Beginner's Guide to RV Awnings: How to Open, Close, and Maintain Your Awning
How to Open Your Manual or Hybrid RV Awning How to Close Your Manual or Hybrid RV Awning How to Maintain Your RV Awning
How to Open Your Manual or Hybrid RV Awning
How to Close Your Manual or Hybrid RV Awning
Step 1
Step 2
How to Maintain Your RV Awning
Tips for Opening and Closing Your Awning:
Do adjust the pitch The pitch, or angle, of your awning is crucial. Angle one corner of the awning downward to allow water runoff, or invest in an awning with an automatic rain dump feature. (Another tip: steer clear of the dumping location unless you want a quick outdoor shower.) Don't rip your awning with the door Be sure your awning clears the top of your door. Also make sure your travel companions are aware when you're opening the awning—the last thing you want is someone unwittingly throwing the door open on your half-open awning and tearing the fabric. Most RV doors these days have rounded corners to prevent this kind of mishap, but it's still a "better safe than sorry" situation. Do roll up if it's windy Most RVers wonder at some point how much wind their awnings can handle. Unfortunately, the only way to know this for sure is to leave your awning out in high winds and see how long it takes the wind to destroy it. A good rule of thumb to keep on the safe side is that, if you're questioning whether or not it's time to roll up, it's time to roll up. Some awnings even include wind sensors and automatically roll up if they detect winds of a certain speed. Don't leave the awning unattended Retract the awning when you leave the campsite to avoid damage from wind, storms, or unnecessary UV exposure.
Tips for Securing Your Awning
Do use awning clamps Use RV awning clamps to prevent the awning from opening while you drive, and to prevent the fabric from flapping in the wind when extended.
Do clean your awning regularly At minimum you should clean it once a year with dish soap and water before storing your RV for the winter. Ideally, however, you should clean your awning every few months or more frequently, as needed. RV awning cleaner is also available. Read more about cleaning your awning here. Don't roll up a wet awning Doing so can cause mold and mildew to form on the fabric. If you absolutely have to roll it up wet, open the awning again as soon as possible and allow it to fully dry. Do clear the awning of leaves and debris before rolling it up Not only will this stuff accumulate and weigh down your awning over time, but it'll also fall on your head and into your eyes next time you open the awning. Been there. Not fun.
Sher B.
9/6/2024
We are in an area in AZ known for hogh winds. I get concerned about my slide-out awning. Should I use a tie-down strap over that awning or should I be concerned? I have a 2024 forest river Vibe. Thank you
Douglas W.
5/22/2021
I have a 2020 Keystone Hideout and I was hoping you can tell me how to adjust the pitch on my power awning.
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Jim D.
10/21/2024
I have a 2 month old awning. 20’ Solera. It was extended out, a storm was coming. I went to roll it up and the drive end popped and it stopped moving. After having the drive support arm and the shear sleeve replaced they say it should work. I want to know WHAT caused it to break in the first place. I have never owned one before. Was the adjustment wrong on it when I retracted it? What?