A Beginner’s Guide to Maintaining Your RV’s Awning

The awning on an RV is often one of the handiest and most well-used features. Whether it’s providing shade on a scorching day or a place to sit and watch the rain come down while keeping dry, awnings make a relaxing experience even more comfortable. However, mildew, mold, ultraviolet light, wind, and other elements can all do serious damage to your awning. That’s why you include your awning in any regular RV care and maintenance schedule to avoid unwanted wear and tear.

Here at Schwab's RV World, we understand how important it is to keep your camper functioning in top form. When you’re ready to hit the road and get your RV trip started, you want to have as little to worry about as possible, including your awning. 

If you need RV parts or service, or simply have more questions about maintaining your awning, don’t hesitate to drop by our dealership in Leduc, near Edmonton, Alberta.

Cleaning Your Awning

Regular care is the best way to keep your awning from getting too dirty and avoid costly damage. When cleaning vinyl, it’s important not to scrub too hard in one spot, or you might wear down the protective coating. For vinyl, scrub with a soft brush and water. You may need a stiffer brush for acrylic awnings. It’s usually safe to use a hose with any cleaner designed for outdoor fabric then let the awning dry. Even with their protection against mildew, never roll up a wet awning and don’t even think of storing it before it has dried completely. Stay away from oil-based cleaners and always let the awning air dry. Don’t use any heaters or you might end up melting your awning!

Types of Damage

Ultraviolet light will also damage your awning. This is mostly avoided when the awning is rolled up, but depending on how often it’s used and how long it’s in use, the sun can do serious damage. Some manufacturers use aluminum covers to completely shield the awning while it’s stowed, but there’s no avoiding ultraviolet light damage when in use. The sun will weaken the fabric and can eventually cause it to break loose from its extension hardware. There’s no amount of cleaning that will help if this happens. Make sure to stow and lock the awning properly.

Another element that can ruin an awning is wind. Gusts higher than 20 mph can do real damage to your awning. Stabilize the corners of your awning using screw anchors and rope in lighter wind. Never leave an extended awning open if you’re leaving your RV in an area prone to sudden wind storms.

If your awning does get damaged, you might be tempted to repair it yourself. Unless you’re an experienced professional, this could lead to more damage and a higher cost of repair. Some awnings contain spring-loaded opening assistance features that can break if disassembled improperly. We’d recommend taking your RV to a trusted dealership, such as Schwab's RV World in Leduc, AB, where our team of highly-trained technicians can help you get back on the road in no time! We serve all those in Edmonton, so stop by today!