The motorhome awning is one of those must-have accessories that at 3 in the morning, with a howling wind, you might wish you didn’t have!
Who can remember the half dozen steps required to lower the thing in these conditions? Have you ever woken up after that summer storm overnight and your awning is sinking alarmingly? Have you ever tried to empty the hundred gallons of water that has accumulated in that sunken canopy? Believe me when I say you don’t need to go through that “joy” of camping.
The RV awning is designed like an umbrella, period. If, perhaps, it starts to spray a bit and also kicks up a gentle breeze, don’t worry, your RV awning can handle that. But if those dark clouds are forming on the horizon and the birds are seeking shelter, then you should consider rolling. And you really should consider rolling up, NOW.
Practice rolling up your awning on a quiet day until you’ve memorized the procedure. Then do the same blindfolded, with someone spraying a hose on your face. This will simulate a typical disassembly in an emergency storm. Except for the wind, of course. For this simulation, you’ll need three pretty beefy guys, all pulling the canopy in a different direction at once. Once you have done the exercise above, you will understand why the experienced camper will remove the canopy at the first sign of trouble.
After rolling it up and possibly soaking it for several months, your awning will appreciate good ventilation and a soak with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Use a car wash type brush to scrub the surface of both the top and bottom. A little WD-40 on the moving parts helps free up and protect these components. Dry it well before re-rolling it.
Lower one end of your canopy open to allow rainwater to drain off. Hold the canopy legs when the canopy is upright so that a gust of wind does not overturn it. Additionally, the canopy can be attached with the special canopy straps available at your local RV store. If you suspect a strong wind or storm is coming, the safest thing to do is roll up the awning.