A Complete Guide to RV Awnings

One of many luxuries of trendy RVs is the flexibility to create shade with a button. RV awnings shield you from mild rain and solar and create an out of doors patio house good for grilling, enjoyable, or internet hosting tailgate events.

RV awnings aren’t sophisticated, however it’s essential to understand how and when to make use of them accurately. Otherwise, you would get up in the course of the evening to the sound of your awning ripping off your RV since you forgot to retract it earlier than mattress. 

Here’s the whole lot it’s good to learn about RV awnings. 

How to Open and Close an RV Awning

Before you function an RV awning, it’s necessary that your RV is parked, leveled, and stabilized correctly. Check out this video to discover ways to degree and stabilize your RV: 

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In addition to organising your RV earlier than working your awning, you must test to make sure no obstructions will impede the awning because it opens. Common obstructions embody tree branches, indicators, and different RVs. 

Once you’ve accomplished the pre-checks, open your RV awning utilizing these steps: 

1. Locate the awning swap contained in the RV in your management panel.
2. Push the ‘Extend’ facet of the swap to roll the awning out.
3. Watch the awning to make sure it extends evenly and doesn’t make contact with obstructions. This is when it’s useful to have a spotter outdoors your RV.
4. Extend till the awning cloth is totally rolled out and you may see the awning roll tube.
5. Don’t overextend! Overextending may trigger the awning to start out winding up backward, which creates points you wish to keep away from.

How to Manually Open an RV Awning

Most trendy RVs are outfitted with energy awnings, however older RVs should have guide awnings. The video above particulars the guide operation process, however right here’s a written overview: 

1. Make positive the awning has clearance and the door is closed.
2. Loosen knobs on awning arms (2-3 turns will do).
3. Open tabs to separate the internal arm from the outer arm.
4. Use the awning rod to have interaction Roll up/Roll down swap to the ‘Roll Down’ place. This swap seems to be like a small lever on the ahead finish of the awning tube/barrel.
5. Use an awning rod to drag the awning strap and lengthen the awning. You might have to drag one facet 1-2 toes out after which pull out the awning arm on the alternative finish to even the awning up earlier than pulling the strap to increase fully. 
6. Extend fully till the flap on the entrance fringe of the awning cloth unfurls.
7. Slide vertical arm items ahead to the ends of the horizontal arms.
8. Make positive they’re latched in place.
9. Tighten the knobs that you simply loosened to start.
10. Open the deal with on the horizontal arm closest to your RV to increase the awning upward. 
11. Move to the opposite finish and lengthen the alternative arm till the awning is even. 
12. You could must travel till your awning is on the peak you need it. 
13. Make positive each arms are prolonged evenly. 

Technician Tip: On older awnings, you’ll be able to go away one facet barely decrease to permit for rain and moisture to run off on the decrease finish. Just guarantee it’s excessive sufficient to clear the entry door when it opens. 

How to Clean an RV Awning

Start every tenting season by opening your awning and visually inspecting it for harm. This might be achieved from the bottom, however you must also use a ladder or climb onto your RV’s roof (if it’s absolutely walkable) to examine the highest. 

This can also be a good time to conduct a full RV roof inspection. 

During your awning inspection, search for tears, holes, or accumulations of mould and mildew. When you retailer your RV in a moist local weather, the chance of mould will increase. To assist forestall mould progress, open your awning fully at the very least as soon as a month. This permits it to dry if moisture has amassed on the material. 

At the top of your tenting season, clear each side of your awning and let it dry fully earlier than retracting it. Follow these steps to scrub an RV awning: 

1. Open the awning fully. 
2. Spray the highest and backside with clear water utilizing a clear backyard hose and spray nozzle. 
3. Use an accredited cleaner and soft-bristle brush gently scrub the highest and backside. 
4. Rinse the awning to take away the cleaner and particles you’ve loosened. 

Safety tip: A comfortable brush with an extension is finest for reaching the total extent of your awning, whether or not you’re cleansing it by standing in your RV’s roof or a ladder. Be cautious to not place a lot downward pressure on the awning to keep away from harm. 

