Caring For Your RV's Awning
When you make it to the campsite and finally sit down to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, your awning offers you protection from those harsh UV rays. Nowadays, many models come with an extendable awning that provides you with shade and protection from passing rain showers. Once you’ve achieved veteran RVer status, it’s easy to take little things like your awning for granted. As the years go by, it’s essential to take proper care of your awning just as you do with the rest of your vehicle.Fortunately, Campers RV Center has plenty of helpful tips on awning care. For more information or to browse our inventory, visit your local RV dealer in Shreveport, Louisiana near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. We also proudly serve Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.
Understand Your Awning
Before you begin, it’s important that you understand what you’re dealing with. Different types of awnings require different types of care. Start by finding out what material your awning is made of. Oftentimes, awnings are composed of either acrylic or vinyl material. If yours is acrylic, this means it’s composed of a petroleum-based product that’s resistant to mildew and water. If it’s exposed to flame or heat, it melts. You can basically view acrylic as a thick, tent-like fabric.
Vinyl awnings are sometimes covered in an anti-fungal coating that makes them resistant to mildew. You’ll need to avoid scrubbing too aggressively so you don’t damage the coating or cause it to wear down too quickly. You should make it a point to use a gentle soap to clean your vinyl awning to prevent stripping the protective coating. The best way to go about this is to steer clear of petroleum-based cleaners and soaps.
Avoid Major Issues
Most of your awning care will be preventative, which starts with decreasing the risk of mildew buildup. Mildew is similar to mold because it requires a dark, wet, enclosed space to breed. If you tend to roll up your awning when it’s still wet, you’re creating the perfect environment for mildew to breed. While it’s not as dangerous as mold, mildew doesn’t exactly give off a pleasant smell. Be sure your awning is as dry as possible before rolling it up to avoid the stench. If you notice mildew issues developing at any point in time, you should invest in a special commercial cleaner to treat it.
Next, you need to prepare to deal with UV rays. Your awning might be great for protecting you from harmful UV rays, but don’t forget that it’s soaking up all of that heat in the process. The longer you leave your awning out and exposed to direct sunlight, the more the material is going to weaken, which increases the risk of developing a tear. One small tear can grow into a large one very quickly. Be on alert for high wind warnings, which are dangerous for an extendable awning. As long as are properly prepared and avoid these issues, your awning will remain in good shape for years to come.
Repair & Replacement
The time may come where you cannot escape the fact that you need a replacement part or repair for your awning. You can be as careful as possible, but wear and tear is inevitable. You might feel capable of handling repairs or replacing a part on your own, but unless you are a professional of sorts, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance. We’re proud to offer RV parts and service right here at Campers RV Center. After all, the inner workings of an awning can be extremely complex. Some models have spring-loaded opening assistance features, and that can get tricky. You don’t want to cause further damage, or worse, break you awning. Always seek professional assistance when repairing or replacing your RV awning.
Need help with your awning? Be sure to give us a call or stop by your local RV dealer, Campers RV Center. We also have a variety of RVs for sale that you might be interested in checking out. You’ll find us located in Shreveport, Louisiana near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. We also proudly serve those in Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.