When you buy an RV, you might have noticed a retractable awning attached to it. This hanging fabric provides you with enough shelter from various weather conditions and is supported by metal attachments which allow it to hang on the side of your vehicle.
The problem is, RV awnings have a tendency to get damaged easily due to their design and function, thereby causing them to be unusable in the long run. If you tried repairing your damaged awning only to find out it’s beyond repair, perhaps it’s time to get yourself one of the best RV awnings out there.
In this article, we’re going to review some of the top-rated RV awnings you can find on the market. We’ll also discuss a few tips that will help you decide which product to purchase.
Table of Contents
List of Top-Rated RV Awning Reviews
1. Solera V000182037 Black Slide Topper Awning
RV owners who want to protect their slideout rooms should consider the Solera V000182037. This automatic RV awning not only safeguards the slideout’s top section. It also keeps dust, dirt, and pesky bugs from entering through the sides of the extension room.
I love this slide topper awning because it is 50 inches long, extending its coverage by eight inches more than what other toppers provide. Its size is perfect for motorhomes with large slide-outs that need protection.
The vinyl fabric is thicker than other products I have seen, and its seams are heat-welded. I can imagine this awning lasting at least a decade. The best part is this topper canopy installs permanently to the RV slideout. It automatically moves with the room extension without pressing a different button. People only need to activate the slideout, and this topper will react accordingly.
I also like this electric awning for RV because of the installation kit. Although some people might need to add a few more materials, this product already has pretty much all one needs to set it up.
Sadly, the RV canopy tends to collect water in the middle, causing the vinyl fabric material to stretch.
- Thick vinyl fabric with heat-welded seams for durability
- Perfect for RVs with big slide-outs, keeps bugs and dirt out
- Permanent installation automatically extends and retracts with the slideout
- Up to eight inches longer than other slide topper awnings
- Complete installation ki
- Canopy tends to pool water in the cente
2. ALEKO AW8X6BURG37 Retractable Patio Awning
One cannot put ALEKO alongside other RV awning brands because it focuses more on home products. However, this does not automatically mean its AW8X6BURG37 Retractable Patio Awning will not make an excellent canopy for an RV. On the contrary, the brand also produces some of the most exciting house awnings.
I like this manual RV awning because I do not have to worry about electrical connections during installation. I can also save battery power, using it instead for other appliances and gadgets in our motorhome.
Although this sunshade has a manual operation, it comes with a hand crank that turns without a squeaky noise.
I also admire this RV canopy’s retractable design. Unlike other manual sunshades, I can fold this RV awning towards the motorhome’s side without any hassle. People will never fret about improperly pulling the awning because the frame ensures more uniform movement.
This product provides 51 square feet of cooling shade. I can have a small table and four stools under it for my family to enjoy a lunch in the great outdoors without worrying about the sun and debris. The canopy is also waterproof, although I am unsure of the material. People say water does not penetrate through the sunshade when it rains, and I believe them.
Although this RV canopy comes in burgundy, the company has 15 other colors to suit different preferences.
Unfortunately, installation can be a headache because of confusing instructions. There were also issues with the hardware, such as missing bolts.
- Retractable design for more convenient operation
- 51 square feet size, perfect for more expansive shade
- Requires no electricity because it has an easy-to-use quiet hand crank
- Available in 16 colors
- Waterproof canopy
- Tricky installation due to bad instructions and missing bolts
3. Leaveshade RV Awning Fabric Replacement
There is no need to replace an RV electric awning frame if it’s still in good working condition. People can save money by replacing only the awning fabric. And why pick an ordinary-looking sunshade when one can choose the Leaveshade RV Awning Fabric?
This product comes in four colorful and stylish designs. Unlike the Solera and ALEKO, this product is available in eye-catching forms. Families can choose from the US flag, tiff fade, black fade, and green fade styles. The variants offer RV families a more vibrant way to spice up their motorhome’s exterior.
I love the canopy fabric because it features a combination of heavy-duty polyester with a vinyl coat. Rain, snow, dust, dirt, and the sun will never wreak havoc on this sunshade, making it more durable than other products.
This heavy duty RV awning fabric replacement also has a few innovative features that stand out compared to the Solera and ALEKO.
