Travel With A Purpose - RV Awning Care
Hello fellow Sojourners. I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Travel With A Purpose, a podcast designed to keep sojourners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired.
In today’s episode, we will be looking at some ideas to use and protect the awning on our rig.
Now I know this is not the most exciting topic for discussion but if you've ever had an awning damaged, you understand the importance of taking care of it. The cost of replacement is far, far greater than caring for an awning. Replacing an awning can cost over $1,000.
The awning on the camper is great for those days when the weather is nice, the sun is shining, and we want to enjoy the outside. And it can provide the first layer of defense for our RV. They extend our living space and protect the items around the camper like furniture and grills.
Let's begin by talking about cleaning the awning. Regular cleaning extends the life of the awning and prevents mildew and dry rot but cleaning it improperly or with the wrong solution can damage it.
Most awnings are made of vinyl or acrylic material. It is important to know the type of material your awning is made of, so you know how to properly care for it, especially when it comes to cleaning. There are several commercial awing cleaners on the market but first check to see if it is designed for your awning material before using.
A vinyl awning can be gently scrubbed with a soft brush, water, and mild liquid soap such as dishwashing soap. Vinyl awnings often have a coating of a substance to help prevent mildew. If you use a stiff brush or harsh soap, it can remove the coating and damage the awning material.
Acrylic awnings usually don't have the coating to prevent mildew. It is still recommended that you use a soft brush and mild liquid soap. If you are using a stiff brush, scrub gently to not damage the awning material.
If the awning becomes wet from rain or routine cleaning, allow it to completely dry before rolling up. If you do have to roll it up while wet, let the awning out as soon as you safely can so it can dry before storing it for a long time. This prevents mildew and dry rot.
Sometimes moisture can build up on the awning while rolled up due to humidity. I recommend unrolling it now and then if you can to allow it to dry out.
I once read a recommendation that you completely coat the awning with a liquid soap solution and then roll it up for a while then unroll it, rinse it off, and let dry. I haven't tried this so I can't make a recommendation about that technique. If you try this technique, please let me know how it works.
By the way, don't forget to clean the top and underneath the awning.
If you use your awning a lot and leave it out in the sun, consider purchasing UV damage protection. The UV rays from the sun will bleach and break down the fabric. I recommend you don't leave the awning out all the time, especially if you are not around.
I highly recommend rolling up your awning if it is a windy day. An awning acts like a sail and can damage the awning supports and possibly rip the fabric. There are some good tie-down products on the market to anchor the awning. I've never used these but have seen them in use. I suppose that works OK but use good judgment if the wind picks up. Also, I like to use de-flapper clamps when I put out my awning. These keep the awning from moving during regular wind. I recommend two on each side to better secure the awning.
If you've ever had your awning fully out during rain you know that it can catch a lot of water. Again, if there is rain in the forecast, and you will be sitting outside under the awning, lower one corner of the awning slightly to allow rain to run off. If rain builds up, it can quickly add too much weight for the supports to hold or can cause the awning to rip.
When you do roll up your awning, make sure it is locked in place. My awning has a tab on the rewind mechanism that locks in place, and I have locking mechanisms on the supports to keep them folded flat against the rig. Just make sure they are working properly. I've also seen a recommendation that you use something like a Velcro strap to tie the supports in place. That may not be a bad idea. I also make it a habit to check the awning when I do my regular walk-around when we stop for gas or a rest. I physically touch the supports to make sure they are still locked in place.
Well, friends, that wraps up our look at awning use and care. I hope these tips help you get the most out of your awnings. They help us enjoy our RVs even more. Just adding regular care extends the life of the awning and saves a lot of heartache and expense.
Thank you for listening to this episode. If you are interested in being a guest on our podcast or know someone we should have as a guest, or if there is a topic you wish for us to discuss, please email me at: sojournersevangelize@gmail.com.
I’m your host Dave Laton and remember we glorify God as together we, “Travel With A Purpose”!