All recreational vehicle owners like to have comfort while travelling. RV awning is one way to be under shade and be protected from rain. Majority of the RV’s life is spent on the road and hence an awning can be easily damaged. Repairing the RV awning on our own is easy. Let us see few RV repairing instructions that guide us to clean up the repairs on a damaged awning.
As an initial point, ensure that a rip or a tear in the RV awning doesn’t get any bigger or longer. Smaller repairs are easy to fix rather than replacing it with a brand new awning. If the rip is more than 3 feet or quarter length of the awning, we might have to get the section sewed from someone or replace it completely. Purchase a roll of clear RV awning tape. It comes handy during the time of need.
How to Repair an Awning
Torn RV Awning
Small holes and tears can be repaired easily using a clear RV awning repair tape. The area around the tear needs to be cleaned from top, bottom and also from inside as per the directions on the repair tape. Ensure the surface is dry. Avoid using silicon or oil based cleaners otherwise the tape might not stick for a long time. Place the awning on a flat surface and join the two torn edges together with the help of the tape. Paste another tape if you feel one is not sufficient. Press out the air bubbles. Carefully tape the back of the rip too along the same length as the front of the rip. Re check the awning for other spots that have weak fabric or have any small holes.
Replace RV Awning
Replacement is the only way when there are many gaping holes or the awning is torn badly. Release the arms of the awning by pulling the release lever. Pull the damaged awning fabric completely and unwind it from the roller. Clamp down firmly on the roller assembly plate and take off the two lag nuts that aid in attaching the arm to the roller attachment plate.
Unbolt the entire RV awning assembling carefully and install the new replacement RV awning by placing it into the shaft caps. Be careful not to damage the fabric when sliding it into the awning tube. Cut down all the sharp edges of the tubes. Roll the fabric completely on the top of the roller towards the ground. Make sure that the fabric is in the correct place and in the center of the tube and now tuck the ends of the cord into the tube. Screw the lag bots tightly.
Maintenance Tips for RV Awnings
In order to prevent mold and mild dew from settling on the awning fabric and the rods, lower one end of it for allowing the water to fall off. If the awning will not be used it is advised to roll it and store it in a clean place. Clean all the debris and dry it completely before storing it. Apply a light coat of any recommended chemical treatment to protect the awning. This will help in not allowing the stains to develop from any uncleaned moisture on the fabric.
The hardware of the awnings also need to be cleaned and greased on a regular basis so that rust will not settle on it and also no cranks will develop. Before leaving to a camp or any other trip, check the lag screws by turning them to make sure they are all well fastened. Check the rail of the awning to confirm if the mounted awning is secured tightly to the RV. Inspect pivot holes of the arm for broken rivets, enlarged holes regularly and replace the arm if required.
A well maintained RV increases the life of the awning and save us on many trips and reduces the need for a frequent repair and replacement necessity. We would never be in problems with a well maintained RV. If you happen to be in that situation, you now know how to repair it.