First, the canopy comes with reinforced double stitching to eliminate fraying and cutting. Second, three poly-cords are built-in. This allows people to replace their old RV awning fabric without requiring other tools. Third, the fabric consists of twisted 1100 dtex yarns, making it stronger than other awnings.
Both sides of the awning fabric have industrial-grade UV treatment, improving its protection against the sun’s rays. It will never crack, even if one pulls the shade in the desert.
A minor issue with this awning fabric is its price, which is somewhat higher than other replacement fabrics.
- Heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester fabric construction for weather resistance
- Four stylish and colorful designs
- Three poly-cords for effortless installation
- Both sides with UV treatment
- Enhanced twisted 1100 dtex yarns and double stitching for durability
- A bit pricier than other RV awning fabric replacements
4. SunWave Awning Fabric Ocean Blue Fade
A high quality product from SunWave, the Ocean Blue Fade is an excellent choice as far as an RV awning is concerned. It comes in a faded ocean blue tone and is made of a hard wearing vinyl to provide you with reliable protection from sunlight and rain.
If you’re looking for an awning that can be easily installed in your RV, then I’d recommend getting this one. The fabric is made for manually operated awnings. You can do the installation by yourself. However, you might want someone to help you attach the fabric onto your trailer. I was able to properly install in within minutes with no problems at all.
One of the things I like about the SunWave awning is its top-notch quality. In fact, a lot of fellow RV owners vouch for the SunWave mainly due to its sturdiness and partially due to its visually appealing design. With this combination present, you can get a reliable shelter from the elements while making your RV look a lot more appealing.
Unfortunately, there’s one particular department that the SunWave is lacking. I’m talking about the lack of clear instructions on how to install it. While it can be quickly installed within minutes, referring to the manual tends to make installation harder than it should be.
- Comes in a vibrant color and design
- Its lightweight construction makes storage a lot easier
- Its durable vinyl build can shield you from harsh weather conditions
- Available at a really affordable price
- The instruction manual is quite confusing
- You have to make sure not to damage it during installation
5. Lippert Components RV Solera Awning
The Solera awning is yet another quality choice if you’re looking for a reliable protection on your RV. It features a solid black fabric along with a black hardware. Sturdy and durable, the Solera offers you an affordable yet visually appealing protection for your slide rooms.
It can easily attach to the outside wall of your RV and its slide room. It can also effectively block any dust, debris, dust, and smoke even with the slide room retracted. One of the things I love about the Solera is the fact that it can permanently attach to your RV’s slide room and will automatically retract along with the slide out.
You can also extend it up to 50 inches which is around 8 times longer than most brands. This makes the Solera a really affordable alternative to slide-out awnings. Also, it’s available in a number of sizes to suit your RV’s dimensions. I also like the fact that the instructions specified in the manual are very easy to understand and follow.
- Quick and easy installation; the manuals are easy to follow
- A really affordable yet durable choice
- Offers excellent protection against sunlight and rain
- As mentioned earlier, there is no warranty
6. Shade Pro RV Vinyl Awning Replacement Fabric
If the awning fabric on your RV is torn or damaged beyond repair, then this awning replacement fabric from Shade Pro is what you need. This replacement fabric is as the name implies: it replaces your RV’s torn or worn out awning fabric, thereby giving you the much-needed protection from external elements.
As an RV awning replacement fabric, you can easily fit and install it into your vehicle within minutes. It can fit various awning types including CareFree, A&E, and Faulkner. Additionally, the product comes with easy to follow instructions which allow you to do the installation yourself. With this, you can easily replace your old and worn out awning in no time at all.
One of the things I like about this is its 3-year limited warranty on the freight and parts. This means that you can easily ask for a replacement in the event that some of its parts got damaged or broken. Appearance-wise, it sports a blue-white gradient which can perfectly suit the appearance of your vehicle.
- Easy to install and come with easy-to-follow instructions
- Can quickly and perfectly fit your vehicle
- It’s a really affordable choice for an awning fabric
- None so far except for a few smudges on some areas
7. ALEKO Retractable RV Awning
This easy to use awning provides you with a perfect protection against harsh weather conditions. If you’re planning to go on a road trip on your RV, then you shouldn’t forget bringing this along with you.
It comes with a hand crank that lets you open and close the awning with ease in just less than a minute. It also keeps the front of your RV protected just like a standard canopy awning. With this, you can get the best RV awning shade where you can relax while out there camping. It’s also made of a material that’s resistant to mold, mildew, water, and UV rays. Therefore, you can rely on it to last for a longer period of time.
