The Most Common RV Awning Mistake
The most common and expensive awning mistake: leaving it extended in wind. RV awnings are designed for calm conditions — they're shade structures, not windbreaks. A gust over 20 mph can fold, tear, or rip out an awning arm in seconds. The damage typically isn't covered by insurance and costs $500–$2,000 to repair or replace. The rule is simple: when you leave the campsite or when wind picks up, retract the awning.
Types of RV Awnings
Manual patio awnings: Operated by a crank mechanism. More common on older RVs and entry-level rigs. Durable and repairable. No electrical failure modes. Slower to deploy and retract.
Power (electric) awnings: One-touch operation, standard on most newer RVs. Convenient but add electrical complexity. Some models include automatic wind sensors that retract the awning when wind is detected — a worthwhile feature that pays for itself once.
Slide-out awnings: Small awnings over slide-out toppers that prevent water and debris from accumulating on the slide. Typically always deployed when the slide is out.
Window and door awnings: Small fixed awnings over windows and entry doors for rain protection and shade.
Deploying and Retracting Properly
For manual awnings: extend slowly and smoothly. Don't force the mechanism. For power awnings: let the motor do the work — forcing manual assist while the motor is running stresses the arm joints.
Pitch the awning slightly toward the back corner. A flat awning collects a dangerous pool of rainwater that can stress the arms and soak anyone walking out the door. Most awnings have a built-in adjustment to angle one side lower for runoff — use it.
Use stabilizer straps or de-flappers in any breeze. Awning straps (also called de-flappers) attach to the free edge of the fabric and stake to the ground. They reduce flutter and movement in light wind that gradually stress the arm hinges.
Fabric Cleaning and Maintenance
Awning fabric — whether acrylic or vinyl — should be cleaned at least once per season and before extended storage:
- Extend the awning fully and let it air out completely before cleaning
- Rinse with plain water first to remove loose debris
- Use RV awning cleaner or mild dish soap with a soft brush. Scrub mildew or dirt gently — aggressive scrubbing removes UV-protective coatings
- Rinse thoroughly — soap residue breaks down fabric over time
- Let dry completely before retracting. Retracting a wet awning is the leading cause of mold and mildew inside the rolled fabric
Dealing with Mold and Mildew
Mold inside rolled awning fabric is common when an awning is retracted damp. A diluted white vinegar solution (1:1 with water) removes light mold without damaging most fabrics. For severe mold, commercial RV awning cleaners with mildewcide are more effective. Badly molded vinyl fabric that smells and stains may need replacement.
Prevention: always dry before rolling. On a sunny day, extend and let the sun bake out any moisture before packing up.
Arm and Hardware Maintenance
- Lubricate pivot points annually with a dry or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based lubes that attract dirt.
- Check tension knobs on manual awnings — they should hold the arms extended without drifting. Tighten or replace if awning creeps inward when extended.
- Inspect arm roller tubes for corrosion, particularly at the mounting brackets. Surface rust can be cleaned and treated; structural corrosion at mount points needs professional assessment.
- Check mounting screws into the RV wall annually. These can work loose over time from road vibration. Loose mounts put stress on the wall structure and can cause tearing.
Wind — The Destroyer of Awnings
No matter how well you maintain it, an awning left out in a storm is at risk. The general guidance:
- Retract when leaving the campsite, even for a few hours
- Retract when sustained wind exceeds 15–20 mph
- Retract at night unless you're sleeping lightly and the forecast is dead calm
- Retract if rain is coming — water pools faster than most people expect
An automatic retraction sensor is the best insurance if you camp in areas prone to afternoon thunderstorms or unpredictable wind.
Related: RV maintenance checklist · RV campsite setup guide · RV severe weather safety
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