What comes in a 20-foot RV awning complete kit
A 20-foot RV awning complete kit includes the motorized or manual awning fabric, the aluminum roller tube and support arms, mounting brackets, hardware, and installation instructions. The kit is sized to fit the standard 20-foot awning channel found on most travel trailers and small Class C motorhomes. You get everything needed to mount it to your RV's exterior wall—no separate purchases of brackets, fasteners, or fabric required.
The fabric itself is typically vinyl or acrylic, treated to resist UV damage and mildew. The roller tube is the horizontal aluminum bar that the fabric wraps around; it slides into the awning channel on your RV's sidewall. The support arms (usually two) extend downward and outward to hold the fabric taut when deployed. All hardware—bolts, washers, rivets, and end caps—comes in the box.
Some kits are motorized, meaning a small electric motor powers the fabric in and out; others are manual, requiring you to crank a handle. Motorized kits cost more but save effort on frequent deployment. Manual kits are lighter, cheaper, and have fewer moving parts to fail.
Key Takeaways
- A complete kit includes the fabric, roller tube, support arms, all brackets, and hardware—you do not need to buy components separately.
- The 20-foot size fits the standard awning channel on travel trailers and smaller motorhomes; measure your RV's channel before ordering to confirm fit.
- Motorized awnings cost more but deploy with a button; manual awnings require hand-cranking but are simpler and less prone to electrical failure.
- Installation takes 2 to 4 hours and requires basic tools: a drill, socket set, and a level; some RVs need the old awning removed first.
- Proper installation prevents water pooling under the fabric and reduces stress on the mounting points that can lead to leaks or frame damage.
Measuring your RV's awning channel before you buy
The awning channel is the aluminum slot running horizontally along your RV's exterior wall, just below the roofline. Measure the length of this channel from end to end with a tape measure. A 20-foot kit fits channels between 19 and 20 feet; if your channel is shorter (16 or 18 feet) or longer (22 feet), you need a different size kit.
Also check the channel's width and depth. Most RV channels are standard, but some older or specialty trailers vary. Look at your RV's manual or contact the manufacturer with your model number; they can confirm the channel dimensions. Ordering the wrong size means the roller tube will not fit, or the fabric will not deploy fully, leaving gaps where rain can enter.
Manual versus motorized awning kits
A manual awning kit uses a hand crank to roll the fabric in and out. You stand at the side of the RV and turn the crank handle, which winds the fabric onto the roller tube. Manual awnings are lighter (easier to handle during installation), cheaper by $300 to $600, and have no electrical components to fail. They work in any weather and require no battery power. The trade-off is that cranking takes 30 to 60 seconds, and repeated use can tire your arm.
A motorized awning kit has a small 12-volt DC motor built into the roller tube. You press a button on a remote control or wall switch, and the motor deploys or retracts the fabric in 10 to 20 seconds. Motorized awnings are convenient for frequent use and for people with limited mobility. The downside is higher cost, the need for a 12-volt power source (usually your RV's battery or auxiliary power), and more components that can fail—motor, switch, wiring, and remote.
If you camp in one spot for days or weeks, a motorized awning saves effort. If you move frequently and deploy the awning only occasionally, manual is simpler and more reliable.
Tools and preparation needed for installation
Before you start, gather a cordless drill with bits, a socket set (usually 3/8-inch drive), a level, a tape measure, a pencil, and a helper—installation is much easier with two people. You will also need a ladder tall enough to reach the awning channel safely. Check that your RV is parked on level ground; if it is tilted, the awning will not hang straight.
If your RV already has an old awning, you must remove it first. This usually means unbolting the roller tube from the mounting brackets and carefully lowering it. Some older awnings are riveted; you will need to drill out the rivets. Take photos of the old installation before you disassemble it—they serve as a reference for where the new brackets go.
Clear the area around your RV so you have room to work and move the ladder. Lay out all kit components on a clean surface and verify that everything listed in the instructions is present. Missing hardware now means a trip to the hardware store mid-installation.
Step-by-step installation process
Start by inserting the roller tube into the awning channel. Slide it all the way to one end, then center it so there is equal overhang on both sides. Use a level to confirm the tube is horizontal; if it tilts, water will pool on one side of the fabric when deployed.