Aside from its durability and reliability when it comes to providing you with a reliable protection, I also like the beautiful colors that come with the fabric. They also won’t fade easily and can even complement the overall look of your vehicle. This allows you to enjoy a touch of sophistication on your vehicle as you go driving on the road.
As it’s an electricity-free awning, it simply means you no longer have to deal with that annoying electric retractable awning in your vehicle.
- Offers excellent protection for your RV
- Operates without the use of electricity
- The inclusion of a hand crank makes opening and closing the awning a lot easier
- No cons so far. Maybe the lack of warranty information on the product
8. Lippert Components Solera Universal Fit Awning
If you’re looking for an awning replacement fabric that can fit just about any RV size, then I’d recommend this Solera Universal Fit Awning from Lipperts Components. It comes in a variety of sizes as well as colors for you to choose from.
It’s made of heavy-duty vinyl which is designed to provide you with a reliable protection from strong winds, heavy rains, and harmful UV rays. It’s also very easy to install. In fact, it only took me a few minutes to properly fit one on my RV. Without a doubt, this is one of the easiest awnings to fit on an RV.
One of the things I love about the Solera Universal awning is that I didn’t have a hard time choosing the right fit for your RV since I can simply choose from one of the many size options available. There’s also a variety of colors available including blue fade, burgundy fade, green fade, sand fade, silver fade, solid black, and white fade.
- Comes with a wide variety of sizes and colors
- Can fit RVs of any size
- None so far
9. Dometic Camping Trailer Awning
This is one of the many Dometic RV awnings which is compact and lightweight. As such, it can provide you with a comfortable shade to relax under while camping on your RV. It has a dimension of 11ft, making it ideal for use on a camping trailer.
It comes with all of the hardware you need to install it properly. The installation process only takes a few minutes, not to mention that it’s very easy to do as well. As one of the quality awnings on the market, you can surely rely on its quality and durability.
One thing I like about this Dometic trailer awning is that it is very easy to install. Due to its compact design, I didn’t have to rely on someone else’s help to attach it to my RV trailer. Also, since it comes with all the hardware I need, installation was a breeze.
As of now, it’s only available in one color: sandstone. In spite of that, the design is aesthetically appealing enough and can easily complement your trailer. So far, I really like its quality, durability, ease of use, and simplistic yet appealing design.
- Comes with a compact yet lightweight build
- Can be stored quickly and easily
- Very easy to use and install
- Available only in a single color and size
10. Carefree Vacation’r Screen Room
If you want to add some room for your recreational vehicle, then this product from Carefree is an excellent choice. This is ideal for those who want to stay outside of their RV without having to worry about being exposed to sunlight or rain.
What you need to do is simply attach it to your awning. After that, it will then create an extra room which you can use for hanging out or to keep yourself safe from bad weathers. As it’s made of a lightweight yet durable material, you can rely on its durability and longevity. It also features mesh windows along with privacy screens for added privacy and shade.
One of the things I like is its easy installation and removal. It only took me a few minutes to completely install it on my RV. Assembly is quick and easy as well. You don’t have to drill any hole just to set it up completely.
Lastly, it comes in a variety of sizes to cater to various recreational vehicles. With this, you can surely find the perfect fit for your RV.
- Available in a variety of sizes to fit various awnings
- Offers an extra room for you to hang out
- Very quick and easy to install
- You need to exit first if you want to close the privacy screens
11. Tentproinc RV Awning Sun Shade
I think no one wants to go RVing during the summer while having to deal with the scorching heat of the sun or the drenching drizzle of the rain. Whenever possible, we’d like to enjoy our RVing adventures to the max. This RV awning from Tentproinc does just that.
As the name implies, it provides you with a refreshing and comfortable shade which allows you to relax outside of your RV without having to worry about rain or sunlight. It also comes with plastic stakes along with bungee balls so you can easily install it without any worries.
Among the features include a breathable mesh screen which is capable of blocking up to 86% sunlight while keeping your view unobstructed. As a result, you can enjoy a cooler temperature while under it which can translate to a really relaxing and comfortable stay. It can also reduce the force of strong wind efficiently, allowing you to chill comfortably under its shade.
