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How to Install an RV Awning

Ujwal Deshmukh
Recreational vehicles, popularly known as RV, are a widely used mode of travel for vacations. Installing an awning adds to the comfort by providing a cool shade outside the RV.
Recreational vehicles are generally very popular in the United States. They are widely used as they are furnished with living amenities and also have a sufficient room for living. The availability of a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a living room make them the 'Home on Journeys'.
The origin of RVs dates back to the earlier period of the 19th century in Europe, when wagons carrying goods were modified to provide space to live in. They improved a lot in later years, and you can hire a top class luxurious RV these days.
An RV awning is a shade attached to the external part of any of the side of the travel trailer. The use of awnings is not a recent one; man has been using them since ancient times. They became popular during the earlier half of the 19th century in North America and have been widely used throughout the continent since then.
RV awnings provide a cool shade outside and make your halt more comfortable. It is good to have them installed for this reason, and here are the steps if you want to do this yourself.

Materials Required:
  • Recreational vehicle
  • Awning track
  • Deflapper tool
  • Screws
  • Awning
Procedure:
  • Consider the dimensions of your RV before selecting the awning. Awnings are available in different sizes; therefore the one that fits and suits your purpose should be selected.
  • Purchase the awning track and install it to the top railing shell frame of your RV with the help of screws.
  • Once you install the track, start with the installation of the awning. Care should be taken that the it does not block the windows, rooms, or any of the doors of your RV. So, ensure that there are no windows or any wirings blocking the way.
  • Now, perform a check on the proper installation of the awning and its track.
  • To avoid flapping of the awning due the force of the winds, stretch it properly. In order to create a suitable tension, face towards the awning, hold its tube in your hands, and pull it slightly downward towards you.
  • Carefully open the awning and slide its upper arms and fasten the knobs of the upper arm.
  • Further, open the support legs of the awning with sufficient space to bend. Take care that you do not completely straighten the legs.
  • Now, although you have created a suitable tension in the awning, strong winds can still make it flap. To avoid this and to hold the awning material firmly, fix a clamp to the upper support arm.
  • The tie-down straps and stakes are normally included in the awning kit to hold the awning properly. Fix the stakes in the ground at an angle of about 45° and at a suitable distance from the support arms. The distance should neither be too large nor too short to disturb the tension in the awning.
  • Next, attach the straps till the length of the awning tubes.
Installing an awning on your RV is really not difficult, and will not take much time. Maintaining and repairing the awning regularly is also necessary, as it might start flapping due to frequent use and also might not remain secured firmly to the ground. You could avail the RV awning repair instructions manual with the awning kit itself.