Caring for Your RV’s Awning

Relaxing outside your RV on a hot or rainy day is vastly improved by your awning. This is probably the last thing you think about when you’re maintaining your trailer, though. After a while, most RV owners take their awning for granted, ‘til the day it breaks and can’t be used anymore. Did you know there are ways to make your awning last longer? Proper maintenance can save you time and money and requires very little effort on your part.

At Sumner RV, we know a pleasant camping trip can turn sour if your awning decides to give up on you just as you start to relax. We’ve made this list to help you keep yours in great shape.

What Is It Made Of?

Different kinds of awnings require different kinds of care, so find out what type your RV has. Most likely, it’s made of either acrylic or vinyl. Acrylic awnings are made of a petroleum-based product that’s resistant to both water and mildew. When exposed to high heat or flames, acrylic doesn’t catch fire — it actually melts.

Vinyl awnings are covered in an antifungal coating to make them resistant to mildew. To avoid wiping off this protective covering and wearing down the awning, make sure you don’t scrub too hard or scrub any one spot repeatedly. If you need to wash it, use a mild soap; anything petroleum-based will wipe off that antifungal coating.

Preventative Care

There are some things you can do to make sure you don’t face certain problems when using your RV. Mildew thrives when there are damp, dark and closed spaces for it to grow in. If you often roll up your awning when it’s wet, you’re creating the perfect environment for mildew to grow. Mildew doesn’t look good and it smells worse, bringing down the quality of your camper. Always allow the awning to dry before you roll it up. If you notice mildew, get some commercial cleaners and clean it out thoroughly. 

While the awning does a great job of protecting you from the sun, excess exposure can wear down the fabric. Too much sun exposure will cause the material to fade and weaken, leading to small rips that grow bigger very quickly. Don’t unfurl your awning when wind speeds are high. High winds are capable of tearing the fabric and damaging the structure of awnings, leading to costly repairs. Any winds exceeding 20mph should be avoided.

Repair & Replace

Despite all your efforts, your trailer’s awning will still suffer some wear and tear. It’s best to get any problem fixed while it’s still a small issue. If you wait too long, you may hike up the cost of the repair. We understand it might be tempting to fix minor repairs yourself, but if you’re not familiar with the workings of an awning, it’s best to get a professional to do it. Some models use spring-loaded opening assistance features that can be ruined by inexperienced handling. We recommend you let an expert do it unless you know exactly what you’re doing. 

If you have any questions concerning your RV’s maintenance, ask the trained technicians at Sumner RV. Come to one of our dealerships in Sumner or Poulsbo, Washington, to see our selection of new and used campers for sale. Our parts and service and financing options are the icing on the cake. So call or come over today!