If your RV is a home on wheels, shouldn't it have a nice, shaded patio to go with it? RV awnings can create a relaxing pool of shade right at your front door. A retractable awning takes minutes to roll out, but can provide you with hours of comfort and shelter.
Many RVs come with retractable awnings as standard or optional features, and older models can add an awning with very little effort.
Aside from the increase in livable space, and RV awning can limit the solar heat gain of your RV, reducing the wear and tear on your air conditioning system. A cooler RV will be more fun to live in and be more comfortable for sleeping.
What To Look For
RV awnings come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. Some things to keep in mind when considering an awning:
Material selection. RV awnings come with a number of different cover materials. Look for a material that will be easy to clean and will stand up to a wide range of temperatures. Awning cover materials with built in UV protection will last longer and provide a healthy hang out for you and your family.
Automatic or manual? Retractable RV awnings are available in manual and automatic models. While manual model might be cheaper, a powered model will retract faster and with less effort.
Is it covered? Does the RV awning come with its own travel cover? A wrap-around metal or vinyl cover will protect your RV awning from road damage.
Keep Safety And Maintenance in Mind
When using an RV awning, always keep an eye on the weather. Dark skies or gusty winds should be your signal to roll up your awning. Sudden storms have ripped loose many an awning from careless RV owners.
Keeping your RV awning clean should become a habit, and your awning should be cleaned after every use. A quick scrub with mild soap and water and a simple rinse are all that's required. Allow your awning to dry thoroughly before storing it away.
An Add-on Awning
If you're having an awning added to an existing RV, make sure the installer is very familiar with your brand of vehicle. It is crucial that the mounting hardware of your awning be attached to the support beams under the skin of your RV. Attaching an awning to thin metal skin of an RV is an invitation to trouble.
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