Please keep in mind when reading our tips, that due to liabilities, Mobuilt RV Repair, is not liable for any damages that may occur by following any tips listed. Please remember these are only suggestions. Following these RV tips is at your own risk. Thank you for understanding.
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Awning
Augment your awning's security from wind damage by adding additional ratcheting straps available at our
Parts and Supplies Store.
The awning is one of those have-to-have accessories that at 3 am, with a howling wind , you wish you didn't have. Who can remember the half-dozen or so steps required to lower the thing under these conditions ?
The recreational vehicle awning is designed as a sunshade, period. If, perhaps, it starts to sprinkle a bit and also kicks up a mild breeze - don't worry - your RV awning can handle that. But if those dark clouds are building on the horizon and the birds are seeking shelter, then you really should consider rolling up. And you really should consider rolling up, NOW.
Practice rolling up your awning on a calm day until you have the procedure memorized. Then do the same thing while blindfolded, with someone spraying a hose in your face. This will simulate a typical emergency storm take-down. Except for the wind, of course. For this simulation you will need three fairly burly guys, all yanking the awning in a different direction at once. Once you have gone through the preceding exercise, you will understand why the experienced camper will take down the awning at the first sign of trouble.
After being rolled up and possibly damp for several months your awning will appreciate a good airing out and a bath with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a car wash type brush to scrub the surface of both the top and the underside. A little WD-40 on the moving parts helps to free up and protect these components. Dry it thoroughly before re-rolling it.
Lower one end of your open awning to allow rainwater to drain off. Peg down the awning feet when the awning is free standing so that a gust of wind will not flip over the awning. Also, the awning may be strapped down with the special awning straps available at our Parts and Supplies Store. If you suspect a strong wind or storm is coming the safest thing to do is roll up the awning.
Operating Your Awning
Awning roll-out
Release the travel locks on both awning arms.
Switch the ratchet mechanism to roll out position with the awning rod.
Hook the pull strap with the awning rod and roll out the awning.
Slide the rafters up into position on the awning arms.
Tighten the rafter knobs on both rafters.
Raise the awning to the desired height.
Awning retraction
Lower the awning arms to the rest position.
Loosen the rafters knobs and release the rafter catches.
Slide the rafters down to the rest position.
Grasp the awning to prevent it from rolling up by itself.
Switch the ratchet mechanism to the roll-up position
Control the roll-up with the pull strap and awning rod.
Secure the travel locks and snug up the rafter knobs.
Practice rolling up your awning on a calm day until you have the procedure memorized. Then do the same thing while blindfolded, with someone spraying a hose in your face. This will simulate a typical emergency storm take-down. Except for the wind, of course. For this simulation you will need three fairly burly guys, all yanking the awning in a different direction at the same time. Once you have gone through the preceding exercise, you will understand why the experienced camper will take down the awning at the first sign of trouble.
After being rolled up and possibly damp for several months your awning will appreciate a good airing out and a bath with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a car wash type brush to scrub the surface of both the top and the underside. A little WD-40 on the moving parts helps to free up and protect these components. Dry it thoroughly before re-rolling it.
Lower one end of your open awning to allow rainwater to drain off. Peg down the awning feet when the awning is free standing so that a gust of wind will not flip over the awning. Also, the awning may be strapped down with the special awning straps available at your local RV store. If you suspect a strong wind or storm is coming the safest thing to do is roll up the awning.
Please keep in mind when reading our tips, that due to liabilities, Mobuilt RV Repair, is not liable for any damages that may occur by following any tips listed. Please remember these are only suggestions. Following these RV tips is at your own risk. Thank you for understanding.
back to...