RV Awning Repair Instructions - 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 occur. Doing the repair on your own is quite easy. Let us look at some instructions, to help you tide over damaged recreational vehicle problems.

Instructions to Repair RV Awning

Torn RV Awning
Small tears and holes can be easily repaired, using clear repair tape. Clean the area around the tear completely, from 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.

Replace RV Awning
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.

Maintenance Tips for RV Awnings

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 not allow the stains of any unclean moisture from developing.

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.