Due to its lightweight yet durable construction, you can easily install and dismount it any time you want. It also protects you from a number of elements other than sunlight and rain. These include bugs, strong winds, and more.
So far, there are three different colors available for you to choose from. You can also add a side shade if you want all-around protection. Just make sure you properly measure your RV to ensure a perfect fit.
- Can effectively block most of the harmful UV rays
- Made of a durable yet lightweight material
- Not the perfect choice if you’re looking for added privacy
12. Carefree Black Drop RV Awning
Made of a high quality material, this RV awning from Carefree can fit into any awning brand with ease. Ideally, you want to get this product if you’re looking for an awning that can protect you from UV rays as you relax outside of your RV.
The fabric is capable of blocking up to 85% of sunlight to keep you cool and comfortable while you relax. It’s also covered in vinyl with a one-year warranty. Although it’s easy to install, you’ll need someone to assist you, especially when it comes to its top-most section. Once you have attached the top part, you can then zip it up easily.
Of the things I found about this awning fabric, what I like was the fact that it provided me with a comfortable shade even when the spot I parked my RV has no shade and is directly facing the sun. It’s also affordable, making it a budget-friendly awning that can get you through the season. It’s made of a thick material that can last for a really long time even when regularly exposed to UV rays.
Another excellent feature of the Carefree awning is its heavy-duty zipper. With this product, you can fit a majority of awning brands on the market. It can also slide into your awning with ease, while the top section remains in your awning. This makes using the awning a lot easier, and its open-weave fabric can block a majority of the UV rays from penetrating.
- Blocks a huge portion of UV rays to keep your RV cool
- Ideal for use during hot sunny weathers
- Made of a thick and durable material
- Might be difficult to install all by yourself
13. Camco Durable RV Awning Mat
This one is a lot different than the ones we’ve mentioned above. Specifically, this is an awning mat that can be placed under your awning so you can enjoy lying on the ground without having to worry about the terrain. Basically, it’s a simple, no frills mat that can give you a comfortable space outside of your RV.
The Camco awning mat is made of a high quality material that is resistant to both mold and mildew. Aside from that, it’s really easy to clean, so I didn’t have any issues with the cleaning and maintenance at all. All I did was wash it using a hose to remove any dirt and debris that got stuck. After that, I just left it to dry in a few hours and it’s good to use again.
What I like about the Camco RV awning mat is that it features a reversible design. This simply means that once the other side got full of dirt and dust, you can simply flip it on the other side. Although unlike other RV mats on the market, it only has a single and simple design, so you can’t really benefit from its aesthetic value.
Another amazing benefit you can get from this awning mat is that you can unfold it on the ground regardless of where you are. It’s perfect for keeping your feet clean while camping outdoors on your RV. This way, you won’t have to bring dirt or debris with you when you enter your vehicle. Also, its breathable material won’t suffocate grass beneath it.
Included in the package are ground stakes that will help keep it in place and grommets that are rust-resistant.
- Very easy to clean
- Comes with a reversible design
- Can be placed on just about any terrain
- Includes ground stakes and grommets in the package
- Comes in different colors and sizes
- May only last for a few seasons
What to Look for When Buying an RV Awning
Now that you know what an RV awning is and why it’s important to get one for your RV, it’s about time we talk about the factors you have to consider when shopping for one. Due to the number of choices on the market, it might be overwhelming to choose the right RV awning.
Without further ado, here are the things to watch out for when buying an awning for your recreational vehicle:
Fabric or material used
An awning’s fabric will play an important role in your choice of an awning. Also, you have to pick the right RV awning material that corresponds to the time of year you plan to go on a road trip on your vehicle.
If you prefer summer trips, then you’d want to go for a breathable acrylic awning. Meanwhile, if you plan to go on winter trips, you’ll need an awning that’s made of a tougher material, particularly vinyl.
Keep in mind that awning fabrics are available in a variety of appearance, durability, and weight. Lightweight polyester tends to dry up quickly right after a rain, allowing you to handle it easily due to its extremely lightweight construction.
Acrylic, on the other hand, is a more expensive option, although it is no doubt of a higher quality and can last for several years. It’s also rigid and a bit lighter. Also, it has better resistance against UV rays compared to other types of fabric. Most of the RV awning fabric reviews would recommend this option, but you should only consider it if you can afford to invest more for an awning.
