If you are a seasoned RV traveller or gearing up for your first road trip, one critical piece of equipment that deserves your attention is the RV awning. This humble yet essential feature of your RV can make a vast difference in your overall camping experience.
It provides shade on hot summer days, shelter during downpours, and a bit more privacy during your stay at the campsite. Therefore, maintaining your RV awning should be a top priority. This comprehensive traveller’s guide to maintaining RV awning gives you just what you need to keep your awning in its best shape.
Key Takeaways
- Maintaining your RV awning should not be viewed as a chore but as an important part of your RV care routine
- With regular cleaning, inspection, and professional maintenance when necessary, your awning will perform at its best for many years to come.
Understanding Your RV Awning
To apply proper care and maintenance to your RV awning, you’ll need first to understand its function and its fundamental components. An RV awning extends from the side of your vehicle, creating a covered space outdoors. They come in diverse sizes and designs, but all are fundamentally made up of two main components – the fabric and the hardware.
Awning Fabric
The fabric forms the covering of the awning. It is generally made out of durable material such as vinyl or acrylic, able to withstand considerable wear and tear and resist weather. Despite such resilience, regular use and frequent exposure to the elements mean it requires regular attention and care.
Awning Hardware
This is the mechanical part of the awning which enables it to extend and retract. It can be manual or motorised, depending on the model of your RV awning. Like the fabric, the hardware needs regular inspection to ensure it functions well. Care is especially necessary for mechanical parts like springs, which can become a safety hazard if not properly maintained.
Routine Maintenance of Your RV Awning
Regular cleaning is, by far, the most vital aspect of your RV awning maintenance. Firstly, you should ensure the fabric is clean. Debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate over time and, if left unmaintained, can lead to wear, tear, and, eventually, awning damage.
Furthermore, mould and mildew can grow if your awning is tucked away while still damp, leading to permanent stains and potential health risks. So, make sure to dry it out thoroughly before stowing it away.
Cleaning the fabric with a soft brush and a specialized cleaner, preferably one specifically designed for awning fabric, will go a long way in maintaining its integrity and prolonging its lifespan. Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup, keeps the fabric looking fresh, and helps avoid issues related to moisture and mildew.
For the awning hardware, it’s best to lubricate the moving parts occasionally. This practice ensures that they function smoothly and reduces the risk of mechanical issues during any road trip.
Be sure to use a silicone-based lubricant for the best results, as it is effective and safe for the components of your awning. Regular maintenance of both the fabric and the hardware will keep your RV awning in excellent condition, ready for use whenever needed.
Professional Maintenance and Repair
While regular cleaning and minor adjustments can be done by yourself, some tasks are best left to professionals.
For instance, if your awning shows signs of extensive wear or has suffered damage, professional repair or replacement may be necessary to ensure safety and longevity. Additionally, motorized awning systems can face electrical issues that require expert attention, as attempting to fix these without the proper knowledge can lead to further complications or even injury.
No matter how well we maintain the awning, problems can still arise. Regular inspection is crucial in identifying potential issues before they escalate into significant concerns.
Signs to watch out for include sagging awning fabric, which may indicate structural weaknesses; fraying around the edges, suggesting the material is deteriorating; difficulty opening or closing the awning, which could signal mechanical or alignment problems; and unusual creaking sounds during operation, which often point to issues with the moving parts.
Protecting Your Awning
Apart from regular maintenance, providing protective measures for your RV awning is equally important. For example, using a protective cover when the awning is rolled up can prevent unnecessary exposure to the elements, shielding it from harsh weather conditions that cause wear and tear.
This simple step helps prolong the life of the fabric and hardware by preventing UV damage, moisture buildup, and debris accumulation. Additionally, investing in a high-quality cover ensures that your awning remains in top condition, ready for use whenever you need it.
Final Word
In conclusion, maintaining your RV awning should not be viewed as a chore but as an important part of your RV care routine. With regular cleaning, inspection, and professional maintenance when necessary, your awning will perform at its best for many years to come.
In this adventurer’s world, every detail matters, and having a well-maintained awning can make all the difference. So, heed this traveller’s guide to maintaining RV awning and keep savoring the freedom of the open road.
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