How to Remove Stains from RV Awning

Many issues could cause ugly RV awning stains – fowl droppings, tree sap, decaying plants, and extra. An accredited RV awning cleaner ought to take away a lot of the residue out of your RV awning. 

If it doesn’t, attempt utilizing isopropyl alcohol. It’s comparatively reasonably priced, straightforward to search out, and gained’t take away your awning’s colour. Mix one cup of isopropyl alcohol with one gallon of water. Apply that answer to stains and scrub with a comfortable brush. Then rinse the spot to take away the stain. Repeat the method for notably hard-to-remove stains. 

How to Replace an RV Awning

Replacing an RV awning requires eradicating the outdated awning, discovering an appropriate substitute awning, prepping for set up, and securing the brand new awning correctly to your RV’s substructure. 

All of that may be difficult, particularly the final half. Fortunately, you’ll be able to contact educated RV technicians at your close by Camping World to assist. 

Whether you’re continuing independently or contacting skilled assist, the following tips will help your RV awning substitute mission. 

How to Measure RV Awning Size

Checking your RV specs is a superb place to start out. Most RV homeowners’ guide incorporates info on the awning size. But this info might be harder to search out than you may like. 

So one other solution to decide awning dimension is to measure. Find a tape measure and a associate. Place one finish of the tape measure within the middle of the ahead awning arm and lengthen the tape to the middle of the rear arm. Your measurement is the size of your awning. 

How to Measure for RV Slideout Awnings (aka Slide Toppers)

When measuring for awnings that cowl your RV slide-outs, you’ll measure throughout the slide-out from flange seal to flange seal. But what’s a flange seal?

On a slide-out, the flange seal (also referred to as T-molding or trim) extends previous the sting of the body. When the slide-out is retracted, it rests flush in opposition to the RV’s physique to seal the unit from mud or moisture. 

So don’t measure from one fringe of the slide-out body to the opposite. Measure throughout the slide-out’s size, together with the flange seals. This measurement matches the material width to your slide toppers, however the size of the total meeting might be barely longer. 

In addition to measuring awning size, you’ll must confirm how far your slideouts lengthen. Slide-out depths fluctuate from mannequin to mannequin, however this measurement is significant to selecting a substitute slide topper that can work to your RV. 

How to Remove an RV Awning

Due to the load and awkward nature of awning assemblies, you’ll want 2-3 individuals that will help you take away an awning. Awning arms can simply be bent in case you’re not cautious, which can necessitate a bigger repair than you want. 

If you’d relatively not threat damaging the meeting or one other a part of your RV, contact your native Camping World Service Center to schedule a service appointment. 

If you wish to take away your awning by yourself, seek the advice of your proprietor’s guide for elimination directions and security precautions. These are the final steps to take away most RV awnings: 

1. Roll out the awning about one foot (12 inches). 
2. Remove the polycord screws holding the awning cloth within the awning rail. 
3. Secure the roll tube to the pinnacle assemblies utilizing cotter pins. 
4. Have two helpers maintain the load of the meeting when you take away the lag bolts holding the meeting to the rafters of the RV. 
5. Remove any remaining {hardware} holding the awning to your RV. It could also be essential to take away rain gutter extension if current. 
6. Have the helpers stroll the meeting towards the entrance or again of your RV as you slide the awning cloth out of the rail extrusion. 
7. Set the awning meeting down gently to cut back the potential of harm. 
8. Remove the awning rail extrusion if changing it. 

How to Install an RV Awning

Putting a brand new awning in your RV have to be achieved fastidiously, however it may be a DIY process in case you’re up for the problem. Your first selection might be deciding whether or not to put in a guide or electrical awning. 

• Manual awnings are sturdy, straightforward to regulate, don’t require an influence supply, and are usually extra reasonably priced. The draw back is that they require extra work to open and shut. 
• Electric awnings are straightforward to deploy, and a few newer fashions retract robotically when excessive winds are detected. The downsides are much less sturdiness, increased value, harder set up, and the requirement for energy to function (until you override them manually). 

