AIRSTREAM BAMBI 16RB - Awning Fabric Replacement

AIRSTREAM BAMBI 16RB – Awning Fabric Replacement

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Complete repair guide for the AIRSTREAM BAMBI 16RB – Awning Fabric Replacement.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Inspect Awning and Document Damage

Begin by fully extending the awning and visually inspecting the fabric for tears, UV deterioration, water pooling damage, or separation from the roller tube. Take photographs of any damage areas to help you identify the extent of replacement needed. Check the condition of the spline cord running along the top and bottom rails—if it’s cracked or brittle, you’ll need to replace it along with the fabric. Look for any debris trapped between the roller tube and fabric, and gently remove it with a soft brush. Document which Carefree of Colorado or Dometic A&E fabric model your Bambi 16RB uses by checking the existing awning label or your owner’s manual.

Step 2: Retract Awning and Secure Travel Position

Retract the awning fully into its closed position using the manual crank or motorized control. Install the Awning Travel Lock Clips (2-pack) onto both sides of the awning arms to lock them in the retracted position and prevent accidental deployment during work. Engage any manual latch or safety lock your specific model includes. If your Bambi 16RB has a motorized awning, disconnect the 12V power supply to prevent accidental activation. Allow the awning assembly to cool for at least 30 minutes if it was recently extended in direct sunlight.

Step 3: Remove Old Fabric and Spline Cord

Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the old Awning Fabric Rail Spline Cord from the top rail channel, starting at one end and working your way across—this typically requires 15-20 minutes of patient work. Once the top spline is removed, the fabric should pull away from the roller tube. Gently unwind the old fabric from the roller tube, supporting it as you go to prevent it from dropping or tangling. Remove any remaining spline cord fragments from both the top and bottom rail channels using the screwdriver and a wire brush. Inspect the rail channels for damage; minor debris can be cleaned with a dry cloth, but deep gouges may require using the Awning Roller Tube Repair Bracket.

Step 4: Prepare New Fabric and Roller Tube

Unroll your new Carefree of Colorado or Dometic A&E Replacement Awning Fabric in a clean, flat area and allow it to acclimate to ambient temperature for 15-20 minutes—this prevents creasing and makes it easier to work with. Inspect the roller tube for any corrosion, dents, or debris; if you find damage, apply the Awning Roller Tube Repair Bracket according to its instructions. Apply a light coat of Silicone Spray Lubricant to the roller tube surface where the new fabric will sit—this reduces friction and makes future retraction smoother. Measure the width of your existing awning rail channels to confirm compatibility with your new fabric; the standard Bambi 16RB uses 13-inch rail spacing. Ensure the new spline cord is the correct profile to match your rail channels, as mismatched sizes will cause the fabric to sit unevenly.

Step 5: Install New Fabric onto Roller Tube

Position the new fabric parallel to the roller tube with the top edge aligned with the tube’s center line. Begin rolling the new fabric tightly onto the roller tube, working from one end to the other while keeping tension even—improper tension here will cause uneven extension later. Roll slowly and check alignment every few feet to ensure the fabric isn’t bunching or twisting. The fabric should wrap around the tube with approximately 2-3 complete rotations at minimum; if your awning uses both top and bottom support rails, the fabric must extend beyond the tube enough to reach both channels with 2 inches of overlap on each side. Once fully wound, the fabric should feel snug and uniform along its entire length.

Step 6: Secure Fabric with New Spline Cord

Insert the new Awning Fabric Rail Spline Cord into the top channel first, using a flathead screwdriver to firmly press it into the groove while simultaneously feeding the fabric upward. Work in 12-inch sections from one end to the other, applying steady downward pressure to seat the spline completely—it should sit flush with the rail surface with no gaps. Repeat this process for the bottom rail channel, ensuring the fabric remains centered and wrinkle-free throughout. The spline cord should be tight enough that the fabric cannot be pulled free by hand, but not so tight that it distorts the fabric edges. Trim any excess spline cord with a utility knife and seal the cut ends with a small drop of clear silicone sealant to prevent unraveling.

Step 7: Test Extension and Verify Alignment

Remove the Awning Travel Lock Clips and slowly extend the awning by hand crank or motor control, watching for any binding, twisting, or uneven fabric movement. The fabric should extend and retract smoothly with no resistance or stuttering; if you feel grinding or resistance, stop immediately and check for twisted fabric or spline misalignment. Fully extend the awning and inspect the fabric tension—it should appear flat and evenly distributed without sags or wrinkles along the full length. Check that the Awning Pull Strap + End Cap Kit is properly attached at both ends and that the end caps are seated firmly. Extend and retract the awning 3-5 complete cycles to seat the new fabric, then apply UV-Resistant Awning Fabric Cleaner and allow it to dry—this protects your new investment and improves long-term durability.