
Awnings are a great addition to any camper van, providing shade and protection from light rain. They're easy to operate but require some safety precautions. For example, awnings are not designed to withstand high winds and heavy rain, so it's important to retract them in stormy weather. It's also crucial to tilt your awning at a slight angle to allow for water runoff. Before extending your awning, ensure your camper van is levelled and stabilised, and always be mindful of any obstructions. This article will guide you through the process of lowering a manual or electric awning on your camper van.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When to lower awning | When it's windy, rainy, or stormy |
How to lower awning | Flip the release switch from "up" to "down" |
Tools required | Pole to pull the awning down, ladder(s), screwdriver |
Maintenance | Clean at least once a year, preferably every few months |
How to clean | Use clean water, an approved cleaner, and a soft-bristle brush to scrub and rinse |
What You'll Learn
How to lower a manual awning
To lower a manual awning on your camper, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools for the job. You will need an RV with a manual awning, a pole to pull the awning down, a ladder (6 ft tall is a good height), and a screwdriver.
Now, locate the release switch and flip it from "up" to "down". You may need a long pole with a curved end to do this. This will allow you to lower the awning completely.
Next, you will need to raise the upper section of the awning leg. This will pull the support arm out from the side of the camper, as it is connected to the upper section of the leg.
You will then need to remove the screws at the base of the channel, preventing the support arm "stop" from leaving the channel. The support arm should now hang freely at the side of the RV.
Go to the back awning leg and raise the upper section. Now, detach the front awning leg from the side of the RV and stand it up. You will need a helper to hold the awning down as it will want to fall down without the support arm in place.
Now, prop up the awning on the ladder. You may need to place a block on top of the ladder to get the correct height.
Standing at the front of the awning, rotate the front awning leg counter-clockwise. You may need to tell your helper to hold the awning tighter to prevent it from rolling up. Repeat this process for the other awning leg.
Now, reattach the front leg to the side of the RV and raise it up a bit. Lower the rear leg, detach it from the RV, and prop it up on the ladder.
Rotate this leg clockwise as many times as you did the front leg.
Test the tension by reattaching the rear awning leg and lowering both leg sections completely. You can now move on to putting everything back together.
When you are satisfied with the tension, put everything back together. Make sure both legs are attached to the side of the RV, reinsert the "stops" into the upper leg section channels, return the screws, and lower the legs completely.
Your awning is now ready to be rolled back up or put to use.
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How to lower an electric awning
Electric awnings are a great addition to your campervan, providing shade and shelter from the rain. They are easy to adjust and can be retracted with the simple push of a button. However, it's important to keep them well-maintained to avoid any issues.
Step 1: Check for any debris
Before lowering the awning, it is important to check for any debris, such as leaves, twigs, or bird droppings, that may have accumulated on top of it. Use a broom or brush to gently sweep off any debris.
Step 2: Press the button to retract the awning
Once the area is clear, locate the retract button, which is usually located near the awning. Press and hold this button until the awning is fully retracted. Depending on the model of your awning, you may need to hold the button for a few seconds or until the awning reaches the desired height.
Step 3: Secure the travel locks
After the awning is fully retracted, secure the travel locks to prevent it from accidentally unrolling during transit. These locks are typically located near the awning and can be in the form of straps, clips, or knobs. Ensure that all locks are engaged before moving your campervan.
Step 4: Perform regular maintenance
It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your electric awning to ensure its longevity. Before each camping trip, open the awning and visually inspect it for any damage, including tears, holes, or mould. Additionally, clean the awning at the end of each camping season and allow it to dry completely before retracting it.
Step 5: Troubleshoot common issues
If you encounter any issues with your electric awning, there are a few basic DIY solutions you can try. For example, if the arms are misaligned, you can adjust the fabric by unscrewing it from the railing and moving it slightly. If the awning is wobbly, check the fitting between the motor and the outer bar of the awning, as loose screws may be the cause.
By following these steps, you can easily lower your electric awning and ensure that it remains in good condition for future use.
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Tips for securing your awning
To secure your awning, you must take several precautions, especially if you're camping in a windy area. Here are some tips to ensure your awning stays in place:
- Use an awning lock: When travelling or if there are high winds, roll up and lock your awning securely. Ordinary locking mechanisms may not be enough, so consider buying an awning lock online.
- Get an awning stabiliser kit: A stabiliser kit can be a great investment, especially if you're camping on sandy soil. It will help keep the awning stable and tight in high winds.
- Keep the awning open to dry: If your awning is wet, don't roll it up. Instead, keep it open and let it dry completely before packing it away. Mould and mildew can grow on a wet awning, especially if it's packed away while still moist.