With your selection made, you’ll must buy an awning equipment that comes with the next components: 

• Wall bracket
• Outer arm
• Inner arm
• Pitch arm
• Roller tube
• Awning cloth

If you select a equipment for a guide field awning, it must also include a crank wand. Regular guide awnings include an awning rod to flip the lever and maintain the strap as you retract the awning. For guide and electrical awning installations, you’ll must buy a suitable awning rail extrusion individually. 

From there, your finest path is to observe the set up directions that include your equipment. But listed here are the final steps: 

1. Place butyl tape on the again of the awning rail extrusion. 
2. Install the awning rail extrusion so it’s completely degree throughout the highest of your RV.
3. Use your silicone spray to lubricate the awning rail.
4. Use self-tapping screws to safe the rail extrusion. 
5. Install wall brackets in accordance with the producer’s specs. 
6. Attach the awning roll tube to the awning arms and safe it with screws. 
7. FIND SOME HELPERS!
8. Hold the awning in opposition to the facet of the RV (2 individuals) and stroll it from entrance to again or again to entrance (whichever is best, relying on the awning location) when you feed the awning cloth via the rail extrusion. Keep the awning arms parallel to keep away from harm to the arms and cloth. 
9. Level the arms and place one screw into both sides to carry it in place. Then add one other screw to every facet for extra safety. 
10. Extend the awning and set up the remaining {hardware} on the awning arms. 
11. Use butyl tape or silicone sealant to stop leaks round screw holes. 
12. Secure the awning arm mounting areas. 
13. Retract the awning and make sure the cloth doesn’t wrinkle or bunch. 
14. Place polycord screws at each ends of the awning cloth to maintain it in place. 

How to Replace RV Awning Fabric

Reasons to switch RV awning cloth embody fraying, tearing, sagging, or pale coloring. For this process, it’s necessary to notice that the awning cloth size differs from the entire awning size. You’ll want a brand new roll of awning cloth that matches your awning’s current cloth size. 

Find the suitable substitute cloth to your RV awning. 

Consult your proprietor’s guide for material suggestions and substitute directions. 

There are eight fundamental steps to changing the material on most RV awnings. 

Step 1: Partially Extend the Awning and Secure the Head Assemblies

Extend your RV awning roughly one foot (12 inches). Using zip ties, connect the pinnacle assemblies on each awning arms to the vertical meeting on the facet of your RV. Then take away the polycord screw on each ends of the awning meeting. These screws are positioned roughly one inch from the awning cloth. 

Step 2: Remove the Roll Tube

You’ll want a associate for this step, as maneuvering an awning roll tube might be heavy and awkward. The roll tube ought to simply detach from the pinnacle meeting on each ends. But you’ll must feed the awning cloth via the awning rail to take away it fully.

This requires transferring the roll tube safely towards the entrance or rear of your RV as you slide the mounted facet of the awning out of the rail. Two (and even three) individuals ought to assist with this course of, and you must set the roll tube on a clear, degree floor as soon as it’s eliminated. 

Step 3: Remove the Old Awning Fabric

To do away with your outdated RV awning cloth, you’ll must take away one finish cap from the curler tube. You can select both one, however solely must take away one earlier than you proceed. To achieve this, take away the three screws holding the top cap. 

Technician Tip: Some fashions make the most of rivets, which have to be drilled out. Assemble with new pop rivets if that is so. 

With the cap eliminated, unroll the tube to increase the outdated cloth fully. Again, it’s good to have a associate’s assist for this step. 

With the material rolled out, take away the polycord screws attaching the material to the roll tube (on each ends). To take away the material, one individual ought to maintain the awning cloth whereas the opposite pulls the curler tube away. 

Technician Tip: Often, the polycord might be wrapped or folded over the top of the tube, and the top cap of the motor or torsion meeting might be put in over it. In these circumstances, each finish caps have to be eliminated. 

Step 4: Prep for New Fabric Installation

Congratulations! You’re nearly prepared to put in your new RV awning cloth. Your outdated cloth needs to be disposed of in accordance with native waste disposal rules, however contemplate whether or not you’ll be able to reduce and repurpose sure sections which are nonetheless in good situation. 

