Medical-Style Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Awning replacement involves working at height and with tensioned spring mechanisms. Always consult a certified RV technician for safety-critical repairs, particularly when handling roller tube springs or working on ladders.
Key Takeaways
- Keystone Hideout awning fabric size is typically 10 inches shorter than the advertised awning size—a 32 ft Hideout does NOT have a 32 ft awning.
- Always measure the roller tube tip-to-tip and subtract 10 inches to determine your exact fabric size; guessing can lead to poor fit and water intrusion.
- 19.5 oz vinyl fabric is the industry standard for durability and UV resistance, though acrylic options offer lighter weight at a premium price.
- Roller tube springs are pre-tensioned and dangerous—never attempt removal without proper tools and safety awareness; professional service is recommended.
- Most Hideout models in the 26–34 ft range use awnings between 14 and 18 feet, but individual trailers vary due to factory options.
I’ve been full-timing in RVs for over eight years, and there’s one maintenance task that catches owners off guard every time: replacing the awning fabric on their Keystone Hideout. The confusion almost always starts the same way: “My 32 ft Hideout has a 32 ft awning, right?” The answer is no—and that misunderstanding leads to ordering the wrong size fabric, frustration, and wasted money.
Keystone Hideout models are among Keystone’s highest-volume travel trailers, which means plenty of owners are searching for clear guidance on awning replacement. I’ve replaced fabrics on three trailers myself and helped friends troubleshoot their Hideouts, so I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way.
What Size Awning Fabric Do I Need for My Keystone Hideout?
This is the first question every owner asks, and it’s also where most people go wrong. The advertised awning size on your Hideout’s specifications sheet is not the same as the fabric size you need to order. Here’s the critical distinction:
Awning fabric is typically 10 inches shorter than the advertised awning size. A 16 ft awning, for example, uses approximately 15’2″ of fabric. A 18 ft awning uses about 17’2″ fabric. This gap exists because the fabric wraps around the roller tube and doesn’t extend all the way to the tip brackets.
The only reliable way to know your actual fabric size is to measure the roller tube yourself. Here’s how:
How to Measure Your Awning Roller Tube
- Fully extend your awning. Use the electric or manual crank to extend the fabric all the way out.
- Locate the roller tube. This is the metal cylinder running horizontally along the top of the extended awning, where the fabric wraps around.
- Measure tip to tip. Using a steel tape measure, measure from the very end of the roller tube on one side to the very end on the opposite side. Be precise—measure along the tube itself, not the bracket arms.
- Subtract 10 inches. Take your measurement and subtract 10 inches. This is your fabric size.
- Round up to the nearest half-foot. Fabric is sold in standard sizes (15’2″, 16′, 16’6″, 17’2″, 18′, etc.). If your measurement falls between sizes, round up.
Example: If your roller tube measures 17’8″ tip to tip, subtract 10 inches = 17’10”. Round up to 18’0″ (or 18 ft fabric).
Common Keystone Hideout Models and Typical Awning Sizes
Below is a reference table of Hideout floorplans in the 26–34 ft range with their typical awning sizes. These are typical dimensions only—always measure your roller tube to confirm your exact fabric size, as factory options and production variations exist.
| Hideout Floorplan | Trailer Length | Typical Awning Size | Typical Fabric Size |
| 26BHS | 26 ft | 14 ft | 13’2″ |
| 27DBS | 27 ft | 14 ft | 13’2″ |
| 28BHS | 28 ft | 15 ft | 14’2″ |
| 29BKS | 29 ft | 16 ft | 15’2″ |
| 31BHS | 31 ft | 17 ft | 16’2″ |
| 32FB | 32 ft | 18 ft | 17’2″ |
| 34BHTS | 34 ft | 18 ft | 17’2″ |
Remember: A 32 ft Hideout does NOT automatically have a 32 ft awning. Measure your roller tube to be certain.
Vinyl vs. Acrylic Awning Fabric: Which Should You Choose?
Once you’ve determined your fabric size, the next decision is material. The two standard options are vinyl and acrylic, and each has trade-offs.
19.5 oz Heavy-Duty Vinyl
Pros:
- Most durable and longest-lasting option (8–12 years in typical use)
- Excellent UV and water resistance
- Available in multiple colors (graphite gray, tan, white)
- Heat-sealed seams are waterproof and low-maintenance
- Typically $80–$100 for standard sizes
Cons:
- Heavier than acrylic, adding more weight to the roller mechanism
- Can crack in extreme cold if fabric is under tension
Acrylic Fabric
Pros:
- Lighter weight, easier on electric motors
- More breathable, resists mildew better in humid climates
- Excellent UV protection with modern treatments
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan (5–8 years)
- Seams may need resealing over time
- Typically 20–30% more expensive than vinyl
My recommendation: For most Hideout owners, 19.5 oz vinyl is the best value. It’s durable, affordable, and proven over years of use. I’ve used vinyl on all three of my trailers without issues.