- Use awning cleaning products: Regularly clean your awning with mild soap and water, but occasionally use a specialised awning cleaner to remove tough dirt and stains.
- Inspect the awning fabric: Before using your awning, check it for mould or mildew, especially if it has been stored for a long time. Clean any mould with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner.
- Check and repair awning parts: Lubricate all hardware parts that need it, such as the pivot points. Check the awning motor, pull strap, slide pins and other components for any damage. Replace or repair as needed.
- Position the awning properly: When it rains, position one side of the awning slightly lower than the other to allow water to drain easily. This will prevent water accumulation, which can damage the awning fabric.
- Never leave the awning unattended: Always roll up and secure your awning when you're not at the campsite or at night. High winds can cause unexpected damage to the awning fabric.
- Protect the awning from UV rays: UV rays can weaken the awning fabric over time, so try to keep the awning rolled up when not in use during sunlight. You can also use an awning cover made of aluminium to protect it from UV rays.
- Use de-flapper clamps: To prevent the awning fabric from flapping in high winds, use de-flapper clamps, which can be purchased online.
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How to adjust awning arms
Adjusting the awning arms on your camper is a fairly straightforward process. It's important to perform regular maintenance on your awning to ensure it's in good condition and to prevent damage. Before adjusting or using your awning, it's a good idea to inspect it for any tears, holes, or mould and mildew growth.
- Choose the side you want to adjust: Depending on your awning's design, you may need to unlock the pitch arm to enable tilt adjustment.
- Adjust the angle: Pull down or push up on the awning pitch arm to adjust the angle. Ensure you keep your fingers away from the pinch point.
- Be cautious when raising: When raising the awning arm, be careful not to overextend it. If it starts to bend upward, you will add tension to the strut, which may cause it to break.
- Avoid obstructing the entry door: If you're lowering the awning arm near the entry door or an adjacent slide room, be careful not to lower it too much. Ensure you can still safely open the door without rubbing it against the awning fabric.
- Inspect and clean your awning regularly: At the end of your camping season, or before storing your camper for an extended period, clean both sides of the awning and allow it to dry completely before retracting it.
- Diagnose common issues: If your awning arms are misaligned, it could be due to various reasons such as strong winds, heavy rain, hail, or accidental impact. Inspect the metal arms for any bends or deformities. If the arms are bent, you may need professional help to avoid further damage.
- Address wobbly movement: If your awning exhibits wobbly movement when extending or retracting, check the fitting between the motor and the outer bar of the awning. Tighten any loose screws you find, but be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the plastic or aluminium components.
- Adjust the fabric tension: If the awning arms are not perpendicular to the wall of the camper, or if the outer arm doesn't align with the railing, it's likely a fabric tension issue. Open the awning completely and locate the screws near the edges of the fabric that affix it to the railing. Unscrew these carefully, as there will be tension in the extended awning. Gradually move the fabric to adjust the position of the arms. Once you're satisfied with the alignment, screw the fabric back into the railing before retracting the awning.
- Check the motor fitting: If tightening the screws at the motor fitting doesn't resolve the wobbly arm issue, you may need to inspect the motor itself. Unscrew the casing protecting the motor and check if the motor is attached to the awning arm with screws or if it's welded on. If it's screwed on, tighten those screws to stabilise the arm. If it's welded, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.
- Maintain proper awning tension: If your awning is sagging or struggling to roll up tightly, you may need to adjust the tension. This typically requires a helper and a few tools, such as a screwdriver and a pole to pull the awning down. Refer to detailed guides on RV awning tension adjustment for a step-by-step process.
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How to remove an old awning
To remove an old awning and replace the fabric on your camper, you'll need a few tools and ideally a few pairs of hands to help. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Tools You'll Need:
- A step ladder
- A cordless electric drill
- A screwdriver (a #2 square head is recommended)
- An awning rod or pole
- A flat-head screwdriver
- A box wrench
- Vise grips
- A hammer and punch
- A razor knife or blade
- Silicone spray lubricant
- Measuring tape
- Bricks or cinder blocks
- A tarp (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Lower the Awning
Start by lowering the awning completely. First, flip the release switch from "up" to "down." The switch is usually located at the top front of the awning roll, and you can use a long pole with a curved end to do this.
Step 2: Adjust the Legs
The awning legs consist of two sections. Raise the upper section to pull the support arm out from the side of the camper. This should also help pull the awning leg out from its channel.
Step 3: Remove the Support Arm
Remove the screws at the base of the channel that are preventing the support arm from leaving the channel. The support arm should now hang freely at the side of the camper.