Ease of installation and use
You don’t want an awning that’ll take you an hour, perhaps even more, just to install on your vehicle. Additionally, you don’t want an awning that comes with complicated instructions on how to use and install.
Ideally, you have to pick an awning that’s easy to use and install. Some manufacturers even come with online videos which can provide you with a comprehensive tutorial on how to use and set up their awning.
Your RV’s measurement
One thing you should never forget to consider when you buy an RV awning is the size of your vehicle. Due to the various types of RVs on the market, you’ll also be met with a variety of RV awnings for sale. You don’t want to purchase an awning that’s either too small or too large to fit in your vehicle.
If you already have an awning that you want to be replaced, you can use it as a guide during your next purchase. However, if you don’t own any awning before, you can get the appropriate measurement by measuring 1/3 to 1/2 of your vehicle’s length. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the manufacturers regarding this matter.
Your travel needs
You also have to pick an awning that will correspond to your traveling needs. If you plan to head out into the wilderness and boondock for a few days or even weeks, then an electric awning might not be the best option. You don’t want to experience the hassle of not being able to operate your awning due to the lack of electric power.
Meanwhile, if you plan to camp in camping sites that have nearby outlets, then the best electric RV awning is a good choice. Just keep in mind that different awning types are available to accommodate certain situations. As such, you need to pick the one that will suit your needs and your destination.
Appearance
Once you’re able to carefully consider the previous factors, the last thing you’d want to keep in mind is the awning’s appearance. There are a variety of colors and designs available out there. Take the time to pick the one that will complement the looks of your vehicle.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is an RV Awning?
An RV awning is basically a supplemental roof or cover that regulates exposure to outdoor elements like sun and rain. It can either be retractable or stationary depending on your preferences. Most of the time, it’s made of vinyl, aluminum, or cloth.
With an awning on your RV, you can make your RV adventures a lot easier, more enjoyable, and more comfortable. It can provide you with a shade where you can eat, chill out, relax, and take refuge from harsh weather conditions. It mainly provides a place where you can find shade anytime you want.
As mentioned earlier, most recreational vehicles have their own RV awning attached upon purchase. It can cover windows as well as the entire side of your vehicle. Unfortunately, most of these built-in awnings are of substandard quality. Therefore, they most likely won’t last long, and you’ll have to purchase a replacement if you want to enjoy using an awning on your RV.
Types of RV Awning
While there are different materials used for creating an awning, you should also keep in mind that it comes in a variety of types as well. The following are the different awning types to help you choose which awning is perfect for your RV:
Retractable
A retractable awning is ideal if you enjoy traveling on your RV most of the time. The simple reason is because awnings that belong to this category are collapsible and very easy to fold and store in your vehicle. The installation process can also take a few minutes to finish.
The best part about a retractable awning is that it comes with supportive metal arms that allow you to fold it when not using. As such, it makes a perfect choice if you want to move from one camping site to another while on your adventure.
RV retractable awnings are also available in electric and manual variants. Electric variants operate with just a touch of a button. Some even have a remote control to let you operate it conveniently. Manual variants, on the other hand, use a crank for opening and closing whenever you want.
Perhaps the advantage between a manual and electric awning is that the former comes with fewer parts while the latter is way more convenient.
Shade
A shade awning provides you with a cool space where you can relax even under the scorching heat of the sun. This is the ideal option if you prefer going on RV adventures during the summer season.
Shade awnings are generally easy to use and install, not to mention they’re also perfect for enjoying a relaxing moment under a protective shade. Most awnings that belong to this category can perfectly suit dropdown mesh sunshade panels to offer added shade and protection from the harmful effects of the sun.
Canopy
Canopies come in a variety of colors and fabrics to choose from. They’re a perfect addition to your lightweight fabric which is meant to protect you from the harmful UV rays but isn’t durable enough to withstand heavy rains and wind.
Shelter
Shelter awnings are designed to provide you with a reliable shelter which can shield you from various external elements. Most of them feature a fiberglass or plastic framework compared to the other awning types which are made of fabric.
Due to their sturdy and durable construction, they make an excellent option for protecting yourself and your RV from the elements. The downside, however, is that they’re quite heavy and might take a long time to disassemble.
