Most RVs include an awning which is either manual or automatic. Automatic awnings even include weather sensors, which means that they can retract on their own. On the other hand, if your RV has a manual awning, then you should be extra careful in rolling it up when the weather is bad to avoid those high costs for RV awning repair.
If it is drizzling outside, then you could slope down the corner of your awning so rainwater can slide off on the side. After the rain, be sure to dry off your awning completely before you roll it up. If you store it while it is still damp, mold and mildew can develop and damage the fabric.
Protecting Your RV Awning from High Winds
Winds can cause destruction to your awning. Gusts of winds can occur when it is least expected, for instance, when you are away or during the night. You don’t want to return back to your camper after a long day out, only to discover that your camper awning fabric was destroyed.
The fabric can get whipped or billowed up due to strong winds. As a result of constant flapping, the bead that fastens the fabric can loosen. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace the whole awning.
If you are using a manual awning, you can prevent the fabric from being torn down or reduce the noisy whipping by using de-flapper clamps. Although they are not designed for high winds, on breezy days they can provide your awning with more stability. You can also use a stabilizer kit during those windy days. This camping awning kit includes pull tension straps and spiral stakes which you can use in anchoring your awning to the ground.
If you are in a pinch, awning repair tape can be used to fix a small tear temporarily, but it is important to get it looked at properly as soon as you can. Awning repair tape can also be very useful on tents, boat sails, and pop-up campers. By taking good care of your awning, you can avoid costly repairs.
Protecting Your RV Awning from Rain Damage
Some awnings can be used even if the sun is not shining or the weather is unstable because these products are weather-resistant and include practical accessories. They are also created using smart technology. A light breeze or rain should not be the reason for cancelling your barbeque party or get-together. But what if there is stormy weather or heavy rain?
To be able to enjoy your awning comfortably, you must have an awning that comes with weather protection. Learn about the safety features that are included as well as the precautions that you should take in order to avoid damaging your awning and prevent camping awning replacement.
Generally, you should not leave your RV patio awning, window awning or door awning unattended. It is difficult to predict the weather, most especially during your absence, so before heading to the beach, don’t forget to roll up your awning. The only exception is when you are setting up an awning tent or awning room because they are weather-proof and sturdy.
Choose a Retractable Awning
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best retractable awning for your RV, including the awning’s size. Make sure that it is compatible with your camper and other accessories. If you have a large space, then you can maximize your awning if you are unable to set them up to your small camper. Consequently, small awnings will look inappropriate on large campers, so be sure to take the time to determine the proper size before making a purchase.
How to Measure RV Awnings
In choosing the right awning size and length, you should get the precise measurements of your camper. If you need an RV awning replacement, get the dimensions of your old awning and choose a new one that has the exact same dimensions. Otherwise, you will have to do the measurement the old-fashioned way. Look for any potential space on your camper where you can mount the awning. Get the measurement of the space to confirm that the length of your camper matches the length of the awning that you want to buy. If you are having difficulty in figuring out which awnings will fit in your RV, get in touch with the manufacturer for some advice.
Auto Retraction for Electric Awnings
Electric awnings are very easy to operate. They are powered by a motor and with the latest technology, will power up even the largest awnings, while remaining compact enough to fit properly inside the barrel or roller the awning fabric winds onto. In other words, you will only see the awning, unless you decide to add lighting or heating accessories wherein the installer will place a receiver box beside it.
Integrated tube motors are being used by electric awning manufacturers because of their ideal shape and built-in design. A wire is used to connect the motor to the awning, which is then connected to a power supply. Once the motor is turned on, it winds the barrel and releases the fabric cover. The arms function, due to gas pistons or the spring tension system. Most people think that the arms push the cover, however, they only follow the cover when it opens or closes. The pressure of the gas or the tension from the springs is responsible for opening and closing them softly.
Choosing Appropriate Awning Accessories
Whether it is a dining space, a place where your pooch rests, an extra sleeping space, or simply somewhere to throw your boots, when using carefree RV awnings, everyone has their own preferred choice.
However, if you really want to transform your RV into a home, then you should choose the appropriate awning accessories like awning lights from brands like Dometic. Remember, the interior of your awning is just as essential as the awning itself.
Although RV awning lights may not be significant for the operation of your RV, they can make everything brighter. Awning deflappers are essential if your RV awning keeps on flapping around in the wind. Aside from being dangerous, it can also be annoying. Always remember to make you’re your RV awning is securely installed so you don’t lose it in the wind!
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