RV Awning Maintenance: Tips For Longevity And Easy Care
Awnings rank high among the top choices for RV accessories. Crafted from durable fabric and reinforced with retractable and extendable metal arms, RV awnings are versatile additions to your RV. While they serve as excellent shade providers during scorching days, their utility extends beyond summer excursions. These awnings also offer protection from rain for delicate equipment and serve as a shield against snowfall. Many RVs come equipped with built-in awnings, and for those that lack this feature, adding an awning is a straightforward modification.
Maintaining your RV awning is crucial, whether it’s a factory-installed feature or an aftermarket addition. Regular upkeep of your RV awning is the key to its longevity, allowing it to serve you as long as your RV. While some common awning issues are manageable with DIY solutions, others may require the expertise of professionals. Learn more about common RV awning problems, how to address them effectively, and discover the advantages of seeking professional RV awning repair services.
RV Awnings: Your Shield Against the Elements
Awnings are frequently used as a barrier against the forces of nature, bearing the brunt of scorching heat, torrential rain, snowfall, and even hailstorms. The combination of weather-induced wear and tear, along with everyday usage, can start a wide range of awning problems. The most prevalent issues typically include fabric punctures, malfunctioning mechanisms, and sagging canopies. Fortunately, safeguarding your RV’s awning and preventing these common challenges is achievable by following to these essential RV awning maintenance guidelines
RV Awning Fabric Maintenance: Vinyl and Acrylic Care
Awning fabric is typically made of either vinyl or acrylic. However, even these durable materials require regular cleaning to fend off the growth of mold and mildew, which can eventually deteriorate the fabric. Vinyl awnings, if neglected, are particularly susceptible to mildew if neglected.
Prevent tears caused by mold damage by cleaning your awning with a mixture of water and dish soap. Scrub the awning with an abrasive brush and ensure it dries completely before retracting it. Leaving water on a retracted awning can foster further mold growth. If you notice some mold or mildew on your awning while you are cleaning it, add bleach to your cleaning solution. Use bleach sparingly because it can lead to fabric wear.
Addressing Awning Damage: Repairing Rips and Tears
Occasionally, despite your best efforts, awnings may develop unwanted holes or tears. In some cases, such as when purchasing a pre-owned RV, you might encounter an existing tear in the awning. When these issues involve only a few small rips, there’s no need to invest in a complete awning replacement. Instead, consider using a specialized awning repair tape. This repair tape is designed to withstand UV damage and boasts strong adhesive qualities, effectively concealing fabric punctures and preventing them from becoming worse.
Preventing RV Awning Sag from Rain and Snow
Pooled rainwater or snow that sits too long on the awning canopy will cause a permanent sag. can lead to irreversible sagging. The fabric undergoes stretching due to the weight, compromising its ability to remain taut. Stretched awning fabric becomes more vulnerable to tears, and the longer this sagging issue remains unaddressed, the more it worsens.
As long as your awning is in good shape, water should run off it smoothly. If you notice it pooling anywhere, empty out the pool and make an appointment to get your awning checked by a repair service. If snow piles up on your awning, brush it off as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, if the sag becomes too severe, there’s no way to repair it. You’re better off replacing the whole thing. Book an appointment for RV awning replacement with a reputable RV service company like Good Sam RV ProCare.
Long-Term Maintenance for Your RV Awning
When it comes to RV awning maintenance, the key things you can do are inspect and clean your awning. You should do a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. If you travel with your RV very frequently or if you spend a lot of time in areas with harsh weather, then you should examine and clean your awning more frequently. The more time you invest in maintenance, the more money you will save on long-term repairs.
That said, you will eventually encounter an issue that you can’t fix on your own. When that happens, contact Good Sam RV ProCare. We can do regular awning maintenance checks, repair damage, and perform full RV awning replacement. Check out the Good Sam RV ProCare Service page to learn more.
