How to replace the fabric on a Carefree Eclipse awning

A faded Carefree Eclipse awning can often be renewed without replacing the roller, arms or legs. Release the old fabric, preserve its orientation and apply even tension to the new material. Fixings vary by model year, so check the label and manual first.

Australian RV owners call the shade unit an “awning” and its supports “legs”. On a pop-top camper, caravan or RV, park on firm ground, engage the stabilisers and wheel chocks, and keep people clear of the front bar. Support any spring-loaded arm before working beneath it.

Australia’s UV, salt and red dust make material choice important. Saltwater exposure on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast differs from dry heat around Alice Springs, while summer gusts can catch an open awning like a sail. Measure in millimetres and record both rolled fabric length and attachment spacing.

Iascl Window Treatment provides photo galleries, DIY guidance and parts references rather than parts sales or repairs. Use this guide practically, then confirm model-specific fasteners or tensioning points with Carefree documentation or a qualified RV awning fitter.

Confirm the fabric specification

Start with the Eclipse label and record its model number, width, projection and rolled fabric length. Search Australian suppliers using those details, and compare the old fabric’s panel construction rather than a generic “RV awning fabric” size. Measure between attachment points in millimetres.

Compare the common options before buying:

Fabric construction	Strengths	Australian benefit	Fit check
Sun-stabilised vinyl	Durable, weatherproof and easy to clean	Suits many Carefree roll-out awnings	Match thickness and roller profile
Outdoor acrylic	Cooler feel and good colour retention	Useful for hot inland trips	Use only when approved; it can stretch
Acrylic mesh	Airflow and light filtering	Helpful in warm coastal camps	Not rainproof and not a direct substitute

The safest choice is usually the construction specified for the exact model and year. Many Eclipse units use solid, UV-stabilised vinyl, so mesh should not be chosen merely for coastal airflow.

Prepare the awning safely

Close the awning fully and disconnect power if it is motorised. Support the front rail, release any arm or spring tension, and photograph the cable, spring and roller arrangement. The Eclipse has appeared in different configurations, so do not assume a pin, clip or rivet from one version belongs on another.

Clear the workspace and lay out a clean sheet. Keep the old fabric as a template, note which face was exposed to the weather, and mark the roller bar’s direction. On a camper, protect the awning from the legs or van floor while you work.

Remove the worn fabric

Take off snap-on valances first, then release the fabric at the front rail. Support the roller and carefully unwind the material, noting how it is retained at each end. Do not cut through a hem or fixing until the retention method is clear; a cut edge may slip from the roller or rail.

Remove only the fasteners identified in the photos and manual. Ease the fabric away from the roller or spreader bar without scratching the aluminium. If a spring-loaded roller suddenly retracts, hold the bar and fit a temporary tie before continuing, keeping fingers clear from the spring.

Fit and tension the replacement

Cut the replacement to the measured panel length, allowing for the original hem and overlap, and lightly mark the top edge. Slide it onto the roller in the recorded orientation, then attach the rear bar and front rail without pinching the material. The printed or woven face should face outwards unless the old sample shows otherwise.

Restore spring tension or adjustment in small, even stages. The fabric should sit flat without tight wrinkles, and the arms should square up with the vehicle. Turn the crank or motor slowly, checking for binding, then retract and redeploy once before tightening anything further.

Care for it in Australian conditions

Rinse salt from coastal fabric with fresh water and wash off red dust with mild soap. Avoid harsh solvents and let the fabric dry fully before folding, because trapped moisture can mildew or stain the roller. Keep water away from the awning mechanism.

Roll the dry fabric loosely and align the front rail during storage. Check the roller, ratchet, springs and edges every few months, especially before a long run through regional Australia. Replace frayed cords, popped rivets or perished seals early rather than waiting for rain or road grit to expose the fault.

Solve common fitting problems

If wrinkles remain, release one side’s tension and square the arms before tightening both. A slack panel often means the fabric was cut short or fitted with excess overlap. A roller that will not turn is usually obstructed by a fold, misplaced clip or corrosion, so stop winding rather than forcing it.

If you also maintain a Sunsetter retractable awning, the awning replacement steps illustrate the same general remove-align-tension sequence on a related type. For an Eclipse, still apply the measurements and fastener locations from your own unit; visually similar awnings can use different roller systems.

Get it road-ready

Before the next trip, photograph the completed installation, save the model number and note the roller setting. If hidden rivets, damaged aluminium or an unfamiliar spring complicate the job, take it to an RV awning specialist. Searches for Australian suppliers in Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth can help check compatible parts and local advice.

Finish by opening the awning fully, checking that the legs touch level ground, then retracting and locking it for travel. Keep the fabric clean, tensioned and dry, and inspect it after storms or a dusty drive. A secure, wrinkle-free awning is ready for the road.