Step-by-Step Awning Fabric Replacement Procedure
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- New awning fabric (correct size, measured as described above)
- Cordless drill with screwdriver bits
- Socket set (metric and standard)
- Adjustable wrench
- Ladder (extension recommended)
- Helper (this is a two-person job)
- Replacement tube end caps (if original caps are damaged)
Removal Procedure
- Fully retract the awning. Use the crank or electric motor to roll the fabric completely back into the roller tube.
- Disconnect the electric motor (if equipped). Locate the motor connector under the awning arm and unplug it. This prevents accidental deployment during removal.
- Support the roller tube. Position your ladder and have your helper support the tube from below while you work. The tube is heavy and will drop quickly if not properly supported.
- Remove the end cap brackets. These bolt to the upper arm of the trailer on each side. Use your socket set to remove the bolts (typically 12–14mm). There are usually 2–3 bolts per side. Remove one side completely, then the other.
- Slide the roller tube free. With both brackets removed, carefully slide the tube out from the arms. Have your helper guide it down—do not drop it.
- Lay the tube on sawhorses or a workbench. Ensure it’s stable and supported along its full length.
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: The roller tube contains a tightly coiled spring mechanism. This spring is under high tension. Do not attempt to unwind, cut, or disassemble the fabric from the tube yourself unless you have professional training. The spring can unwind explosively and cause serious injury. Many RV shops will remove and reinstall fabric for $150–$300, which is a worthwhile safety investment.
Professional Fabric Installation
Once your roller tube is at an RV shop, the technician will:
- Carefully unwind the spring and remove the old fabric
- Inspect the roller tube for damage or corrosion
- Install the new fabric and re-tension the spring to manufacturer specifications
- Test the mechanism to ensure smooth operation
Reinstallation Procedure
- Position the tube at the awning arms. With your helper’s support, align the tube end caps with the mounting brackets on both sides of the trailer.
- Insert the tube. Slide it into the arm brackets on both sides simultaneously. Make sure it seats fully.
- Install the bolts. Insert and hand-tighten the bolts on both sides first. Then, alternating between sides, tighten to approximately 15–20 ft-lbs (check your trailer manual for exact torque spec). Do not over-tighten, as this can strip threads.
- Reconnect the electric motor. Plug the motor connector back in (if your awning is motorized).
- Test the mechanism. Fully extend and retract the awning 2–3 times. Listen for smooth operation and watch for fabric alignment. The fabric should roll evenly without bunching.
- Check for leaks. Spray the awning with a garden hose and inspect the areas where fabric meets the roller tube. If water is dripping, the fabric may not have been installed correctly (bring it back to the shop).
When to Call a Professional
While fabric replacement itself is straightforward, the following situations require professional service:
- Spring mechanism damage or rust. If the roller tube is corroded or the spring is damaged, you’ll need a technician to repair or replace the tube.
- Motor malfunction. If your electric awning doesn’t extend or retract smoothly, have the motor serviced before installing new fabric.
- Arm bracket damage. Bent or cracked brackets require welding or replacement—not a DIY task.
- Fabric installation. As noted above, I strongly recommend professional installation due to spring tension risks.
Budget $150–$300 for professional fabric installation. This is a reasonable investment for safety and peace of mind.
Final Checklist
- ☐ Measured my roller tube tip-to-tip and subtracted 10 inches
- ☐ Ordered fabric in the correct size (not the trailer length)
- ☐ Chose 19.5 oz vinyl or acrylic based on my climate and budget
- ☐ Arranged for professional fabric installation on the roller tube
- ☐ Gathered tools and a helper for awning removal/reinstallation
- ☐ Tested the awning after reinstallation for smooth operation and leaks
About This Article
Written by Drew Callahan, who has been living and traveling full time in an RV for several years and logging more than 80,000 miles across North America in three rigs: a travel trailer, a Class C motorhome, and a cargo van converted by hand. This guide combines that first-hand experience with Keystone floorplan specifications and awning fabric sizing charts. You can read more about how this site started on the about page.
What this guide is and isn’t. Drew Callahan is an experienced owner, not a certified RV technician, and this guide reflects hands-on experience plus manufacturer documentation rather than formal training. Where a step is safety critical — handling a tensioned roller tube during fabric replacement — have a certified RV technician confirm your diagnosis before you start. Nothing here replaces your rig’s own manual.
Verify These Details Against Your Own Rig
Specifications change by model year and floorplan, so treat the numbers here as a starting point and confirm them against the primary sources for your rig:
- Keystone RV — floorplan specifications and owner manuals
- Dometic — awning fabric sizing charts
- Lippert Components — awning hardware documentation