Screen room
Screen room awnings are ideal if you want to add more footprint on your RV without the need to buy a larger vehicle. With a screen room, you can enjoy more fabric coverage, thus giving you an extra room where you can relax and hang out.
Additionally, a screen room is perfect for keeping bugs out as well as offering protection from rain, heat, and winds. If you’re looking for more privacy while relaxing, screen rooms are perfect as well.
Benefits of RV Awnings
If you love going on a road trip on your RV, then you have to purchase an RV awning. The question is, why? What are the benefits you can get from using an awning? These are the following:
It offers you an enjoyable and comfortable outdoor moment
With an awning, you can enjoy a relaxing time outside of your RV once you decided to camp on a certain spot. This way, you can relax, hang out, or even take a nap without having to worry about getting exposed to the sun.
It protects you from the outdoor elements
Perhaps the main reason why you should purchase an awning is that it keeps you protected from the harsh outdoor elements each time you go camping outdoors. With an awning, you can seek shelter from strong winds, heavy rains, harmful UV rays, and even insects.
It can provide you with extra privacy
Screen rooms, for example, allow you to get an extra layer of privacy while relaxing under its shade outside of your RV. This is an excellent option if you prefer to hide from the prying eyes outside.
Generally, awnings provide you with protection from elements, extra privacy, and an enjoyable and comfortable camping experience. However, due to the various types of awnings available on the market, each of them can give you different benefits depending on your preferred type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to choose the right awning size?
In order to find the right size for an awning to fit in your RV, you need to know the exact measurements of your existing awning. Don’t pick a new product that’s smaller or larger by just an inch as it won’t properly fit.
Also, if your RV doesn’t come with a built-in awning, you can get the right measurement by getting 1/3 to 1/2 of your RV’s length. The standard sizes range from 2 to 5 meters.
What are RV awnings made of?
Most RV awning types feature vinyl and acrylic materials. Acrylic awnings have excellent breathability, facilitating efficient air circulation while ensuring sufficient resistance to snow, wind, ice, rain, dirt, dust, and sun damage. Acrylic is also impervious to pesky bugs while repelling water and drying quickly.
Unfortunately, although acrylic can repel water, it is not waterproof. Moreover, some RV owners report acrylic overstretching, producing a whipping effect in strong winds.
On the other hand, vinyl awnings resist fading and scratching. It is also the choice of RVers who frequently travel to rainy and moist climates because of vinyl’s waterproof characteristics.
Ultraviolet rays, pollution, and road grime cannot penetrate this material. Unfortunately, vinyl is a dust and dirt magnet, and mildew and mold growth can be a real headache.
Some brands use vinyl as a coating for a polyester awning fabric base. As for the frame, aluminum is an excellent choice because of its strength and lightweight characteristics.
Is the fabric waterproof?
This will depend on the fabric of your preferred awning. Acrylic tends to repel water effectively; however, it is not waterproof. This only means that you shouldn’t touch your awning’s underside while wet, else water will be able to seep through.
Vinyl, on the other hand, is basically a laminated fabric. Therefore, water won’t be able to seep through it, making it waterproof. Hence, if you prefer a waterproof awning, you might want to go for one that’s made of vinyl. Keep in mind, however, that there are benefits for each type of fabric.
Are black RV awnings hot?
Yes, black RV awnings are hot. People must understand that darker colors (black, brown, dark gray, maroon) absorb more heat than lighter colors (white, pink, yellow).
Science says that substances which reflect light wavelengths also reflect heat energy. Colors with high light-wavelength reflectivity are cooler than colors with low light-wavelength reflectivity.
Dark-colored camper awnings defeat the purpose of staying in the shade for cooling comfort. These RV awnings absorb more light wavelengths instead of reflecting them. Hence, they also absorb more heat that radiates into the space below the awning.
It would be best for RV owners to pick an RV awning with light-colored fabric materials for better cooling comfort while protecting against UV rays. Alternatively, they can also use light-colored stripes. It makes sense to avoid RV awnings with dark, solid colors.
Can you put a house awning on a camper?
Yes, one can put a house awning on a camper. However, it would be best to check the house awning’s dimensions to check if it fits the camper. Too small, and the sunshade will be ineffective in providing a cooling shade. Too big, and RV owners might have to modify the canopy to fit the camper.
