RV Awnings are a favorite accessory among RVers. They allow you to enjoy the outdoors while providing cool relief from the blistering sun or dry shelter from the rain, and with many available add-ons to choose from, such as attachable rooms and LED lighting, they can help transform your outdoor space into something truly grand.

A high quality RV awning can last as long as the rig itself, but if it hasn’t been well-maintained, years of poor upkeep can take its toll. This doesn’t just affect the quality of your travels; it can also affect your safety, as a broken awning can cause harm to you and your travel companions, as well as to the RV.

If you have had your awning for ages and you’re wondering whether or not you could benefit from a new one, here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine if it is time to put your old awning to bed:

Is the Fabric Fairly Damaged?

Regularly cleaning your RV awning is an important part of keeping it in good shape. If you haven’t been the most diligent about following through on this, you may start to notice that your fabric is tattered and torn, and you also want to look for any mold, mildew, and/or unsightly brown spots that have begun to form.

If you do notice some of these issues with your canopy, there’s no need to panic right away. Unless there are many other issues you notice with your awning, you may not need to replace the entire piece; you could just need to look into replacing the fabric.

Is the Hardware in Rough Shape?

Are there areas on the hardware that are dented, bent, or otherwise misshapen? Do you spot any rust or corrosion on the mobile parts? Are all of the screws tightly in place? Problems like these can affect how safe your awning is to use, so if you notice any major damage in the structural foundation, it’s a good idea to address the issues as soon as possible and refrain from using the awning until everything is resolved.

Does the RV Awning Function As It Is Supposed To?

A major sign that your awning is on its final days is if it doesn’t retract or close easily anymore. You shouldn’t have to press firmly with all of your weight just to get it to shut and lock into place. On a similar note, you shouldn’t be experiencing trouble adjusting the angle of your awning or moving the arms where they’re supposed to go.

If the key functions of your RV awning don’t work as they are supposed to, you should probably look into investing in a new one or at least get some replacement parts.

Take Care of Your Awning

The best way to ensure that your RV awning stays in tip-top shape and lasts as long as possible is to commit to properly maintaining it. To help you do just that, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t leave your awning out in inclement weather
  • Never roll your awning back up if it’s wet
  • Know if your awning fabric is made from acrylic or vinyl in order to educated yourself on the best care method
  • Clean regularly, and frequently inspect for mold, mildew and other damage
  • Make sure moving parts are well-lubricated

Hopefully this article has given you a better idea on whether or not you need to replace your RV awning. Remember that if you ever have a need for a new awning, any replacement parts, or some stylish accessories, Carefree of Colorado will happily help you fulfill all of your needs.

Happy trails!