Parts Needed To Swap To A 21' Awning On A Forest River Forester 2861DS

Updated 10/21/2024 | Published 10/05/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Solera XL 12V Power RV Awning - 21' Wide - 9'8" Projection - Blue Fade

(70)

$2060.22

LaSalle Bristol XTRM Universal Non-Sag Sealant for RVs - White - 10.1 oz - Qty 1

(76)

$29.89

Alpha Systems Butyl Tape for RV Weatherproofing - 20' x 1" x 3/16"

(224)

$25.41

Solera Awning Cradle Support - White

(5)

$49.34

Solera Awning Cradle Support - Black

(14)

$62.67

Question:

Hello. I have a Forest River Forester 2861DS Class C and it has a Solera 14’ awning on it. The one side is mounted right next to the door and the door hits it. It also doesn’t cover the dinette window. I’m interested in going to a 21’ Solera and mounting to the front corner near the cab. I’m wondering what besides the awning will I need since I’m going wider than the original. The track at the top runs front to back but I wanted to confirm it was appropriate for a larger awning. Also, I wanted to know if the blue fade comes with black arms or white. Also, it have led lights attached? My current one something that looks like an aftermarket strip that was secured under the awning with adhesive. Didn’t know if lights was an option with the awning or if I should just reuse what I have. Thanks in advance for the advice.

asked by: Ken G

Expert Reply:

Hey Ken,

In order to go larger you'll need the extrusion rail (top rail the fabric slips into at the wall) to cover the length of the awning, mounting hardware, butyl tape # AL28FJ, non-sag sealant # 344270341437-1, and some extra wiring to run from the new awning to either the existing switch or to install the new switch included with the # LC75FR. I would also recommend reaching out to Forest River and seeing if they'll give you a diagram of the stud layout so you can measure and make sure you place the arms so that they mount into a stud instead of just the wall.

This kit comes with white arms but won't come with with the Vista LED light strip that you currently have. You can get a new one to match your new awning size though. I'm getting the 21' size added to our selection and it should be live soon.

With a 21' awning you'll notice the middle of the awning tube will sag and wag around while the RV is on the road so I highly recommend also picking up a cradle support # LC289373 (white) or # LC289374 (black) to help hold the tube up when it's retracted.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Keng

10/16/2024

Hi Kevin This is super helpful. I have a clarification question on the top rail. The current rail runs the length of the RV. When you mention the extrusion rail, if the one there now runs the whole length of the rv and would cover the new length, I don’t need to replace it, correct? I just wanted to confirm there wasn’t a different one required for the longer length. Otherwise I understand the rest of what I need to get. I’ll get an order placed once I confirm the rail question. Thanks again Ken

Kevin C.

10/21/2024

@Keng No, if the factory already has an extrusion rail installed you can definitely use it instead of spending time mounting a new one. I would hang onto the spare though incase anything happens to yours and it needs to be replaced since these are a bit pricey when you have to purchase them by themselves.