How to Repair RV Awning

Many recreational vehicle (RV) owners seek comfort while traveling. An RV awning is one of the many ways to ensure shade and protection from rain during traveling. These are easy to install and can be extended or retracted as per individual requirements. As the traveler spends time traveling on the road, the awning can get damaged quite easily.

Although, awnings are made of strong material, an occasional tear or damage to its springs can definitely occur. Repairing it on your own is quite easy. The story below consists some instructions to help you tide over damaged recreational vehicle problems.

• Small tears and holes can be easily repaired using clear repair tape.
• Clean the area around the tear completely from the top as well as from the inside.
• Make sure it is dry. Level the awning onto a flat surface, and piece the two torn edges together using the clear tape.
• Paste another one if you feel one would not be enough.

• For awnings that have too many gaping holes or are torn badly, replacement is the only solution.
• Release the awning arms by pulling the release level.

• Pull out the damaged awning fabric completely by unwinding it from the roller.
• Firmly clamp down on the roller assembly attachment plate and remove the two lag nuts that attach the arm assembly to the roller attachment plate.

• Carefully unbolt the entire RV awning assembly, and install the replacement by placing the roller into the shaft caps.
• Take care not to damage the fabric while sliding it through the awning tube, file down all the sharp edges on the tube.

• Roll the awning fabric completely over the top of the roller towards the ground.
• Ensure that the fabric is in place and is centered on the tube, and tuck its cord ends into the tube. Screw in the lag bolts tightly.

• To prevent mildew and mold from settling on the fabric and the hardware, lower one end of the awning to allow water to run off.
• If the awning is not going to be used, it is best to roll it and store it away. Clear out all debris and dry completely, before storing.

• To protect the awning, apply a light coat of a prescribed chemical treatment. This will prevent development of stains from unclean moisture.

• The metal hardware of the awnings should also be cleaned and greased regularly, as it will not let rust set in as well as no cranks will develop in them.
• Before leaving on a camping trip or any other outing, check the lag screws by turning them over once to be sure that they are well fastened.

• Check the awning rail to see if the mounted awning is secure to the recreational vehicle. Regularly inspect the arm pivot holes for enlarged holes or broken rivets, and replace the arm pivot, if needed.

A RV awning kept in a good condition by regularly maintenance will increase the life of the awning, and save you many trips to a repair and replacement facility. With easy repair instructions at hand, one will never be stuck out on the road, with a damaged awning.