A Beginner's Guide to RV Awning Maintenance

Summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax under the sun, but when you need a break, your RV’s awning is an essential feature that provides much-needed shade. Maintaining your awning is crucial, but it doesn't have to be a daunting task if you follow some basic tips. Read on to discover how you can keep your RV’s awning in excellent condition.

Learn About Your Awning

If you want to take good care of your awning, it's essential to know about its fabric. Vinyl and acrylic are the two most common materials used for awnings. Acrylic is a popular choice because of its vibrant colors and water and mold resistance. However, it can melt when exposed to high temperatures. Vinyl, on the other hand, is often coated with an anti-fungal layer, making it more resistant to mold and mildew. If your RV has a vinyl awning, you’ll want to clean it gently to prevent damage to the coating.

Avoiding Problems

Your awning can be easily damaged if you're not careful, so you should keep up with regular maintenance. Wind can be a significant problem, as an awning can create a considerable amount of force during a windstorm, causing the frame to bend or break. To avoid this issue, it's best to roll up your awning when the wind becomes too strong. Make a habit of rolling up the awning before going to bed or leaving your RV, so it's protected in case the wind picks up.

Mold and mildew can also be problematic if you don't clean your awning correctly. When you roll up a wet and dirty awning, you provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. That’s why you must wash your RV’s awning thoroughly and allow it to dry before storing it away.

UV light from the sun can also damage your awning over time. While it's impossible to stop UV rays, you can minimize their impact by rolling up your awning when not in use and having a cover to protect it when it's rolled up.
If you take good care of your awning, it can last for several years. If you need help with RV maintenance or repairs, feel free to contact us at Mountaineer RV & Outdoor Center in Jane Lew, WV. We proudly serve all those in West Virginia, including Morgantown.