Next, bolt the mounting brackets to the RV's exterior wall. The brackets hold the roller tube in place and support the weight of the fabric and arms. Mark the bolt holes with a pencil, drill pilot holes (smaller than the bolt diameter), then insert bolts and tighten them snugly—not so tight that you crack the aluminum, but tight enough that there is no play. Use a socket wrench for even pressure.
Attach the support arms to the roller tube and to the lower mounting points on the RV's wall. The arms should be parallel to the ground when the awning is fully deployed. If they angle downward or upward, the fabric will not hang evenly and will wear unevenly. Adjust the arm brackets until the angle is correct, then tighten all bolts.
For motorized kits, run the 12-volt power wire from your RV's battery or auxiliary power panel to the motor switch. Use marine-grade wire and a waterproof connector; poor electrical connections cause the motor to fail or create a fire hazard. Test the motor before you close up any panels or covers.
Maintenance and common issues after installation
After installation, inspect the awning monthly. Check that all bolts remain tight—vibration from driving can loosen them. Look for tears or punctures in the fabric; small holes can be patched with a vinyl repair kit, but large tears require fabric replacement. Clean the fabric twice a year with mild soap and water to prevent mildew buildup, especially if you camp in humid climates.
The most common problem is water pooling under the fabric when it rains. This happens when the roller tube is not level or when the support arms are not angled correctly. Water weight stresses the mounting brackets and can eventually tear the fabric or crack the RV's exterior wall. If you see pooling, loosen the arm bolts, adjust the angle slightly, and retighten. A small slope toward the ends of the awning is normal and helps water run off.
For motorized awnings, test the motor every few weeks. If it moves slowly or makes grinding sounds, the motor may be failing. Electrical corrosion is common in damp climates; inspect the power connections and clean any white or green corrosion with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner. If the motor does not respond to the remote, check that the battery is charged and the switch is receiving power.
Cost and warranty considerations
A manual 20-foot awning kit typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on fabric quality and brand. Motorized kits range from $900 to $1,800. Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy a name-brand kit (Dometic, Carefree, A&E) or a generic alternative. Name brands usually come with better warranties and more readily available replacement parts.
Most kits include a 1 to 3-year warranty on the motor (if motorized) and fabric. The warranty usually covers defects in materials and workmanship but not damage from improper installation, weather events, or wear from use. Keep your receipt and warranty paperwork; you will need them if a component fails. Some retailers offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
Installation labor, if you hire a professional, typically costs $300 to $600. This is worth considering if you are uncomfortable working at height or do not have the tools. A professional installation also comes with a service may provide—if something leaks or fails shortly after installation, they will fix it at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a 20-foot awning kit on an RV with a different channel size?
No. The roller tube must fit snugly in the channel; if the channel is too narrow or too wide, the tube will not slide in or will rattle during driving. Measure your channel before ordering. If your RV has a non-standard channel, contact the awning manufacturer to see if they offer a custom size or adapter kit.
How long does a motorized awning motor last?
A well-maintained motorized awning motor typically lasts 5 to 10 years. Lifespan depends on how often you deploy the awning, the climate you camp in, and whether you keep the electrical connections clean and dry. Motors fail faster in humid or salty environments (coastal areas) due to corrosion.
What should I do if the awning fabric tears while I am camping?
Small tears (under 2 inches) can be patched with a vinyl repair kit from an RV supply store. Clean the area, explore adhesive, and press the patch over the tear. For large tears or punctures, retract the awning fully and do not deploy it again until you can have the fabric professionally repaired or replaced. Driving with a damaged awning can make the tear worse.
Do I need to retract the awning before driving?
Yes, always. Driving with the awning deployed risks wind catching the fabric and tearing it or bending the support arms. Even at low speeds, wind gusts can damage the awning. Make retracting the awning part of your pre-drive checklist.
Can I leave the awning deployed in light rain?
Yes, but monitor it. Light rain should run off the fabric without pooling. If you see water collecting in the middle of the awning, retract it or adjust the support arms to increase the slope. Heavy rain or wind should prompt you to retract the awning to prevent damage and stress on the mounting points.