Lubricate the material monitor with silicone spray to prep for a brand new cloth set up. Roll out your new cloth and totally examine it for tears or rips earlier than putting in it. It’s simpler to ship it again for a substitute now than after you proceed with the total set up. 

Step 5: Install the New Awning Fabric

When prepared to put in, discover the polycord on the top with the valance. This would be the cloth finish put in into the awning tube first. Ensure that the underside of the awning cloth faces the roll tube to put in it accurately. 

With the valance finish and the underside recognized, feed the polycord on the valance finish via the roll tube monitor till it’s centered on the tube. Attach it to the polycord on each ends utilizing the unique screws. 

Technician Tip: Most new awning assemblies didn’t make the most of screws on the awning tube to middle the material since they folded the polycord into the tube ends. Upon reassembly, the selection is yours.

Now, roll the material fully onto the tube as tightly as potential. Ensure it doesn’t telescope out on both finish. You’re higher off unrolling and restarting if the material isn’t tight and in line as you roll. 

Step 6: Replace the Roll Tube End Cap

Now, you’ll be able to change the three screws you eliminated to safe the top cap that retains the awning on the roll tube. 

Technician Tip: Setting the curler tube meeting atop two absolutely prolonged jack stands padded with store towels makes this step clean and straightforward. It additionally minimizes the possibilities of damaging the brand new cloth.

To prep for the following step, discover a flathead screwdriver and barely open the awning rail on the facet of your RV. This makes it simpler to slip the brand new awning cloth into the rail as you reinstall the roll tube. 

Step 7: Reinstall the Roll Tube and Ensure the Fabric is Centered

Use your silicone spray to lubricate the awning rail (identical to you probably did with the roll tube monitor). Get a helper on both finish of the roll tube to take the load as you slide the polycord tube into the awning rail till the tube is positioned between the pinnacle assemblies. 

Reinstall the roll tube into the pinnacle assemblies. Before changing the polycord screws, it’s a very good time to function your awning (extension and retraction) to make sure the material is centered on the roll. Remove the zip ties holding the pinnacle assemblies earlier than working your awning. 

Step 8: Replace Polycord Screws and Enjoy!

Now you’ll be able to change the polycord screws on each ends of the awning rail, and also you’re prepared to start out having fun with your new awning. 

RV Awning FAQs

Let’s conclude by answering some frequent RV awning questions requested by new RVers. 

How Much Wind Can an RV Awning Withstand?

The threshold for many RV awnings is 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h). The threat of awning harm will increase considerably in case your campground experiences sustained winds above this threshold. 

That mentioned, “wind speed” and “wind gusts” are two necessary components. When your trusty climate app tells you wind pace is under that threshold, there’s all the time the potential of a stronger wind gust damaging your awning. 

To be secure, retract your RV awning at any time when the wind begins to bounce or shake your RV awning. Luckily, RV producers have innovated to create “smart” awnings that retract when wind speeds over a set restrict are detected. 

Can I Leave My RV Awning Out within the Rain?

Most RV awnings are constructed to face up to mild rain – with an emphasis on the phrase “light.” To be secure, retract your awning when the rain begins. Consider investing in a pop-up cover in case you want extra shelter to your RV’s out of doors patio. 

Learn how to decide on one of the best cover tent to your RV wants.

Technician Tip: Never go away your RV unattended with the awning deployed. Weather, neighbors transferring their RVs in or out, and different components can harm your awning. Anything can occur within the campground. If you might be out climbing, procuring, sightseeing, and so forth., and one thing goes mistaken on the campsite, you’ll not be there to reply.

Can You Replace Just the Fabric on an RV Awning?

Absolutely! If the material is the one broken part, that’s all you’ll want to switch it. As all the time, test along with your awning producer to make sure you get the suitable cloth to repair your RV awning. 

Does RV Insurance Cover Awning Damage?

The quick reply – it will depend on your degree of protection. If you select Good Sam’s Permanent Attachments Coverage, for instance, your awnings, tow kits, levelers, antennas, and different everlasting RV attachments are lined for the total quantity it might value to switch them – not a depreciated quantity. 

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Enjoying on-demand shade is among the many advantages of RV life. Discover Camping World’s number of RV awnings and awning equipment!

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