Caring for your RV’s Awning

As easy as it is to forget about your awning and trust that it will continue to function, this isn’t always the case. Awning care is just as important as caring for the rest of your RV, so make sure you’re taking all the necessary steps to keep your awning in working condition. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your awning is clean and dry. Storing a dirty or wet awning can lead to mildew, mold, and other damages. You’ll also want to make sure you’re only using it when the weather is appropriate because high winds and prolonged exposure to UV light can damage your awning. However, awning care isn’t the most popular RV topic, so Herold Trailer Sales has listed out some of the most important awning care practices to help you at least cover the basics. But sometimes you’ll have an awning repair that needs professional help. When that happens, come to our location in Indianola, Iowa so our professional mechanics can take a look. We welcome all RV owners from Des Moines and Clive, Iowa areas.

Know your Awning

Properly caring for your awning will largely depend on the type of awning you have. Most awnings are made from one of two materials: vinyl or acrylic. Acrylic awnings are woven with a petroleum-based product that’s water and mildew resistant and very similar to thick tent fabric. This means it won’t catch fire if exposed to flame or intense heat, but rather melt.

Vinyl awnings often need to be coated with an anti-fungal material. Because of this, you won’t want to scrub too hard in one spot when you’re cleaning it as you’ll wear down the coating. In general, in order to keep the awning material strong, it’s best to gently clean your awning and not spend too much time in one spot.

Avoiding Major Awning Problems

Cleaning your awning is a great way to prevent potential problems and keep your awning looking new and fresh. This is especially important if you know your trailer is going into storage, even if it’s just for a few days. Mild soap and a soft brush are ideal.

There are a number of other ways to prevent awning damage. Never roll up a wet awning, as it can lead to mildew and mold. This is true whether it’s been raining or you’ve recently washed your awning. Always give it a chance to dry completely before rolling it back into your trailer. If you notice any mold or mildew problems, look for a commercial cleaner specifically for awnings and avoid petroleum-based products.

Also, watch for too much UV-light exposure. This can weaken the material of your awning and lead to tears. In fact, if you notice the awning bead break loose from the extension hardware, you might have to resort to replacing it altogether. Wind can also severely damage your awning. Any gusts more than 20 mph should be an immediate signal to retract your awning. If you know the winds will start to pick up during the day, consider also anchoring the corners using screw anchors and rope. And if you are leaving your trailer in a wind prone area, retract your awning.

Awning Repair and Replacement

No matter how well you take care of your awning, it’s still possible to damage yours. Keep in mind that awnings can be complicated and extremely difficult to work with on a mechanical level, and because of this, we recommend a professional to handle the repairs and replacement. This will prevent irreversible damage to your trailer. If you find yourself in need of a professional mechanic, for your awning or for any other RV maintenance, talk to the experienced staff at Herold Trailer Sales. We’re located in Indianola, Iowa, near the areas of Des Moines and Clive.