Awning Care for Your RV
The much anticipated camping season is finally here! It’s time to open up the RV and make sure everything is ready to go. We often see that many people are overlooking a very important aspect of their travel trailers, and that is their awnings. Whether you have a vinyl or acrylic awning, keeping it properly maintained will only increase its life and cause you fewer headaches. Here are a few tips to keep that awning in tip-top shape.
➢ NEVER roll up your awning when it is wet. It is highly recommended that, whenever possible, you let your awning fully dry before closing to prevent mould and mildew from attacking the fabric.
➢ Clean your awning at least twice a season. The suggested times are when opening and closing the RV for the season. It is very important that you know what type of material your awning is made of so you can purchase the correct cleaning products. When using any product, always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
➢ If you enjoy sitting under your awning during a summer rainstorm, it is a good idea to lower one side slightly so the water will drain off your awning and not pool on it, potentially causing damage. If you have an awning that is especially long, you may want to consider using an awning rafter to keep the fabric raised so the water is prevented from pooling. Too much water weight can bend or even snap your awning roller.
➢ Use an awning protector cover to prevent UV damage and fading during periods of extended storage. If your door touches the awning when you are opening it, we have roller protectors that prevent the door corner from tearing the fabric.
➢ Ensure that you always have the proper anchors installed for those windy days. You wouldn’t want your awning to be blown away. The best thing to do, if it is especially windy, is to just roll it up.
➢ ALWAYS lock your awning rewind mechanism. You don’t want to be driving down the road to have your awning come out and be torn off your RV.
➢ Lubricate your awning to ensure that it rolls in and out smoothly and evenly. This should be done 1 to 2 times per season. When deciding on a lubricant, silicone or Teflon based is the way to go.
➢ If you find a tear in your awning, get it repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the situation you may be able to fix it yourself with a DIY kit, but if you feel that it is beyond your capabilities, certainly take it to a certified technician.
Following these tips will definitely help increase the lifespan of your awning and keep you shaded during the hot, sunny days of summer!