One can take the house awning fabric and install it in a power awning for RV for convenient and effortless operation. It should make extending and retracting the RV awning hassle-free, giving RV owners and their families a more relaxing time communing with nature.
How to open an RV awning?
To open an RV awning, you simply have to follow these steps:
- Unfasten the locks by squeezing the release mechanisms which are found on the side of each arm.
- After that, loosen the rafter knobs then set the ratchet mechanism to roll-down position to release the awning. In some models, you can find a sliding mechanism that has a remote release.
- Once you’re done, extend the awning by gripping the pull-down strap loop along with the pull rod. Simply slide the RV awning arms upward then snap them in place.
- Make sure to secure the awning. To do so, simply position yourself in the front then draw the awning tube while moving it slightly downward at the same time to create tension.
- Tighten the knob which is found on the tension arm. Do the same on the other arm.
- To fully extend the awning, grip the lift handle and disengage the catch pin. After that, simply move it upward. Pull the awning until it can reach its full height. Don’t forget to secure the catch pin afterward.
- Make sure that water won’t gather on the top. You can do this by positioning one corner of your awning 3 inches lower compared to the others so there will be an exit for water.
How to close an RV awning?
To close your awning, simply follow these steps:
- Use the pull-down strap to lower the arms of the awning.
- Next, find the rafter knobs on the back of the arms and loosen them. Do the same for the rafter catches.
- Set the rafters to rest position while keeping the awning from rolling up on its own. Make sure you hold the awning rod and strap so that you can properly handle the awning while loosening the rafters.
- After that, set the ratchet mechanism to roll-up mode. You can do this by using the switch located near the top.
- Connect the hook to the pull strap and wind up the awning. Don’t forget to remove the hook after that.
- Make sure you secure the travel locks as well as keep the handle releases locked.
- Lastly, secure the rafter knobs so your awning won’t automatically open.
How long should RV awnings last?
RV awnings can last five to 15 years, depending on several factors. For RV canopies with a complex design, their mechanical and electrical parts can break down faster than the awning’s other components. For example, an electric camper awning might fail because of moisture and dust exposure, reducing the RV sunshade’s longevity.
RV awning fabric material is another factor people must consider. Vinyl-coated polyester canopy fabric lasts longer than acrylic.
Exposure to the elements is another concern. Frequent trips to places with extreme temperatures and dusty environments can reduce an RV awning’s lifespan.
Observing proper maintenance procedures and storage guidelines can help extend an RV awning’s lifespan. It would be best to check the RV canopy for signs of heavy mildew buildup, fabric overstretching, cracking materials, and splitting seams. These are indications that the RV sunshade needs a replacement.
When should I put my RV awning in?
People should always retract their RV awnings before the wind gets too strong for the canopy’s rated wind speed. Most self-supported RV awnings can withstand wind speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour. If the wind exceeds 25 MPH, there is a chance of ripping the canopy fabric from the frame.
It would be best to check the RV awning manufacturer’s wind speed limits. Having an anemometer in the motorhome can help RV owners determine if the wind is getting too strong for the RV sunshade.
A motorized RV awning should be straightforward to operate. Retracting this RV canopy is steadier and safer than a manually-operated canopy.
How to repair an RV awning fabric?
Tears and holes in an RV awning aren’t that uncommon. This is mainly because most campers won’t even bother checking their awnings for damage. Fortunately, there are a few tips to repair a damaged awning. Simply follow these steps:
- Carefully clean the top and bottom area of the damaged part on your awning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to accomplish this task.
- After the area is clean, dry it using an absorbent towel. Make sure not to leave any moisture.
- Place the awning on a flat surface, then using a clear repair tape, carefully patch the damaged area. Remove any bubbles that are seen under the tape. Make sure to apply it carefully. If you’ve applied it the wrong angle, simply apply a second layer.
- Do the same on the bottom area of the tear.
Conclusion
By choosing the best RV awning, you can have an enjoyable camping experience while on your vehicle. It can provide you with a comfortable area to relax and hang out, not to mention provide you with protection from harsh weather conditions.
The next time you go shopping for an awning, make sure you check the abovementioned products and read the buying guide as well.
I would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to find the most popular RV awning lights with our guides and reviews. Furthermore, please take a look at the top-rated RV patio mats and RV camping chairs to pick the right one for your RV awnings and exterior accessories.
Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.