RV awnings are great for protecting your car from rain and sun. But, the lifespan of an RV awning depends on several factors, including its fabric and underlying structure.
This RV awning replacement fabric is made from top-graded vinyl and is available in subtle fade patterns that go from white to maroon shades, tans, and blues. It also covers both sides of the awning, so it looks attractive from either direction.
Awning Fabric
Awnings are a great addition to any RV or camper as they provide additional shade and room for relaxing and dining. However, they do require some special care to keep them looking good and working well.
The two most common awning fabrics are acrylic and vinyl. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to understand them before making your purchase.
Acrylic is made from a woven fabric that allows air to circulate, which helps prevent mildew and heat buildup. It’s also water-resistant and can dry quickly when wet. However, it isn’t waterproof and can still be susceptible to mildew in warm, humid environments.
Vinyl is a popular choice for RV awnings because of its durability and resistance to weather conditions like UV light, heavy wind, and rain. It is a synthetic material with high denier count and tensile strength. Carefree offers a wide variety of vinyl fabric options including dune stripes, shale fades, and classic favorites.
Awning Arms
Awnings can be a wonderful add-on to your RV that makes the outdoors comfortable even when it is raining. They are essentially sun shades that extend from the side of your RV creating a sheltered area or outdoor room for you to relax and enjoy no matter the weather.
Having an awning installed can also improve your campsite experience by protecting you from wind and other environmental conditions. However, the awnings have to be properly installed and maintained so that they can last for years.
Several factors contribute to the longevity of your RV’s awning, including the quality of the fabric and the design of the awning. It is also essential to learn about the different subtypes of awnings and their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, reading your RV’s owner’s manual will provide you with information on the specific awning operating procedures. Additionally, it will help you determine the correct awning replacement arm size to order.
Awning Reels
Awnings come in two basic types, manual and electric/motorized. Awning fabrics are available in a variety of colors and patterns, while frame materials can be made from vinyl or aluminum.
The awning frame material is what holds the fabric in place and supports its weight when extended. You’ll want to look for an awning frame with a high denier count and tensile strength, which is a measurement of the fabric’s durability.
You’ll also need a good quality roller tube and head assembly to keep your RV awning looking great. To remove the old awning, start by pulling down on the head assembly to remove one of the polycord screws that hold it in place (remove both if necessary). Next, slide out the roller tube until it’s completely rolled up and away from the RV. Then, remove the end cap on either side of the tube. Be sure to put the roller tube on a clean, level surface for safe handling.
Awning Installation
There are a couple of ways to install an RV awning. The first is to use a kit that includes a roller tube, arm and spring assembly. This is the most common method and should be fairly easy for a handy person to do.
You will need to remove one end cap from the roller tube before proceeding. Make sure you have someone to help you do this. You may need to put a screwdriver into the cap of the roller tube and hold it in place with a vice grip while you unwind the spring inside the end cap. It is important to count the revolutions as you unwind them.
You will also need to reposition the anti billowing device, which is a knob installed at the end of the roller tube. This is designed to engage a plate on the RV to prevent billowing of the awning as you are traveling down the road. Typically this is positioned at the 1 o’clock or 11 o’clock position.