Category: RV Awning

An RV awning increases your RV’s usefulness and versatility, allowing you to use it for multiple purposes. Here are some reasons why you should buy and install an RV awning.

It provides shade in the hot summer days. When the weather is too hot, spending time inside the RV can be extremely uncomfortable, but sitting out in the direct sunlight might not be the best alternative. The awning provides some shade, so you can read, relax, or prepare a BBQ dinner without being too hot.

➢   Even if you’re fond of the sun, spending too much in the sun without protection will leave your skin subject to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage and also increase the risk of skin cancer.

If you’re spending time inside your RV, the awning can also protect you from the annoying sun rays when you’re trying to relax or sleep. Moreover, the sun can cause the fading of your carpets and furniture, so the awning will provide the needed shade.

➢   An awning can also keep the rain away from the interior of your RV. The rain will slide away from your windows, so you can spend some peaceful time inside, without having everything getting wet or having to lock your windows.

➢   With some modifications, the awning can add an extra outdoor room. If it has walls, this outdoor sun room will be bug-free, so you can chill outside without having to deal with nasty mosquito bites. 

When travelling in your camper vehicle you have the privilege of being free to stop at the most beautiful places. Simply turn off the ignition, get the table and chairs out, and enjoy the marvelous view.

An RV awning gives you added pleasure: It turns the area in front of your vehicle into your mobile patio, which will give you many relaxing hours!

The awning provides shade as well as protection against rain, wind and weather and it can do so much more. With the right accessories you can quickly create an extra living or sleeping room for your mobile home, complete with windows, doors, curtains, fly screens and lighting.

Van awnings protect the campers from the harsh and harmful UV rays of the sun when they are sitting outside the camper van.

The awnings will also save the campers from getting soaked.

The camper awnings will protect the front doorway portion of the camper van in rainy season by creating an overhead shelter so that the rain water does not fall directly on the front glass of the vehicle.

Camping experiences are often disturbed because of insects and mosquitos and the repellent creams and lotions which we carry don’t really help. In this case, the awnings help keeping the mosquitoes and insects away with the help of netted extensions.

When not in use these camping awnings can be installed by at houses to make them energy efficient.

Like we said, it’s not always obvious when it’s time to replace your RV awning, but here are some of the tell-tale signs you should watch for:

Cracking Material

If you see cracks in the fabric, or if it’s torn or ripped, you can patch it… but you’re just delaying the inevitable. Once a crack begins, it’s a sign that the awning fabric has aged from exposure to the elements, and it’s going to spring new cracks with ongoing use. This is also a good time to do a full inspection of the awning hardware (the arms, mounting brackets, roller tube, etc) to ensure it’s still in good shape.

Splitting Seams

Like deteriorating fabric, when you see that your canopy is coming apart at the seams, that’s a definite danger sign. Awning fabric is stitched to create the pockets needed to hold it to the side of the RV and onto the roller tube… so when that begins to go, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.

Heavy Mildew Build-Up

Mold and mildew aren’t going to cause your awning to lose its function, but it can often smell (BAD!) and is hard to remove completely. A lot of cheaper awning material is actually made from two pieces of fabric that are “glued” together. Mold/mildew can grow between the two layers, so no matter how hard you scrub, you can’t get it all out. And because it’s a health hazard , you sure don’t want to let it hang around or spread to other areas of your RV.

Looks Out Of Date (Style)

Maybe you want a new look, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes retro is cool … and sometimes it’s not. Change is good, and maybe the time is right for a different color, pattern, or style. Current awnings look a whole lot better than those manufactured ten years ago.

Fabric Has Stretched Over Time

When water collects on your RV awning during a heavy rain, it can cause the fabric to stretch. This makes the canopy droop or sag… which only makes it MORE likely to collect water. You might be able to fix it temporarily by pulling it tighter, but the damage is pretty much already done.

Awnings are an important, yet often overlooked, element of RV living. Whether it is sunny or rainy outside, awnings provide the shade and shelter necessary to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors. No matter how well you preserve your awning, it is eventually going to have to be replaced, and knowing when the time is right can be tricky. So to give you a better idea, here are 5 signs it’s time to replace your RV awning.

Your awning won’t open and close properly

If you have to stress and sweat to close your RV’s awning, it is probably time to swap the old out with the new. Properly functioning awnings should smoothly open and close without resistance, so if you have to fight to get your awning in place, think about replacing it.

There’s noticeable damage to your awning’s structure

Don’t wait until you’re questioning the structural integrity of your awning before getting it replaced. You should routinely inspect your awning’s hardware for dents, bends, and any warping that can occur over time. Compromised awnings can collapse during use and cause serious injury, so if you notice visible damage, replace your awning as soon as possible.

You can’t properly adjust your awning

Being able to control and lock the pitch of your RV’s awning is essential to ensuring that rainwater flows properly off of it. If you find yourself forcing components into place when adjusting the pitch of your awning, you could be causing additional damage to your RV. Don’t underestimate or ignore what you think is a minor awning issues. Replace your old one and avoid any larger damage to your RV.

