Nowadays, more and more people want to enrich their outdoor experiences. It is not easy to find that with that trend, camping with RV is becoming more and more popular. Though we notice that many people use RV awnings as an extended living space, but only a few people learn about how to properly maintain and care for their awnings.
Awnlux RV Awning here is happy to share more details as a manufacturer to the awning owners, about how to maintain and care for the awnings. An awning is like a loyal companion that silently guards you, so please always take care of it carefully.
Operation of the RV Manual Awning
Correctly opening and closing the RV awning is a basic operation and also an essential way to ensure that the awning can last long. The awning structure contains multiple sliding components and support devices. Improper operation can easily cause jamming, component wear, and even damage, affecting subsequent use. So Awnlux RV Awning would like to help.
If the awning is not stored properly, it may break. Therefore, the bracket is locked and the awning cloth is tightened during storage can improve awning efficiency and make every RV trip more comfortable.
Opening the Awning
Many locks are applied to keep the awning stable. To open the awning, first, you should check to open the inner and outer locks on both arms. Next to be opened is the spring lock. The spring lock is usually located at the right cap end. A gentle flick with a long crank will be fine. Just don’t forget to open it.
Then please check to open the knobs on the middle of the arms. Gently rotating these knobs a little to it can provide enough space for adjusting the support arms.
The pull strap can be used to open the awning. In this process, please keep the movement slow and nice. Extend the fabric to the needed position and then wrap the pull strap around the arm.
The handles beside the arms are designed to adjust the extension of the arms and fix them. With the handles opened, the arms can be extended to a rather high position.
The arms can also be released from the bottom brackets. If so, the steel pegs will help fix the bottom plate of the arm on the ground.
Here, Awnlux RV Awning has a little tip.
The arm should tilt the fabric slightly toward the ground so that rainwater can flow down from the fabric.
Closing the Awning
To close the awning, first, pull out the pegs and then loosen the knob lock so the arms can be put back to their original positions by matching the bottom brackets with the bottom bracket lock.
The handles should be loosened so the arms can retract. In this process, Awnlux RV Awning warmly notes that arms on the two sides should be retracted in a balanced way so they will not hurt the awning structure.
Before putting the spring lock in the original position, please ensure there is enough tension on the pull strap so the roller will retract slowly.
The last step is to lock the inner and outer arms so the awning will be stable when the RV is in motion.
Awning Regular Maintenance
The awning fasteners should be regularly checked to see if they remain tight. If not, any loose ones should be tightened carefully. Besides, periodically cleaning the awning fabric and arm is also important.
Here are some tips Awnlux RV awning would like to share:
1. Please do not use insecticides or any other sprays near the awning fabric. They may reduce the waterproof effect.
2. Please do not use the awning in any kind of extreme weather, especially during big winds or storms.
3. To minimize creasing, periodically extend the fabric in warm weather. Regular airing during warm seasons helps prevent permanent wrinkles over time. Sunlight can sometimes help fix the wrinkles.
4. Please never store the awning while wet; trapped moisture and debris promote microbial growth, fabric discoloration, and permanent staining.
5. Pay attention not to accumulate dirt, leaves, or debris on the awning.
6. Please do not use strong chemicals or some special cleaners on the fabric. These may also strongly affect the protective coating. Instead, please use a pH-neutral detergent for safe cleaning.
7. Please never leave the awning open while the RV is in motion. Make sure all attachments are secure.
These above suggestions not only fit the manual or electric awnings but also can be applied to almost all awnings. Awning Arm Cleaning
To keep the awning arm smooth, awning arm cleaning is very important. Regularly using a hose to flush the dust and debris on the arm channels will help a lot. While cleaning, gently spraying some dry silicone lubricant in the groove will also help reduce friction and ensure the sliding effect.
The brackets and support arms of the awning should also be cleaned regularly. No wonder it is an effective method to maintain its normal operation and extend its lifetime.
After completing the cleaning and thoroughly drying the bracket, please open the bracket lock first, and then spray dry lubricant on the joints to prevent jamming or locking. This will help keep the awning in good working condition at all times.
Awning Fabric Cleaning
The awning fabric needs to be rinsed monthly with clean water. And, every 1-2 years it needs to be deep cleaned. It won’t be hard, just use a soft brush and warm water to clean it and it will be fine.
When cleaning the fabric, please use only natural soap with clean water or it could hurt the material. The detergents, oil-based cleaners, caustic, granular, or abrasive cleaners should all be avoided. As we mentioned, strong chemicals or abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
After cleaning, please ensure no cleaner is left on the fabric.
Another thing that needs to be mentioned is that Air-dry Only. That means only roll up the awning until the fabric is completely dry.
Awnlux RV Awning hopes to meet more friends who love RV life and camping. We hope that the above sharing not only helps those who enjoy the RV outdoor experience but also becomes a guide for those who pretend to have their first awning.