How to Extend the Life of Your RV Awning

Do you have a checklist for maintaining your RV awnings?  Most mobile homeowners overlook the importance of having a cleaning routine. Still, proper care and maintenance are vital to long-lasting awnings. Here’s a checklist for proper awning maintenance that will help extend the life of your RV awning.

Checklist for RV Awning Maintenance.

Observe the following tips before and after every trip to keep your awning in great shape.

1. Know the fabric.

Vinyl and acrylic are the two main types of awning fabric  Acrylic fabric is not waterproof, but it is light and breathable, which allows it to dry faster. Vinyl fabric is durable and mildew-resistant, but it should only be stored once completely dried.

Understanding how each fabric reacts to dirt and water is important when cleaning.

2. Inspect the fabric regularly for tears.

Routine awning maintenance is vital to the lifespan of your fabric. You should examine your awning fabric before and after every trip, performing a more detailed inspection once or twice a year. Look for tears, rips, and any buildup of mold or dirt.

3. Clean thoroughly and regularly.

Clean fabric is happy fabric. We recommend that you hose off your awning every month. This prevents dirt from building up and settling in. You can typically perform cleanings (light or thorough) while the awning is still on the frame unless a stubborn stain necessitates removal.

To thoroughly clean your awning, you should first hose off the fabric. Then, combine water with dish soap and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the fabric gently. Rinse the soap solution off, and then let the fabric air dry. Avoid harsh scrubbing and chemicals, as these can damage the fabric and decrease its lifespan.

Heavy mildew stains might require special cleaning. Do not hesitate to call an industry professional if necessary.

4. Secure your awning.

Violent wind can wear on awning fabric. To preserve the fabric, it is helpful to secure your awning with a saver clamp or a tie-down kit. You should also ensure that the knobs on the side arms are tightened before every drive.

5. Put it away when not in use.

When you aren’t traveling, pack your RV awning away. This protects it from the elements and from unnecessary wear and tear.

6. Do not leave the awning unattended.

Heavy rainfall, strong gusts of wind, and wayward animals can all take a toll on your RV awning, especially if you aren’t around to monitor it. Avoid leaving your awning unattended if the weather is rainy or windy. If you do leave your awning unattended, check the forecast first.

I Followed the Checklist, and My Awning is Still Dirty!

While maintenance is important and protects your RV awning from long-term wear and tear, most awnings will develop fading over time. In this case, there is no need to replace the entire awning. Rather, investing in high-quality replacement fabric will improve the appearance of your mobile home at a fraction of the cost.

Traveling in an RV is the perfect way to make a lifetime of memories, but don’t forget the importance of maintenance. Investing in high-quality RV accessories will improve your trip’s comfort and quality.

The most important thing that enables you to extend the life of your RV awning is the quality of the awning fabric.  Cheaper is not always better. To ensure an awning of good quality, find a reputable RV awning company you can trust. Once you invest in a quality awning, take time to care for it properly.

We Can Help!

RV Awnings specializes in making awning fabric of the highest standard and offers a variety of options. If you have any further questions or would like to order a replacement awning fabric, call us today.