Grand Design Reflection Awning Fabric Replacement Guide

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional RV service. Awning fabric replacement involves spring-loaded mechanisms and structural components that can cause serious injury if mishandled. Always consult a certified RV technician before attempting repairs on safety-critical systems. RollingRambles and its contributors assume no liability for injury, property damage, or warranty voidance resulting from DIY repair attempts.

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Key Takeaways

• Grand Design Reflection fifth wheels use Lippert electric awning systems; fabric replacement requires precise roller tube measurement (roller length minus 1 inch) to ensure proper fit and function.
• Spring tension release is a critical safety procedure—RIA-certified technicians recommend fully depressurizing the awning system before removing the roller tube to prevent sudden spring deployment.
• Heavy-duty 19.5oz vinyl fabric with UPF 50+ protection extends awning lifespan and resists mildew, UV degradation, and water pooling—standard for modern RV replacements.
• Proper fabric threading and roller tension adjustment directly impact water shedding, wind resistance, and motor longevity; incorrect installation can void manufacturer warranties.
• Professional installation is recommended for owners without prior mechanical experience; improper assembly may result in fabric bunching, misalignment, or safety hazards.

What Is Grand Design Reflection Awning Fabric and Why Does It Need Replacement?

Grand Design Reflection fifth wheels—including popular models like the 315RLTS—are equipped with electric power awnings manufactured by Lippert Components. These awning systems feature motorized roller tubes and weather-resistant vinyl fabric designed to extend living space and provide shade during travel and camping.

According to RollingRambles’ certified RV technicians, awning fabric deteriorates over time due to extended UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, moisture accumulation, and environmental contaminants. Typical replacement indicators include:

• Visible tears, punctures, or seam separation
• Fading, chalking, or mold/mildew discoloration
• Water pooling or improper drainage
• Fabric stiffness or brittleness indicating UV degradation
• Motor strain or grinding sounds during extension/retraction

RV maintenance professionals recommend replacing fabric every 5–7 years in high-UV climates (southern and western regions) and every 7–10 years in moderate climates to maintain warranty coverage and optimal functionality.

How Do You Measure Grand Design Reflection Awning Fabric Correctly?

Accurate fabric measurement is the foundation of successful awning replacement. According to RVIA-certified service professionals, incorrect measurements result in fabric bunching, improper tension, water pooling, and premature motor wear.

Measurement Procedure

RollingRambles’ RV maintenance team recommends the following measurement approach:

1. Fully extend the awning. Use the electric motor to deploy the awning completely. This positions the roller tube and fabric under normal tension.
2. Locate the roller tube. The roller tube is the cylindrical metal component at the awning head that holds and winds the fabric. It typically measures 4–6 inches in diameter.
3. Measure roller tube length. Using a steel tape measure, measure the complete length of the roller tube from end cap to end cap. Record this measurement in inches.
4. Subtract 1 inch for clearance. According to Lippert Components’ service documentation, the replacement fabric should measure 1 inch shorter than the roller tube length. This clearance prevents binding and allows proper roller rotation during extension/retraction.
5. Document the fabric depth. Measure the distance from the awning head rail to the ground when fully extended. This depth measurement ensures you order fabric proportional to your specific Reflection model.

Example: If your roller tube measures 192 inches, order fabric 191 inches in length. Grand Design Reflection standard awning widths typically range from 16 feet (192 inches) to 20 feet (240 inches), depending on model year and configuration.

What Safety Precautions Must Be Taken Before Removing the Roller Tube?

The awning roller tube contains a tightly wound spring mechanism under significant tension. RollingRambles’ certified technicians emphasize that improper spring release procedures have caused serious injuries, including finger crushing, facial lacerations, and broken bones.

Critical Safety Steps

1. Fully retract the awning. Use the electric motor to wind the fabric completely into the roller tube. Do not stop mid-deployment.
2. Disconnect power. Turn off the RV’s electrical system or locate the awning circuit breaker and switch it to the OFF position. This prevents accidental motor activation during work.
3. Locate the tension relief valve. On Lippert awning systems, the spring tension is held by a locking pin or tension screw on one or both ends of the roller tube. Consult your Grand Design service manual for the exact location on your model year.
4. Release spring tension slowly. Turn the tension relief screw counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn. Do not fully unscrew in a single motion. RVIA-certified professionals recommend releasing tension incrementally (1/4 turn every 30 seconds) to depressurize the spring gradually.
5. Support the roller tube. Use adjustable jack stands or mechanical lifts rated for at least 100 pounds to support the roller tube from below before removing mounting brackets. Do not rely on your hands or feet to stabilize the tube.
6. Wear protective equipment. ANSI-rated work gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Do not attempt this repair without proper PPE.

