7 maintenance tips and tricks to extend the lifespan of your RV awning

When it comes to the most essential elements of any camping experience in Australia, there can be few more crucial than an RV awning. It serves to expand your living space and provide you with an outdoor area protected from the sun. Shade is a game-changing factor when the temperatures soar and it also provides a handy shelter from the rain should it decide to pour down and try to ruin your camping experience. 

Here at RV Parts Express, it is fair to say we are obsessed with all things awning-related, including maintenance and best practices to give them maximum longevity. We put our heads together to create a list of tips and tricks to keep your RV awning in the best possible shape so it can give you many years of flawless protection.

RV awning maintenance tips:

• Clean it

It might sound obvious but cleaning your RV awning several times per year is key to keeping it in the best condition possible and extending its working life. Not only will keeping it clean prevent mould and rot from damaging the material but it will also allow you to inspect the awning carefully and see any potential issues you can address before they worsen. 

The number of times you need to clean any awning is completely unique and particular to the vehicle in question and its usage. That isn’t to say if it hasn’t been used it won’t require cleaning, it just might not have as much dirt on it as one used every weekend. If it has not been opened out for many months, it is important to do so and inspect and clean it regularly. All kinds of dirt and debris can accumulate there and cause issues, especially in an area with lots of trees and sticky sap. 

There is no need to go crazy with all kinds of additives and products - plain water and a reasonably powerful hose should be sufficient in removing most loose dirt and debris. Vinyl and acrylic RV awnings will often have a waterproof coating, making life even easier when it comes to cleaning time. The dirt struggles to stick to the surface and can be washed away effortlessly with the hose. 

• Tip: Remember waterproof coatings are not permanent and will need to be reapplied from time to time. 

This is especially true if mildew, mould, and rot are allowed to sit next to the surface as they will degrade the coating much faster. 

2) Remove tough stains

You may encounter occasional stains on your RV awning that cannot be removed with plain water alone and need a little more attention. A soft brush and mild detergent are a good place to start but there are also specialised awning cleaning products on the market you can fall back on if the stains are stubborn.

• Tip: Don’t be overly aggressive with the brush no matter how soft it is. 

Stains tend to be more of an annoyance than an actual issue in terms of damage and you need your waterproof coating intact more than you need a totally spotless awning. Scrubbing like crazy will probably only serve to wear the coating away and weaken its effectiveness.

3) Leave it to dry fully

There is nowhere water cannot reach, and nothing it cannot damage or destroy given enough time and prolonged contact. Make sure your awning is completely dry before storing it away again. If you absolutely cannot avoid stowing your RV awning away wet then open it again and let it dry the very first chance you get.

• Tip: Don’t neglect your awning supports and ensure they are also completely dry before stowing to prevent rust 

4) Check for damage

Good-quality RV awnings are pretty tough and durable but they are not impervious to damage, especially when exposed to the brutal Australian sun for long periods. UV damage is a very real possibility and its unstoppable onslaught will inevitably take a toll in the end. Assess any damage and seek professional assistance if necessary, it may be you can patch up any tears and reinforce weaker areas with the right tools and materials. 

• Tip: Keep your awning rolled up or stored away when not in use

5) Lubricate 

Whether manually operated or automatic, there are numerous moving parts to most RV awnings and it is essential to keep those well-lubricated and operating freely at all times. Good-quality silicone spray lubricants will help keep your rollers, hinges, and support arm pistons moving as smoothly and frictionlessly as possible. 

• Tip: Wipe away excess drips to prevent slipping 

6) Make sure your RV awning has a slight angle when in use

When water collects on your RV awning, it puts tremendous pressure on every facet of its construction. In almost no time the volume of water pooling on the fabric can be astronomically heavy and it is imperative to get rid of it. If your awning has a slight angle to it when erected, a great deal of water will simply run off the surface and not collect in such large amounts.

• Tip: Even an angled awning can still collect water so keep an eye on it during downpours

7) Inspect your RV awning regularly 

Inspecting your RV in general and paying particular attention to the state of your awning is something that should be done regularly and thoroughly. Certainly before embarking on any trip and several times a year even if not.

• Tip: Put the dates of your next RV cleaning and inspection in the calendar to avoid procrastination

A wide range of RV accessories

So that was our list of RV awning maintenance tips, we hope it gave you some useful ideas and will help you to extend the lifespan of your own. We have a huge range of products, parts, and accessories here at RV Parts Express, so why not check out our amazing range while you’re here? 

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If you have any comments or questions about RV awning maintenance tips or any other aspect of what we do, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.