Vinyl and acrylic awnings have become an essential part of the RV lifestyle. A patio awning provides some definition to our outdoor living space, in addition to the shade from the sun and protection from the rain.
We crank them out when we settle into our spot (either by hand or by pushing the button on a remote). The awning makes the statement that we’ll be here for a while and we’re open for visitors. For those pesky insects, some of you have purchased screen enclosures to attach to your awning, but most people are just satisfied with the roof over their head and maybe some patio lights to add a welcoming glow in the evening.
Because awnings are often exposed to rain, and they are also kept rolled up much of the time, mildew, stains and deterioration of the awning material can be a major problem. You can purchase replacement awnings and even purchase awning fabric to do it yourself, if you feel capable, but this should not have to be done if you do some regular preventative maintenance on your awnings.
The first step is to never rollup your awning while it is still wet unless you absolutely have to. It is the moisture that causes the mildew and deterioration of the fabric and you will want to avoid that as much as possible. There are times, of course, when you don’t have a choice and you need to rollup the awning while it is still wet in order to travel. In these situations, you’ll want make sure you roll it out to dry as soon as you reach your next destination.
Check your awning frequently for mold or stains. Giving the whole awning a thorough cleaning with water and a mild soap will help prevent problem spots from developing. If there are spots you have difficulty getting clean, you may want to use a special awning cleaner and follow the directions for spot cleaning. Even if you’re not using your awning, or your RV, on a regular basis, you may want to simply roll out the awning every few weeks just to air it out and keep any moisture from building up inside of it.
The mechanical parts of your awning need to be cared for as well. If a piece does become damaged, do”t give up. RVers have learned to be resourceful. Check with a local dealer or an RV part dealership, there’s bound to be remedy for the problem.
Just as with the rest of your RV, the better care you take of your awnings, the longer they will last. See you out on the road!
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