Professional Note: If you are uncomfortable with spring mechanics or lack proper support equipment, RollingRambles’ technicians strongly recommend engaging a certified RV service center for roller tube removal and reinstallation. The labor cost ($150–$300) is far less than the cost of emergency medical treatment.

How Do You Remove the Old Awning Fabric and Install New Fabric?

Fabric Removal Process

Once the roller tube is safely removed and supported, the following procedure applies:

1. Locate fabric attachment points. The fabric is attached to the roller tube via a fabric channel or sleeve. On Lippert systems, this is typically a U-channel aluminum extrusion running the full length of the tube.
2. Inspect the pull cord or insertion tab. Most modern RV awnings feature a nylon pull cord or fabric insertion tab threaded through the channel. Gently tug this cord or tab to begin sliding the old fabric out of the channel.
3. Slide the fabric completely out. Work slowly along the entire length of the tube, ensuring the fabric unwinds evenly. Have a helper stabilize the fabric end to prevent tangling or snagging on the channel edges.
4. Inspect the roller tube and channel. Before installing new fabric, examine the aluminum channel for debris, burrs, or corrosion. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the channel. Minor burrs can be smoothed with fine-grit sandpaper (220–320 grit).

New Fabric Installation

According to RollingRambles’ certified RV maintenance team, proper threading and tension are essential for longevity and safety:

1. Lay out the new fabric. Place the replacement fabric on a clean, flat surface. Verify the fabric has heat-sealed edges and no factory defects. Heavy-duty 19.5oz vinyl fabric with UPF 50+ protection meets current RV industry standards for durability.
2. Thread the insertion cord. If your new fabric includes a nylon pull cord, thread it through the fabric hem. If not, you may need to purchase a separate cord kit (available through RV parts suppliers) to facilitate installation.
3. Insert the fabric into the channel. Begin at one end of the roller tube and feed the fabric into the U-channel. Pull the insertion cord slowly and evenly to draw the entire fabric into the channel. This should be a hand-over-hand operation, not a mechanical pull, to prevent fabric bunching.
4. Ensure uniform alignment. As you thread the fabric, visually inspect both sides of the channel to confirm the fabric is centered and not twisted. Misaligned fabric can cause uneven wear, water pooling, and motor strain.
5. Secure the fabric termination. Once fully inserted, the trailing end of the fabric should reach the channel end without gaps. Some installations use a fabric end cap or adhesive-backed termination strip. Follow the specific hardware instructions provided with your fabric kit.

How Do You Adjust Roller Tension and Reinstall the Awning System?

Proper tension adjustment determines whether your new fabric will function reliably for years or fail prematurely. RollingRambles’ RVIA-certified professionals recommend the following methodology:

Tension Adjustment Procedure

1. Re-engage the spring tension mechanism. Gradually turn the tension relief screw clockwise in 1/4-turn increments. Listen and feel for increasing resistance. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the internal spring or fabric.
2. Test retraction manually. Before reconnecting power, manually attempt to retract the fabric by hand. According to Lippert’s service bulletins, the fabric should roll smoothly with moderate resistance. If you encounter binding or grinding, stop immediately and reassess spring tension.
3. Reinstall the roller tube. Once tension is set, carefully position the roller tube back into its mounting brackets. Ensure both end caps are fully seated in the bracket receivers before fastening hardware.
4. Secure mounting bolts. Tighten all mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically 15–25 foot-pounds for awning head hardware). Over-tightening can crack the aluminum extrusion; under-tightening can cause vibration and loosening during travel.
5. Reconnect electrical power. Restore power to the awning circuit and perform several full extension/retraction cycles. Observe for unusual sounds, hesitation, or misalignment.
6. Inspect water drainage. Fully extend the awning and pour water along the top edge to confirm proper water shedding toward the gutter. Water should not pool or drip from the underside of the fabric.