowly. It is important to count the turns as you let the spring unwind! (When putting the cap back on count the turns to wind the spring back up.)

with the cap off you can slide the old awning out of the two grooves at the same time as pulling the awning from the top sail track.

Prop the roller on some sort of stands - the backs of a couple of kitchen chairs will probably do.

Standing on a ladder start sliding the top of the awning into the top sail track - one person pulling and the other lifting and guiding it. Do about half a metre then switch to the two grooves in the roller. Keep going until the awning is all the way on. (By the way, the outer groove is called the valance - it is one of the points where measurements are taken.)

Then replace the end cap on the roller. Using the screwdriver or other lever turn the cap in the direction of the arrow and count the turns, replace the holding screws then flick the 'lock' lever to roll up the awning and the job is done.

That will save you $300! Also, the cost of $400 will probably be less than your insurance excess.

Hope that helps. 

Murray

PS: The spring in our roller was at the other end from the lock/unlock lever. Apparently, the smaller awnings will be the same as the lever.

 

-- Edited by Long Weekend on Saturday 15th of December 2018 04:59:22 PM

Hi GanDK,
If yours is a Carefree awning it may we worth getting the awning plus roller below. A friend and myself changed over my sons longer awning in around 15 minutes from memory. Its not involved at all. For $480 plus free delivery. Just check your measurements and would also talk to RV express about it.

www.rvpartsexpress.com.au/carefree-roll-out-awnings/carefree-10ft-black-and-grey-dune-roll-out-awning-no-arms-7797.html

Peter

Further to erad's comment above, to me its best to have the colour close to the caravan with white at the roller end, ( but generally not available as probably does not look as nice when rolled out) so when the awning is rolled up ( for storage/travel)the end of the roll in the sun is white so will not deteriorate in the sun as much, alternatively you could fit a cover above the awning to shade the rolled up coloured fabric as a friend as done.

Hi gandk,

I could have explained taking the spring out better:

1. Remove the screw holding the top on the leg. Insert a screwdriver, length of pipe or dowel into the slot and use it to take the spring load off the top and ease it off the leg.

2. Then holding onto the lever let the spring unwind. Count the turns.

If an accident happens and the spring lets go with a whir don't worry.

3. Remove the two screws holding the end cap onto the roller. Wriggle the cap loose and pull out the spring.

You will probably find it rusted like mine. Give it a good spray with WD-40.

4. After the awning has been put in place slide the spring back into the roller. Line up the groove on the cap for the annex wall and put the two screws back in.

5. Using the lever in the slot wind on the required number of turns. Slip the top back onto the leg and put the screw back in.

Mine took eleven turns.

When retracting the awning if it is sluggish and doesn't go all the way up remove the top and add another turn or two.

If it slams up with the possibility of causing damage, take the top off and unwind a turn or two. 

Hope the step by step instructions help.

Regards,

Murray