An awning is a great feature to have on your RV because it greatly increases the amount of covered space you have to live in when you’re camping. Whether you’re looking for a place to hide from the sun on a summer trip or a place to shelter from the rain during the cooler months, an awning will keep you more protected. But awnings also tend to be prone to certain problems. If you want to keep your RV awning in good shape, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
Below, we’ve explained some of the basics of RV care and maintenance, and we’ve also explained some of the most common problems afflicting them. Read on to learn more, and if you need RV awning maintenance or repair, give us a call here at Athens RV. We’re located near Nacogdoches and Lufkin, Texas, in Athens, and we proudly serve the areas of Longview, Tyler, Fort Worth, Houston, and Dallas, Texas.
Types of Awning
The two most common types of awning construction are vinyl and acrylic. While these two fabrics look similar, they have slightly different maintenance needs. Acrylic awnings are made from a petroleum-based fabric which is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. While this type of fabric is resistant to mold, you’ll still want to clean and dry your awning before rolling it up and storing it because any dirt or leaves can harbor mold. This type of fabric can melt easily when exposed to direct heat, so avoid using open flames around acrylic awnings.
The other most common type of fabric is vinyl. Vinyl fabric is covered with a PVC coating that helps to make it more resistant to mold and mildew. If you scrub this fabric, though, it’s possible that you can wear out the coating and make the awning susceptible to mold again. Use as little scrubbing as possible when you clean this type of awning and make sure you always put it away clean and dry.
Preventing Major RV Problems
There are several problems that commonly afflict RV awnings. As we mentioned above, mold and mildew are some of the most commons for RVs. While most people refer to mildew as being something that’s different than mold, they’re actually the same thing and thus, grow for the same reasons. Basically, mold will take over anywhere where there is moisture, a food source (usually dirt or debris) limited airflow, and limited UV light exposure. An awning that’s been rolled up and put away while wet and dirt will provide all of these things, so make sure you always clean and dry your awning before rolling it up.
Wind is another big problem for RV awnings. An awning is basically a form of a sail, and an RV awning deployed in a windstorm will find itself under serious strain at the force of the wind. Make sure you always put your awning away at night and when you leave your RV so that it won’t be in danger when you’re not there to roll it up and protect it.
Ultraviolet light is another source of problems for some RVs, but there’s not much you can do about it. The only thing that will help is to keep your awning rolled up when it’s not in use. Some models feature a metal cover to protect the awning when it’s not in use, and this can be a good investment if you’re looking to upgrade your awning.
Professional RV Repairs
Awnings aren’t always the easiest thing to handle on your own. They’re big and cumbersome, and trying to attach them to your RV can actually cause your travel trailer, fifth wheel, or camper damage if you don’t install the awning correctly. It’s best to leave it to the professionals.
We here at Athens RV are experienced in making repairs and replacing awnings on RVs. If you need RV awning maintenance or parts and services for your RV, give us a call! We’re located near Nacogdoches and Lufkin, Texas, and we proudly serve the areas of Longview, Tyler, Fort Worth, Houston, and Dallas from our Athens location. Stop by today to see how we can help you!
