Whether you live full-time in your RV or enjoy occasional weekend road trips, care and maintenance are important. The awning provides shade and protects you and your family from the weather. Extend the awning to enjoy shelter while cooking out on the grill or to relax out of the sun. To keep this essential component in great shape, here are a few tips to maintain your RV’s awning.
Keep it Clean to Maintain Your RV’s Awning
Leaves and other debris can stain the awning and the accumulation of damp materials may lead to mold or mildew growth. Clean your RV’s awning at least twice every year. If you’re a full-time RVer, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Chose a warm day and hose the awning off. Using a long-handled brush, gently wash the fabric. You don’t want to scrub the waterproof coating off. Cleaning solutions specifically designed for awnings are available and will make the job of cleaning the fabric easier.
Don’t Retract it When Wet
After cleaning the awning or after a rainstorm, allow the awning to dry completely before storing it away. Rolling up the awning when it’s still damp creates an environment where mold and mildew can grow. This can also cause the fabric to rot.
If you must retract the awning while it is damp, unroll it as soon as you arrive at your next destination so that it can dry completely.
Maintain Your RV’s Awning by Storing it Away
Sun, wind, and rain will eventually take a toll on the awning. To protect the fabric and components, retract the awning when it’s not in use. Many RVers use the awning to extend the living space, creating a kind of front porch area just outside the door. However, always leaving the awning open increases its exposure to the elements and shortens its lifespan.
Look Out for Problems
Inspect your awning frequently to make sure the fabric and supports are in good condition. If you notice noises when retracting the awning, have it checked out by an RV professional. Keep an eye open for areas of damage or holes in the fabric. Make sure the support poles are straight and in good condition, with no dents or rust. If you have trouble retracting or opening the awning, call a professional to take a look and assess the situation.
Secure the Awning During Travel
An awning needs to be carefully secured before you hit the road. Roll it up and pin or clip it into place. Most RVs use a metal pin to safely fasten the awning for transport. Neglecting to secure it can lead to severe damage at high speeds.
RV Home Inspections provides RV inspection services in Houston, Texas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.