The fabric of your awning is unsightly

It is recommended that you clean your awning fabric at least once per year, but even with proper upkeep your awning’s material can still develop ugly mildew and mold stains, sun damage, and rot spots. If any of these eyesores look familiar, you might not need to get an entirely new awning, but you will want to replace your awning’s fabric before the problems worsen.

Your awning shows signs of excessive wear

Mother Nature can take a toll on your RV’s awning with excessive rain, sun damage, and possible snow build-up. Holes, tears, and fraying are all tell-tale signs of excessive wear letting you know that it’s time to replace your RV’s awning.

Awnings do more than just protect from the elements, they extend the living area of your RV to let you enjoy the outdoors under shelter and shade. Don’t overlook the importance of making sure your awning is performing properly. If you notice any of these 5 signs while evaluating your RV, invest in a new awning and enjoy your next adventure free from worry and uncertainty.

RV awnings needs to be well maintained; otherwise, you will end up replacing it sooner than you should have. Here are some tips to help you take care of your awning. 

➢   If you have an acrylic or vinyl awning, use water to hose it off. Check the awning to see if there are still any dirty spots. You can use a mild detergent that has been specifically designed for this process, as this will protect the waterproof coating and keeps the fabric in excellent condition

Too much scrubbing can damage the fabric. You can reinstall a waterproof coating to keep the RV awning in excellent condition. The frequency of cleaning depends on the weather condition and where you park and drive your RV

➢   Aluminum awnings don’t rust, but you can add a finish to remove oxidation and salt damage if you want the metal to maintain its color

➢   Check the construction of your fixed awning. If the metal parts look rusty, have them replaced

➢   If you install a fixed awning, try to keep one corner lower than the other. This won’t affect the benefits the awning will provide but will prevent the water from pooling on top of it

The water’s weight can put too much strain on the structure and can damage the awning permanently. When the water slides off, this will prevent the growth of mold and mildew, keeping your awning in perfect condition for the longest time possible

➢   Retractable van awnings should be left to dry out completely before rolling them up. Rolling the fabric while it’s still wet will cause the growth of mold and will damage it forever

Moreover, it can cause a bad odor that you can smell when you’re inside your RV. Use a mold remover if you see any stains on your RV awning

➢   Don’t overexpose your RV awning to UV rays. Although the awning’s job is to protect you from the sun rays, you shouldn’t leave it extended if you’re not using it

UV rays can damage the acrylic and vinyl fabric, and you will eventually have to replace your awning too soon. Even when it’s rolled up, you can use a PVC or aluminum cover to protect the fabric from damage

➢   Invest in a stabilizer kit. This will work if you’re extending your RV awning in windy conditions. It protects the construction and guarantees that the awning will last for a long time. You can also de-flapper clips to keep the awning stable in rain and wind

An RV is perhaps the most versatile vehicle you will encounter on the road. It serves as a hotel room, kitchen, bedroom, and family room—just to name a few of the features. Additionally, RVs are incredibly spacious; according to Camper Grid, “Most of the class A motorhome have lengths that range from 21 feet up to 45 feet.” While this makes for a lavish indoor space, there is one area that many camper enthusiasts ignore—the expansive front yard. However, thanks to the many benefits of an RV awning, more RV owners are utilizing their RV’s outdoor space.

Choose Your Ideal Materials

Before you consider the mechanics, you’ll need to choose an awning material. Awning materials vary, but acrylic and vinyl are the most common. Acrylic is the more breathable of the two materials and can handle the harsh elements. However, acrylic is water-resistant, not waterproof. Acrylic will repel water and dry quickly, but during heavier rains, your RV awning may leak.

Vinyl, on the other hand, has similar durability and is waterproof. However, vinyl does not handle air circulation as well as acrylic. These awnings are versatile and come in an array of colors and designs—your new vinyl awning will look amazing; however, be sure to keep an eye out for minor fading. No matter which material you go with, if you find your awning needs some TLC, it is easy to replace the fabric.

Find the Perfect Type of Awning

It’s important to consider your personal needs when deciding on the type of RV awning you need. No matter which option you go with, each awning will allow you to enjoy all the space around your RV. For a permanent solution, a fixed awning is a perfect choice. Fixed awnings, once installed, provide constant shade whenever you want to spend time outside. You’ll just have to be extra careful while on the road.

For those who want something a little more high-tech, try a retractable awning. With one push of a button, you’ll be able to extend or retract your awning. This way, you can establish shade when you want and tuck it away once you’re ready to hit the road. Similarly, a sliding awning works the same as a retractable van awning, it just requires some manual effort.

Take Your Awning to a New Level

To truly reap the benefits of an RV awning, you’ll want to create an outside room. An awning forms a partially enclosed space that attaches to your RV. As such, you can immerse yourself in the outdoors while still using modern luxuries, including patio furniture, a grill, and protective netting to keep out bugs and dust. Your RV awning will be perfect for late-night hangouts with friends and family.