Smarter Awning Solutions for RV Dealers and Service Centres
RV awning repairs and replacements can present challenges for dealerships and service departments. Finding the correct replacement size, dealing with oversized freight, managing inventory and minimizing customer downtime can all affect profitability.
Velarium, an Airxcel brand, is addressing these challenges with three innovative products designed to simplify RV awning repairs and upgrades.
From universal replacement fabrics and modular roller tubes to faster-operating awning switches, these products give RV dealers and service centres new opportunities to improve efficiency and better serve their customers.
1. Cut-to-Fit Slide-Out Awning Replacement Fabrics
One Roll. Multiple Sizes. Less Inventory.
Replacing damaged slide-out awning fabric often means sourcing a specific size and waiting for the replacement to arrive.
Velarium’s Cut-to-Fit Slide-Out Awning Replacement Fabrics offer a more flexible solution.
Designed for compatibility with competitive-brand slide-out awnings, these universal replacement fabrics can be cut to the required length, allowing service departments to handle a wider variety of repairs from their existing inventory.
Key Features and Benefits
- Heavy-duty 13.5-ounce, 1000-denier fabric with sewn seams
- Universal design compatible with competitive-brand slide-out awnings
- Available in 200-foot and 600-foot rolls
- Black and white fabric options
- Supplied on a plastic roll inside a box for convenient storage and handling
- Cut to the appropriate size for each installation
Why Dealers Should Stock It
Instead of carrying numerous individual replacement fabric sizes, dealerships can stock universal fabric rolls and cut material as required.
This approach can reduce inventory complexity, improve service turnaround and help keep repairs moving without waiting for every individual replacement size.
It’s particularly attractive for service departments handling multiple RV brands and models.
2. Velarium Cut-to-Fit Awning Roller Tube
Build the Roller Tube You Need, When You Need It
Traditional awning roller tubes can be difficult and expensive to ship because of their length.
Velarium’s new Cut-to-Fit Awning Roller Tube system uses modular components that allow service departments to assemble and cut roller tubes to the required size.
The system is designed to reduce the challenges associated with transporting, storing and stocking full-length roller tubes.
Key Features and Benefits
- Available in 14-foot and 22-foot kits
- Black or white end-cap options
- Modular outer and inner tube sections
- Includes light rail, end caps and LED light strand
- 22-foot kits also include an awning cradle
- Approximately 10–15 minutes to assemble the tube
- Described by Airxcel as five times stronger than a traditional tube
- Freight cost stated as approximately 20% of traditional awning tube shipping
Available Part Numbers
| Part Number | Kit |
|---|---|
| VET014B | 14′ Kit – Black End Caps |
| VET014W | 14′ Kit – White End Caps |
| VET022B | 22′ Kit – Black End Caps |
| VET022W | 22′ Kit – White End Caps |
Why Dealers Should Stock It
Imagine being able to repair or replace an awning roller tube without waiting for a full-length replacement to be delivered.
By stocking the modular kits, dealerships can prepare for multiple awning sizes while reducing the amount of space required for inventory.
The system also offers advantages for:
- Reconditioned RVs
- Used RVs and trade-ins
- Mobile service technicians
- Service departments handling frequent awning repairs
- Dealers looking to reduce oversized freight costs
A replacement canopy is required separately. Velarium’s boxed and drop-ship canopy options can support the completed installation.
For dealerships, this means the potential for faster repairs, improved inventory flexibility and fewer delays caused by oversized freight.
3. Velarium Velocity Switch
Deploy and Retract Your Awning Nearly Twice as Fast
Sometimes the simplest upgrades can make a noticeable difference to the customer experience.
The Velarium Velocity Switch (Part # VA0801) uses proprietary technology to increase the speed at which compatible vertical-arm awnings extend and retract.
According to Velarium, side-by-side testing has demonstrated operation as much as twice as fast as other awning switches.
Key Features and Benefits
- Nearly twice as fast as standard switches
- Faster awning deployment and retraction
- Integrated soft-start technology designed to increase awning motor life
- Easy installation
- Potential to reduce exposure to sudden wind damage by retracting the awning faster
- Compatible with current and existing Velarium, Lippert and Carefree vertical-arm awnings
Why Dealers Should Offer It
The Velocity Switch is an attractive upgrade opportunity for RV parts and service departments.
It can be promoted to customers who want improved awning operation without replacing their entire awning assembly.
It also provides dealerships with an additional accessory to offer during service appointments, awning repairs and RV deliveries.
Three Products. Multiple Opportunities.
Together, these Velarium products offer RV dealerships and service departments practical ways to improve their awning business.
Cut-to-Fit Slide-Out Fabrics: Reduce the need to stock numerous individual fabric lengths.
Cut-to-Fit Roller Tubes: Reduce oversized freight challenges and make it easier to stock components for multiple awning sizes.
Velocity Switch: Offer customers a convenient performance upgrade for compatible power awnings.
For dealerships looking to improve service efficiency, manage inventory and expand their accessory offerings, these products are worth considering.
Contact GWN Marketing
GWN Marketing Inc. represents Velarium and other Airxcel brands in Canada.
If you’d like to learn more about these products, discuss stocking opportunities or arrange product training for your parts and service teams, contact your GWN Marketing representative.
GWN Marketing Inc.
Canadian Manufacturers’ Sales Representatives
Helping Canadian RV dealers deliver better products, faster service and improved customer satisfaction.
