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RV Awnings

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The main purpose of an RV awning is to provide shade and shelter from the sun, heat, rain, and cold. It not only protects you and your family, it protects the vehicle itself, reducing heat and cold gain and producing significant savings on your utility bills. An awning can also add a bit of style to your RV. However, awnings have proven to be quite troublesome in bad weather. Seasoned RVers will advise you to roll up your awning at the first sight of bad weather to prevent wind damage and excess water collecting in the awning and causing it to sag.

In general, there are two types of RV awnings:

Box Awnings: Box awnings can be rolled up into a container. They are more expensive than conventional awnings, but they are popular because they fit tightly against the RV wall, so wind and weather do not pose as much of a problem.

Conventional Awnings: Conventional awnings are popular because they are inexpensive. However, some of the fabric and hardware is exposed even when the awning is rolled up. Conventional awnings do not fit snugly against the RV wall. There is a small opening from the center of the roller tube to the wall of the RV that allows wind to push through. This can even cause problems while the RV is being driven because it exerts energy on the awning and therefore, on the RV, making it more difficult to steer and control.

Almost all fabric awnings are either vinyl or acrylic. When your awning has been stored away for awhile, it's important to clean it well before using it. The hardware on the awning can be cleaned with whatever product you use to clean your RV's exterior, or with mild soap and water. If the fabric of the awning is pretty dirty, you can buy a special cleaner made specifically for awning fabrics.

When bringing your awning out of storage, be sure to check the hardware for dirt, rust, and broken parts. Dirt or rust on the hardware can make it difficult to open up. Knobs and arms should be oiled regularly to prevent rust and stiffness.

Of course, there are new and improved types of awnings continuously available. Today, you can even have an electronic awning installed on your RV. These awnings are virtually problem-free, so you can set up your awning or retract it at the push of a button.

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