Most recreational vehicles have one or more awnings attached to them, offering welcome shade from the sun and protection from the elements in general. But awnings aren’t flashy features, so when it comes to regular RV maintenance and upkeep, they are often forgotten about. However, a well-maintained awning can provide many years of use … and the perfect spot to hang your favorite novelty string of lights. Luckily, by following these simple tips, you can avoid expensive awning repairs or replacement and keep your awning in tip-top shape.

• Watch out for moisture buildup – When it’s raining, lower one side of your awning so that the rainwater can run off. Otherwise, water can pool in the middle of the awning and cause damage to the fabric. The weight of pooled water can also place undue stress on the awning hardware and mechanisms and lead to dysfunction. Additionally, you should always allow your awning to fully dry out after a rainstorm before you roll it back up. Humid weather can contribute to moisture buildup on your awning, too. Retracting and storing it while wet can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can make cleaning your awning difficult. If you must roll it up damp so that you can travel, be sure to dry it out completely at your earliest convenience.
• Wash your awning – Know what type of fabric your awning is made of before you attempt to wash it; most are made of acrylic or vinyl. If your awning is made of acrylic, use a soft brush, soap, and water to clean it. If scrubbing is required, do so lightly so you don’t rub off any protective coating that the acrylic fabric may have. If your awning is made of vinyl, you can use a stiff brush, soap, and water. Vinyl awnings can usually stand up to harder scrubbing than acrylic ones, but you should still be careful during cleaning. Oftentimes, deep cleaning your awning – regardless of what material it’s made of – won’t be necessary as long as the awning is hosed off occasionally to keep dust and dirt at bay. Just remember to never use abrasive or oil-based cleaners on any type of awning as these can damage the fabric and speed deterioration.
• Inspect your awning – It’s important to frequently inspect your RV awning for any tears or rips and get them repaired or ask your local RV dealer for recommendations on how to patch them up yourself. Additionally, be sure to occasionally inspect all of the awning hardware, including the rail, roller tube, bottom brackets, rivets, and end caps. Keep in mind that the components of your RV’s awning are under spring-loaded tension, so you should always exercise extreme caution when inspecting them to avoid injury.

Whether you use you RV full-time or part of the year, making sure that you maintain your rig’s awnings will help you enjoy them worry-free for years to come. Your string of flamingo lights will thank you.