The RV Awning

The RV awning is one of those have-to-have accessories that at 3 am, with a howling wind , you may wish you didn't have!

Who can remember the half-dozen or so steps required to lower the thing under these conditions ? Have you ever awakened after that midsummer overnight thunderstorm and your awning is sagging alarmingly? Have you ever tried to empty the hundred or so gallons of water that has collected in that sagging awning ? Trust me when I say that you don't need to go through that "joy " of camping.

The recreational vehicle awning is designed as a sunshade, period. If, perhaps, it starts to sprinkle a bit and also kicks up a mild breeze - don't worry - your RV awning can handle that. But if those dark clouds are building on the horizon and the birds are seeking shelter, then you really should consider rolling up. And you really should consider rolling up, NOW.

Practice rolling up your awning on a calm day until you have the procedure memorized. Then do the same thing while blindfolded, with someone spraying a hose in your face. This will simulate a typical emergency storm take-down. Except for the wind, of course. For this simulation you will need three fairly burly guys, all yanking the awning in a different direction at once. Once you have gone through the preceding exercise, you will understand why the experienced camper will take down the awning at the first sign of trouble.

After being rolled up and possibly damp for several months your awning will appreciate a good airing out and a bath with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a car wash type brush to scrub the surface of both the top and the underside. A little WD-40 on the moving parts helps to free up and protect these components. Dry it thoroughly before re-rolling it.

Lower one end of your open awning to allow rainwater to drain off. Peg down the awning feet when the awning is free standing so that a gust of wind will not flip over the awning. Also, the awning may be straped down with the special awning straps available at your local RV store. If you suspect a strong wind or storm is coming the safest thing to do is roll up the awning.

• RV Awning Operation
  
  RV Awning Operation - Awning roll-out Release the travel locks on both awning arms. Switch the ratchet mechanism to roll out position with the awning rod. Hook the pull strap with the awning rod and roll out the awning. Slide the rafters up into position on the awning arms. Tighten the rafter knobs on both rafters. Raise the awning to the desired height.


• RV Awning Operation Pictorial
  
  How to operate the RV awning with a step by step pictorial. A series of 11 pictures show the set up process.


• RV Awning Repair
  
  RV Awning Repair - how to do it safely. Special cautions are outlined to avoid mishap or injury. If you are not fully confident in you abilities, this chore is best left to trained personnel.


• Slide topper awning
  
  How to install a slide topper awning - including a step-by-step picture sequence.


• RV Awning Spring Replacement
  
  RV Awning Spring Replacement - how to safely replace the springs in your RV Awning


• Awning Repair Tape
  
  Awning repair tape - quickly repair any awning fabric with easy to use awning repair tape.


• RV Awning Maintenance
  
  RV Awning Maintenance - article describing how to maintain you RV Awning


• RV Awning Parts
  
  RV Awning Parts