Electric RV Awning Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide
Fabric, Operation, Arms, and Motor Explained
When using the an electric RV Awning in daily life, many RV enthusiasts often encounter problems such as unsmooth retraction and extension, uneven fabric, increased arm resistance or motor failure. These seemingly minor malfunctions, if ignored for a long time, will not only seriously affect the user experience during outdoor rest but also may significantly shorten the overall service life of the RV Sunshade due to excessive wear and tear of components.
To help RV owners quickly and accurately identify and efficiently solve common awning issues, Awnlux has carefully compiled this detailed electric RV awnings guide, comprehensively covering the four key parts of fabric, operation, arms, and motor. It also comes with practical maintenance tips to ensure that your RV awning is always in the best stable and reliable condition.
RV Awning Fabric maintenance and common issues
Fabric Maintenance and Common Issues
Common causes： loose positioning screws, broken poly cord, and non-standard positioning and installation of awning fabric roller tube.
Solution：Replace the aged polycord and ensure that the fabric is firmly fixed and locked to the polycord during installation.
fixation steps：
Replace the poly cord to ensure smooth winding of camper awning fabric. Install the No. 1 fabric lock screw (3.9×13 mm in diameter) in the middle of the fabric lock strip, approximately 10 cm away from the edge of the fabric (please ensure that the fabric and the adhesive strip are fixed together).
Fix the No.2 fabric lock screw (diameter 4.2×32 mm) at the end of the poly cord and lock it tightly. In this way, even if the internal poly cord breaks, it will not fall off and will not affect the use of the RV awning fabric.
Pay attention to keeping the fabric flat when winding to avoid long-term wear and tear caused by wrinkles.
How to Fix Wrinkled RV Awning Fabric
Common causes：transportation folding marks, non-parallel installation, or abnormal winding process.
Solution：
On a sunny day, fully unfold the RV canopy and expose it to the sun for 2–3 hours to naturally eliminate slight wrinkles.
If caused by non-parallel installation, the fabric needs to be re-adjusted and the positioning screws fixed.
Steps：
1. For awning fabric wrinkles caused by folding packaging：you can choose a sunny day to fully unfold the sunshade, allowing the fabric to be exposed to the sun for 2 to 3 hours. The slight creases will naturally stretch out due to the fabric's elasticity after being heated.
2. Wrinkles during winding: Check if the fabric tape is broken. If it is broken or fallen off, re-insert the tape and secure the fabric at both ends
For wrinkles caused by non-parallel fabric installation： please loosen the locking fabric screws, adjust the parallelism of the fabric, and then re-fix the positioning screws
RV Awning Troubleshooting: Abnormal Operation & motor Limit Adjustment
The Awning of Electric RV cannot be fully opened or retracted is usually caused by improper motor switch limit setting. Limit devices are like "travel commanders". Inaccurate Settings can lead to:
RV awning won’t open fully
RV awning won’t retract fully
Solution：The motor limit can be readjusted to resume normal operation.
(Recommended installation video link: youtu.be/bdaMfqI6osE)
RV Awning Arm Repair: Common Issues & Fixes
One Arm Cannot Be Opened
Common causes：The piston rod has lost its elasticity
Solution：Check the piston rod. If it is damaged, replace it with a part of the same specification.
2. RV Awning Arm Opens Slowly or Unevenly
Common causes：Insufficient lubrication or rusting of the air pressure rod.
Solution：
Spray lubricant or rust remover on the pressure rods and hinges, and open and close them several times to ensure even penetration.
If it is ineffective, further inspection of the internal structure or replacement of parts is required.
RV Awning Motor Not Working: Maintenance & Circuit Inspection
1. Circuit inspection
Motor voltage：The motor voltage must be between 11V and 13V
Current: ≥ 7A
Wire: at least 16AWG, length ≤ 36 feet (10 meters)
Most Common causes of faults are insufficient power supply or motor damage.
2. Troubleshooting steps
① Charge the battery
In winter, batteries are prone to depletion and need to be charged first (by alternating current, generator or car engine).
Note: Measuring 12V does not mean the battery is fully charged. The correct voltage can only be measured when the sunshade is opened
② Check if the motor makes a clicking sound
RV awning making noise → power is insufficient and needs to be charged.
If there is still a clicking sound after charging → check the wire specification/length.
③ Check the circuit
The wire should be ≥16AWG (replace with 8AWG if necessary), and the length should be no more than 36 feet.
If the circuit is too thin or too long, it will result in insufficient power.
④ Motor direct connection test
Use an external 12V ≥7A power supply to directly connect to the motor：
cannot operate → The motor is damaged and needs to be replaced.
can operate → Test the circuit from the motor to the switch again. Replace the wire with a thicker one if necessary.
3.Motor Doesn’t Operate at All
Hand-cranked test
The manual crank can open and close. → The machinery is normal. Continue to check the circuit/motor.
If RV awning hand crank still doesn't move after inspection → Replace the motor. If the manual crank cannot be opened or closed, there may be foreign objects inside the pipe or a malfunction in the transmission device. The end cover needs to be disassembled for inspection.
Awnlux Tips: Best way to Maintain Electric RV awning lies in "prevention"
Regular inspection: Check the fabric, arms and motor operation status before each trip.
Prompt handling: If loose screws, wrinkles or abnormal motor response are found, investigate as soon as possible.
Correct usage: Avoid over-stroke usage and keep the retraction and extension process smooth.
Only by doing a good job in RV awning maintenance can the Electric Trailer Awning operate smoothly and last longer, adding more peace of mind and comfort to your outdoor journey.
As the "second living room" during the journey, the sunshade of an electric RV not only requires correct installation but also cannot do without daily maintenance. Whether it's the smooth maintenance of the fabric, the lubrication and adjustment of the arms, or the regular inspection of the motor and circuits, every detail is related to your travel experience.
It is hoped that this comprehensive guide for RV awning installation and adjustment can help more RV enthusiasts travel without worries, allowing the sunshades to accompany you from wind and rain and enjoy a pleasant outdoor life.
Looking to purchase a suitable RV sunshade? Welcome to the Awnlux Awning Product Center to find the most suitable solution for your RV.
Direct Link: https://awnluxpro.com/