*** Attention: Current axle delivery time has decreased by Dexter to up to 6 weeks ***                                                                                                                                                                                         *** Attention: Current axle delivery time has decreased by Dexter to up to 6 weeks ***

Carefree RV Awning Fabric Selection Guide


FABRIC INFORMATION

Vinyl and Acrylic Fabric Advantages
Whether you are buying a new RV and customizing it to your needs, or simply looking to replace your RV awnings, most customers are faced with the big question: which fabric type do I purchase? While Carefree fabrics are all high quality, one fabrics attributes might suit your needs and lifestyle better than the other, so here is a little information on each!


Vinyl Fabric
Vinyl fabrics come standard with standard vinyl Weatherguard, or you can choose from optional Alumaguard, Uniguard or FLXguard fabric protection for when your awning is closed. Vinyl Weatherguard is a heavy-duty section of vinyl that wraps around your vinyl when your RV awning is retracted. Road grime, UV rays and pollution won't penetrate to the actual awning canvas, extending the lifetime of the fabric. Since vinyl fabrics are a laminated fabric, water will not soak through making them water-proof. Vinyl Weatherguard comes standard with most Carefree of Colorado vinyl RV awnings.

Vinyl RV awning fabric is mildew resistant, but not necessarily mildew-proof. Mildew, which forms on the dirt and dust that collects on a vinyl fabric, can be particularly troublesome in warm humid climates or if the fabric is stored when it is wet.


Acrylic Fabrics
Acrylic fabric is a woven cloth that allows air to circulate through the fabric. They can handle burning sun, drenching rain, freezing ice and snow, wicked winds,irritating dust and dirt, pesky bugs-you name it. The woven acrylic cloth can quickly dry and although not recommended, it is able to be rolled up when wet. Since woven acrylic is very breathable, the air constantly moving through the fabric means that the temperature under the canopy will stay cooler than under vinyl awning fabric. Since the patterns and colors are woven in the acrylic fabrics and not painted - you can trust that your canopy will stay vibrant for years.

Carefree of Colorado acrylic awnings are also protected with our exclusive, patented Alumaguard, Uniguard or FLXguard. Alumaguard is made up of several aluminum slats that hinge and wrap around your retracted awning canopy, providing unsurpassed protection for your awning fabric when not in use. Uniguard is a single piece of aluminum in the shape of your roller-tube, and wraps around your retracted canopy. FLXguard is made from a Carefree proprietary polymer-based material which has the look and protection properties of expensive metal wraps at an economical price. You must have Alumaguard, Uniguard or FLXguard in order to install acrylic fabric.


Note: Color representations may not be accurate due to monitor display limitations.




VINYL FABRIC
Carefree vinyl awnings feature superior construction with the most durable vinyl specs in the industry. The lower portion of a vinyl canopy is usually brightly colored with stripes or fades. The top portion is called Weatherguard, and it protects the fabric from sun, scrapes and exposure when the awning is rolled up.
Weatherguard color options are shown on top; canopy below.
For Carefree's Premium Vinyl, Dune Stripes, Shale Fades and Classic Favorites we offer scaled proportional fabric patterns to match window awnings to patio awnings. These fabrics feature proportionally smaller patterns to enhance the entire look of the outside of your RV.


Premium Vinyl Fabrics
Our premium vinyl awnings are made with a 15oz vinyl and are double-hemmed with long-lasting Gore Tenara thread. They are embedded with an antimicrobial agent to stand up against mildew. Built to last, these fabrics stand up to the light, weather and cleaners better than any other fabric and carry a 10-year warranty (see individual product warranty info for more detail). This 10-year warranty is for parts and freight, 1 year for labor.


  • 1000 denier fabric is stronger, more durable and longer lasting than the competition’s 400 denier fabric.
  • Double hemmed & double stitched with matching red Gore® Tenara® thread for added durability and a clean, finished look.
  • Matching scaled proportional fabrics allow window awnings and other small awnings to display the full pattern of the larger main patio awning . . . the competition simply cuts off most of the pattern from the larger awning fabric.
  • Standard Vinyl Weatherguard protection available in white or matching colors . . . or choose optional FLXguard, Uniguard or Alumaguard in white, black or satin colors.



The following vinyl awnings are made with a 13.5oz vinyl and are single-hemmed with traditional fabric thread. Built to last, these fabrics are more durable than competitive awning brands and carry a 1-year warranty (see individual product warranty info for more detail).
This includes Dune Stripes, Shale Fades, Classic Favorites.

Dune Stripes (Double-Sided Fabric)
Shale Fades (Single-Sided Fabric)
Classic Favorites (Single-Sided Fabric)




ACRYLIC FABRIC
With only minimal care acrylic fabrics will not rot, mildew or deteriorate. The vivid color can't be removed or washed out because the color pigment is actually in the thread, so the color runs all the way through. The fabric keeps its beautiful color for years. It won't crack, peel or harden. Acrylic fibers are very strong and extremely durable.


Standard Acrylic Colors
Custom Acrylic Colors
Upgrade your Acrylic fabric to a custom solid or striped acrylic pattern!
More than 130 custom acrylic colors from which to choose



Striped custom acrylic is not available for the Mirage.
All striped fabrics are horizontal. Vertical stripes are no longer available.




POLYWEAVE VINYL
Polyweave available for select OEM installations and replacement canopies only.
Limited color availability. Limited supply. Polyweave canopies are made with matching Polyweave Weatherguard.
Upcharge applies for Polyweave Fabrics.


FULLVIEW
This open weave fabric actually cuts about 85% of the sun's glare, to keep you cool and comfortable -
and you can see right through it! It doesn't block your view.
It's 100% polyester with a durable vinyl coating.





GORE TENARA®
Gore® Tenara® thread resists UV sunlight, chemicals, saltwater, extreme weather, and acid rain. It is an upgrade option for slideout fabrics from our standard high quality Nylon/Cotton standard thread.

Gore® Tenara® thread is already in use with our popular Premium Vinyl Fabrics and is a key reason why we are able to offer a 10 year warranty on the Premium VInyl fabric construction.
We are excited to offer this premium enhancement to our slideout fabrics.

  • Slideout Cover
  • SideOut Kover I / II / III
  • Ascent
  • Alpine