When it comes to recreational vehicles, the awning ends up being the part that is least talked about. When you consider the cost of replacing an RV awning, you should think about giving yours the care that it needs. When you have the right maintenance plan in place, your awning could last you for the lifetime of your RV. If you end up neglecting it and abusing it, there could be a costly replacement necessary in just a few years. These are some great tips for helping you to keep your RV awning in great shape.
To start with, you need to know your RV awning type, as there are both acrylic and vinyl material options that are commonly used for such awnings. You need to be able to properly wash your awning depending on what it is made out of. Both of these materials can easily be rinsed off using water and you should be able to easily keep the awning clean this way most of the time. For dirty areas, you can scrub a vinyl awning with a soft brush, water, and soap. With an acrylic awning, you will need a stiffer brush with soap and water. The less that you have to scrub the awning, the better.
Many people will make the mistake of rolling their wet awning up and storing it like that. Whenever moisture collects and stays in the layers, there could be mildew and mold that will grow and ruin the fabric rather quickly. Be sure to air dry the awning all the way before you roll it up to be packed away as you leave the camping space. Usually, an awning will end up staying rather humid for roughly two to three days after it has been exposed to a hard rain.
Protecting your RV awning from damaging UV radiation is very important. A lot of the modern awnings are wrapped up in a flexible aluminum that works to protect it from the damage that UV rays can cause. Together, these are helpful tips that will allow you to prolong the lifespan of your awning, saving you money in the long run.