Motorhome awning repair with Kinmel Campers , when strong winds sweep across the North Wales coastline, motorhome owners know that their vehicles can be particularly vulnerable. One of the most common casualties of stormy weather is the awning, which can act like a sail and get ripped away if not properly secured,
This week at Kinmel Campers in Rhyl, we worked on a customer’s motorhome that had suffered exactly that fate. After being caught in a spell of high winds, the awning was torn clean off, leaving behind cracked and splintered fibreglass bodywork. The customer was understandably worried, as the motorhome not only looked damaged but was no longer watertight or safe to refit the awning.
Our task was twofold: carry out a full fibreglass bodywork repair and then securely refit the awning to restore both functionality and appearance.
Assessing the Damage
The motorhome arrived at our workshop with visible damage along the side where the awning had once been mounted. The storm had left its mark in several ways:
- Cracks and splintering in the fibreglass side panel.
- Torn mounting points where the awning brackets had pulled away.
- A weakened structure that could no longer hold the awning safely.
It was clear that this wasn’t just a cosmetic issue. If the fibreglass bodywork wasn’t properly repaired, simply bolting the awning back on would only risk the same thing happening again. A careful, professional approach was needed to rebuild the strength of the motorhome’s side panel before reinstallation.
Preparing for Fibreglass Repairs
Fibreglass is a fantastic material for motorhomes because it’s strong yet lightweight. However, when it cracks, it requires specialist repair to restore its structural integrity. At Kinmel Campers, our team has decades of experience in fibreglass repairs – from small panel cracks to major rebuilds.
For this motorhome, we began by carefully cutting back the damaged fibreglass to remove any loose, splintered or weakened areas. This stage is crucial because repairing over compromised material would only lead to future failures. Once the panel was prepared, we cleaned and sanded the area to ensure a strong bond for the new fibreglass layers.
The Fibreglass Repair Process
With the surface ready, we moved on to the actual repair. This involved:
- Applying new fibreglass matting and resin in multiple layers, each one carefully shaped to follow the motorhome’s original contours.
- Allowing the resin to cure fully between applications for maximum strength.
- Sanding and smoothing the surface once the new fibreglass had set, blending it seamlessly into the existing panel.
- Applying a professional colour-matched finish, so the repair wasn’t just strong but also visually invisible.
By the end of this stage, the motorhome looked as if it had never been damaged, with the fibreglass panel restored to its factory strength and appearance.
Refitting the Awning
Once the bodywork was solid again, attention turned to the awning itself. Although it had been ripped off by the storm, the main cassette and fabric were still intact. After inspecting it thoroughly for hidden damage, we confirmed it was safe to refit.
The refitting process included:
- Reinforcing the mounting points within the freshly repaired fibreglass.
- Securing the awning brackets with professional-grade fixings.
- Testing the awning’s smooth extension and retraction several times to ensure correct alignment.
- Applying sealant around the fittings to prevent water ingress and weather-related deterioration.
We also made small adjustments to improve the long-term durability of the awning setup, making sure it could withstand future use with confidence.
The Finished Result
When the motorhome was handed back to the customer, the transformation was dramatic. The bodywork was flawless, the awning looked brand new, and most importantly, everything was securely and safely in place.
The customer told us:
“I was devastated when I saw the awning ripped off after the storm. I thought the motorhome was going to need a major rebuild, but the team at Kinmel Campers did a brilliant job. The repair is invisible, the awning works perfectly again, and I feel confident hitting the road.”
For us, there’s nothing better than seeing a motorhome leave our workshop in better shape than when it arrived.
Why Choose Kinmel Campers for Storm Damage Repairs?
Storm damage can cause a lot of stress for campervan and motorhome owners, but at Kinmel Campers, we specialise in putting things right. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, we’ve repaired every type of damage imaginable – from rust repairs and welding to fibreglass restorations, roof reseals, and awning installations.
When you bring your motorhome to us, you get:
- ✅ Free inspections before we start work.
- ✅ Professional fibreglass repairs carried out to industry standard.
- ✅ Awning fitting and refitting from experienced hands.
- ✅ A local, friendly service based in Rhyl, North Wales.
- ✅ Peace of mind that your pride and joy is in safe hands.
Tips to Protect Your Awning from Future Storms
While some weather damage can’t be avoided, there are steps every motorhome owner can take to reduce the risk:
- Retract your awning in strong winds – Even short gusts can cause significant strain on brackets.
- Use tie-down straps – Storm straps or anti-flap kits can add extra stability in breezy conditions.
- Check your fixings regularly – Over time, awning bolts and brackets can loosen; an inspection keeps everything secure.
- Avoid leaving the awning out overnight – The weather can change suddenly, especially near the coast.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your awning and avoid costly repairs.
Book Your Motorhome Awning Repair in North Wales
If you’ve suffered storm damage or you need a motorhome awning repair, Kinmel Campers in Rhyl is here to help. From fibreglass repairs to full refits, our team will have your motorhome looking and performing at its best again in no time.
📍 Visit us: Kinmel Campers, Rhyl, North Wales
📞 Call: 01745 771 231
📧 Email: info@kinmelcampers.co.uk
🌐 Contact us online
Don’t let storm damage spoil your next adventure. Book your motorhome in with us today and drive away with confidence.
