Dometic Awning Blistering

[JessJoe4168]

Hello,

After storage I noticed blistering on the awning on my 2019 Reflection 29RS. I was under the mistaken impression that this was a Carefree of Colorado product. When I contacted Carefree they said it was blistering and was rarely seen. They offered to send me a replacement. But then I noticed it was a Dometic product. When I contacted Dometic customer assistance via email they were quick to ascertain that I was out of warranty and provided a detailed explanation of the warranty terms. I received a comprehensive knowledge base of their warranty terms, but nothing useful.

This was the list of my questions for Dometic, still unanswered. If anyone can provide insight I would greatly appreciate your time and opinion.
Thank you in advance.

1) How can the blistering be prevented?
2) What causes the material to blister?
3) What happens if I do nothing?
4) Is it a material defect?
5) If a seem is leaking and allowing water to leak in, where is the seem located that has failed and allows water to seep in?
6) What product is recommended to apply to the seem to seal it?
6) Have you made any product or specification changes to the product fabric or changed the sealer used in the manufacturing process since this defective one was made?

[Riverbug]

Personally never seen that issue before. Quite sad that it's only a few years old. I have noticed that the material on our new awning is much lighter and seems cheaper than any of those we've had on past RVs. But with the electric versions that are common now, I guess they have to be lighter weight. Sorry, I'm not much help to you, but hope it doesn't continue to get worse.

[NB Canada]

Awning delaminating I would use a pin and poke the blisters to let the air out or they are likely to get larger

I suppose you could inject a vinyl adhesive to seal the hole and have it bond

[geotex1]

Do not puncture! The blistering will accelerate with moisture getting to the scrim! This is a common problem with thin coated fabrics, and not uncommon on the Solera awnings. I manufacture materials like these for industrial/commercial use. Fact of the matter, and I'm just being honest, you can spend a lot of time trying to slow it but you cannot repair it nor halt it. My advice is to use it to the problem is no longer asthetic and becomes functional. Then, you can invest in replacing with a higher end material. Lippert actually has higher end replacement material, but you can go to any aftermarket provider. All you need are dimensions and cord diameter. Awning material can be removed and replaced in 30 minutes with two people and ladders.

[Riverbug]

Do not puncture! The blistering will accelerate with moisture getting to the scrim! This is a common problem with thin coated fabrics, and not uncommon on the Solera awnings. I manufacture materials like these for industrial/commercial use. Fact of the matter, and I'm just being honest, you can spend a lot of time trying to slow it but you cannot repair it nor halt it. My advice is to use it to the problem is no longer asthetic and becomes functional. Then, you can invest in replacing with a higher end material. Lippert actually has higher end replacement material, but you can go to any aftermarket provider. All you need are dimensions and cord diameter. Awning material can be removed and replaced in 30 minutes with two people and ladders.

We have Sunbrella on our boat bimini, cover, etc. A local upholsterer also does custom work to replace RV awnings with Sunbrella fabric. Curious if you know enough about that fabric to have an opinion on whether it would be good for an awning? Was thinking I might go that route when ours needs replacement...

[geotex1]

We have Sunbrella on our boat bimini, cover, etc. A local upholsterer also does custom work to replace RV awnings with Sunbrella fabric. Curious if you know enough about that fabric to have an opinion on whether it would be good for an awning? Was thinking I might go that route when ours needs replacement...

You'd want Sunbrella Seamark BUT those materials are heavy and the lower end electric awning motors aren't capable of rolling it. If you ever look at a luxury coach with Seamark fabric awnings, both ends of the roller have motors and use hals sensors and controller to synchronize.

[Riverbug]

You'd want Sunbrella Seamark BUT those materials are heavy and the lower end electric awning motors aren't capable of rolling it. If you ever look at a luxury coach with Seamark fabric awnings, both ends of the roller have motors and use hals sensors and controller to synchronize.

Thanks much, I appreciate the info.

[Second Chance]

@geotex1 - how about the acrylic fabrics now offered by ShadePro and some other companies. These are what I was planning on replacing my slide toppers with - and awnings when needed.

Rob

[Hoopy Frood]

We replaced our 20' awning on our last trailer with fabric from Shadepro and it looked like high quality fabric. We sold the trailer shortly afterwards, so have no idea of the longevity.

[geotex1]

@geotex1 - how about the acrylic fabrics now offered by ShadePro and some other companies. These are what I was planning on replacing my slide toppers with - and awnings when needed.

Rob

Acrylic, IMO, is best for modern power awnings because it is light, breathable fabric. However, the fabric is not waterproof. It is only treated to be water resistant, and that treatment will degrade with time and UV. You will want to scrub with Ivory dish soap to clean and use 303 Fabric Guard for a long, trouble-free life. Also, if you do go acrylic, if they offer a protective wrap for when stowed, pay for it. The fabric is not happy when scraped by limbs.