Step 4: Prop Up the Legs
Go to the back awning leg and raise the upper section. Now, detach the front awning leg from the side of the camper and stand it up. You may need an extra pair of hands to hold the legs in place.
Step 5: Prepare for Tension Adjustment
Set the awning pole on top of a ladder so that the leg can swing around freely. You may need to use a block on top of the ladder to get the right height.
Step 6: Swing the Legs
Stand at the front of the awning, facing the rear, and rotate the front awning leg counter-clockwise. You may need to ask your helper to hold the awning tighter as you do this, as it might try to roll up. Repeat this process for the other awning leg, rotating it in the opposite direction.
Step 7: Test the Tension
Reattach the rear awning leg and lower both leg sections completely. You can leave the support arms hanging freely or slide the stops back into the leg channel without screwing them in. Roll the awning back up to observe the tension. If you're satisfied, move on to the next step. If not, repeat the previous steps, rotating the legs one or two turns at a time, but be careful not to over-tighten the spring, as it may break.
Step 8: Remove the Awning Fabric
Now, we'll move on to removing the fabric. First, extend the awning about one foot from the camper. Then, remove the two small screws that prevent the fabric from sliding in the track. There should be one screw at each end of the awning.
Step 9: Protect the Brackets
Cover the upper awning brackets with electrical tape or masking tape to prevent them from scratching the side of the camper. If your awning is really old, use a sharp edge to cut away any sealant connecting the fabric to the track.
Step 10: Prepare the Track
Scrape any debris from the inside of the track with a sharp edge. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to spread the end of the track and apply downward pressure to lever the pieces apart, making it easier to remove the fabric.
Step 11: Remove the Awning Tube
Get two helpers to hold the awning 3-4 inches off the ground. Start pulling the tube off the track towards the front or rear of the camper. Walk the awning out completely until it's free. If the fabric is stuck, ask a third person on a ladder to help pull. Alternatively, if you don't have any helpers, elevate the awning legs with bricks.
Step 12: Lock the Spring
There are two springs in the roller tube, one at each end. Lock the spring at the rear or left side of the awning by removing the black plastic cap and inserting a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Step 13: Remove the Right Arm
Go to the front or right-side spring and release the tension. Remove the bolt that holds the arm to the roller tube and set it aside.
Step 14: Release the Spring Tension
Firmly plant the vise grips on the right awning leg's bracket. Keep a firm grip and lift them slightly to release pressure from the awning control lever. Flip the lever to the "Rolled Up" position and carefully unroll the awning. Make sure to count the number of rotations required to fully unwind the awning, as you'll need to roll it up later.
Step 15: Mark the Lever Position
Before removing the spring assembly, mark the location of the awning control lever using a felt or permanent marker. This will ensure you can reassemble the awning correctly.
Step 16: Remove the Rivets
Remove the rivets from the end cap using a cordless drill. Hit the top of the rivet with a hammer and punch while holding the punch perpendicular to the awning. Remove both rivets and then gently slide out the entire right-side spring assembly.
Step 17: Remove the Old Fabric
Unwind the old awning fabric slowly, lifting the roller tube and unwinding the fabric one turn at a time until it's completely off. You may need a friend to help with this step. If the fabric is stuck, use a razor knife to cut it in two between the channels, and then slide each piece out.
Step 18: Prepare the New Fabric
Spray silicone lubricant into the channels to make it easier to slide in the new fabric. Hold the nozzle about 1-2 inches from the channels, releasing the trigger every 1-2 seconds to avoid over-application.
Step 19: Insert the New Fabric
Slide the beads of the new fabric into their respective channels. Make sure the beading is inside the channels and that the fabric is centered between the end caps. Roll the fabric onto the roller tube, always rolling counter-clockwise. This step is
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Frequently asked questions
First, locate the release switch and use a pole to flip it from "up" to "down". Then, raise the upper section of the awning leg to pull the support arm out from the side of the camper. Remove the screws at the base of the channel and let the support arm hang freely. Stand up the awning legs and detach the front leg from the camper, before propping it up on a ladder. Swing the front leg counter-clockwise and then repeat for the other leg, rotating it clockwise. Finally, test the tension and put everything back together.
Locate the awning switch inside the camper on your control panel. Push the 'Retract' side of the switch and watch the awning to ensure it's retracting evenly. Keep going until the awning makes contact with the exterior wall of the camper.
Always ensure your camper is levelled and stabilised before lowering the awning. Check that your camper door isn't in the way of the awning's path. Keep an eye out for any obstructions, like pine cones or recreational equipment, and make sure no one is standing in the way.