Awnings are one of the most helpful features on an RV, but it’s not uncommon for them to have problems. Taking a trip without a functional awning can be a headache. You’ll have less shaded space outdoors, meaning you’ll have to spend more time inside or find other shade. When it starts to rain, you won’t have cover from it and you’ll need to head inside. If you want your RV awning to last as long as possible, it’s best to know how they work and how to maintain them.
Read on to learn more about RV awnings and how to keep them maintained. If you’re in the market for a camper, Cookeville RV and Marine carries a range of models at our Cookeville, Tennessee, dealership.
Different Types of Awning
Most RV awnings are made with one of two different materials: acrylic or vinyl. These two different materials are preferred for different reasons and they also require slightly different care routines.
The acrylic fibers in acrylic awnings are made from a petroleum-based product and the fabric is similar to the fabric in a tent. This type of fabric is water-resistant and naturally resists mold and mildew infections. Like most other types of fabric, though, if it gets dirty and moist, mold and mildew can take hold. With acrylic awnings, it’s important to keep them away from direct flames or heat sources because they can easily melt.
Vinyl awnings are made from a fabric that’s covered with an anti-mold coating. This coating can come off with extended scrubbing. If you’re concerned about dirt on your awning, try using an awning cleaning product, and don’t use a stiff brush if you have to scrub.
Avoiding the Big Problems
Awnings often fall victim to one of a few different problems. As we alluded to above, mold and mildew can be big problems with awnings. Mildew grows in environments that are moist, offer a food source, and have minimal sunlight. If you roll up your awning when it’s still dirty and wet, there’s a good chance mold will grow. If you do get an infestation of mold, there are commercial cleaners on the market that can clean it up.
Another major problem with awnings is damage due to wind. A heavy wind storm can shred your awning fabric and bend the support poles. It’s important to roll your awning up before going to bed for the night and whenever you leave the camp. You can also anchor the corners of the awning with guy-wires. Just make sure they’re obvious enough that people don’t run into them!
Finally, it’s important to consider UV light exposure. Over time, UV light can damage and weaken the fabric, making a tear more likely. Awnings are obviously designed to shield you from the sun, so there’s no getting around that type of exposure. But as is the case with preventing wind damage, you can try to roll your awning up whenever you leave camp. Some awning models even come with a metal case to shield the fabric when it’s rolled up so that the outer layer of the awning roll doesn’t weaken.
For more awning tips or to explore RVs for sale, visit Cookeville RV and Marine. Our dealership is based in Cookeville, Tennessee, and we also serve those in Nashville, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro.
