Prefer to find your awning quickly using our dropdown menu: Click Here Keeping your Thule awning in perfect working order shouldn't be complicated. We stock genuine spare parts for all major Thule Omnistor models including the popular 5200, 4900, 6300, and 8000 series. From replacement support arms and fabric panels to motor assemblies and adjustment components, we've got everything you need to repair and maintain your caravan or motorhome awning. Thule awnings are built to last, but even the best equipment needs occasional maintenance - a worn spring arm or torn fabric can often be repaired rather than replacing the entire awning.
Thule Omnistor awnings are fitted to thousands of UK motorhomes and caravans, but they can suffer from common issues like fabric sagging, arms that won't retract properly, and motor problems on electric models. Most repairs are straightforward with the right genuine parts - replacing a damaged support arm, adjusting tension settings, or fitting a new motor assembly can restore your awning to perfect working order. We stock parts for current models as well as many discontinued Thule awnings, with technical support available to help identify exactly what you need.
Our parts database covers everything from simple end caps and brackets to complete spring arm assemblies and replacement fabrics. Bear in mind that Thule awnings are precision-engineered systems where using genuine parts is particularly important for safety and proper operation. Compatible alternatives might seem cheaper initially, but they often don't meet Thule's strict tolerances and can cause more problems than they solve. We offer fast UK delivery with most parts dispatched same day when ordered before 3:30pm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is a very common issue with Thule Omnistor awnings, often caused by bent front rails, incorrect fabric tension, or worn spring arms. First check if the front rail is bent by extending the awning fully and measuring the distance from the cassette to the front rail at both ends - they should be equal. If the rail is bent, it can sometimes be straightened by applying gentle downward pressure in the centre whilst retracting. If that doesn't work, you may need tension adjustments or replacement of worn balance adjusters and spring arms.
Fabric sagging is usually caused by overstretched material or worn tension components rather than the fabric itself being faulty. Try winding the awning back slightly after full extension to increase tension - this is normal operation for Thule awnings. If the fabric still sags, check the spring arms and tension adjusters for wear. Fabric that's curling at the edges or has permanent creases may need replacement, but often the problem is mechanical. Adding a centre support rafter can also help prevent sagging on longer awnings.
Slow retraction is a common complaint with Thule electric awnings, often caused by inadequate wiring, worn motors, or limit switch problems. The awning extends easily because it's spring-loaded and gravity-assisted, but retracting works against both forces. Check for loose connections, corroded wiring, or undersized cables first. If the motor runs but struggles, it may need replacement. Some Thule models have known wiring issues where upgrading to heavier gauge cable solves the problem completely.
Replacing a Thule support arm is moderately challenging but definitely doable with some mechanical aptitude. You'll need heavy-duty strapping or cable ties to secure the awning tension before starting. The arm connects to the awning cassette via a slot system and to the front rail with a C-clip arrangement. Mark the existing arm positions carefully before removal. The job requires two people and takes about an hour. The critical thing is managing the spring tension safely - never attempt this without proper restraints as the springs are under considerable load.
Rattling from Thule awnings is extremely common and usually comes from the support legs vibrating in their housing during travel. The legs are designed with clearance for different ground conditions, which causes the noise. Simple solutions include wrapping foam padding around the leg feet, using rubber washers, or securing the legs with cable ties. Some people wrap the legs with cloth or towels. This is a design characteristic rather than a fault, so whilst it's annoying, it doesn't indicate any mechanical problem.
Thule model identification can be tricky as the same awning may have different part numbers depending on when it was manufactured. Look for stickers or labels on the awning cassette or support arms showing the model number (e.g., Omnistor 5200, 4900, etc.). The length is also crucial - parts differ between 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m awnings. If you can't find clear identification, measure the awning length and take photos of the mounting brackets, arm connections, and any visible labels. We can help identify your model from this information.
Many Thule spare parts can be fitted by competent DIYers, including end caps, support legs, fabric patches, and simple brackets. However, work involving spring arms, motor replacement, or complete fabric changes requires experience due to the high spring tensions involved. Electric motor work may also require electrical knowledge. Simple parts like leg assemblies, adjustment knobs, and mounting brackets are generally straightforward. For major repairs involving the main mechanism, we'd recommend professional installation to maintain safety and warranty coverage.
Wind and rain damage to Thule awnings typically affects the support arms, mounting brackets, and fabric. Water pooling can cause catastrophic failure when the weight becomes too much for the structure. Common damage includes bent or snapped support arms, broken mounting brackets, torn fabric, and bent front rails. The cast alloy components are particularly vulnerable to sudden loads. Complete arm assemblies, mounting brackets, and sometimes fabric replacement are usually needed after severe weather damage. Prevention is better than cure - always retract awnings in adverse weather.
For Thule awnings, genuine parts are particularly important due to the precision engineering and high loads involved. Compatible parts may appear similar but often use different materials, tolerances, or spring rates that can affect operation and safety. This is especially critical for structural components like support arms and mounting brackets. Genuine parts maintain your warranty and meet Thule's safety standards. For non-structural items like end caps or cosmetic components, compatible parts may be acceptable, but for anything load-bearing, genuine Thule parts are worth the investment.