RV Awnings

RV Awnings / Shade Products / A&E / Carefree / Girard / Zip Dee- Electric or Manual, We are the RV Awning Experts! Call Today!


Types of RV Awnings / Shade Products- Over the years many manufacturers of RV awnings have come and gone but there are a few that were able to withstand the test of time, even through the economic downturn. Names like Faulkner, Carter, Coleman and Omni have faded from the landscape but companies like Carefree of Colorado, A and E, Fiamma, Zip Dee and Girard have managed to remain innovative and continue to survive and thrive in the RV awning marketplace. Many also produce window awnings, slide out covers (slide toppers), awning mats, sun screens, wheel covers and other related RV awning items. There are also companies like MCD that do not provide awnings but do provide the other shade protection products. For clarity purposes, I will focus on the common types of RV patio awnings now commonly used (other installments will be added later for the awning accessories). Most roll out awnings contain a set of arms that are mounted onto the side of the RV. Others have lateral arms that fold inside of a case along with the fabric when retracted. These are often referred to as “box” awnings. Box type awnings are generally more expensive but they leave a clean, unencumbered look when not in use. Both types of awnings are available in manual or electric operation. Many electric RV awnings have wind or motion sensors available that will automatically retract the awning in windy conditions.

How they work-

Manual roll out Awning- Manual roll out RV awnings have a set of arms that can be pulled out or cranked out and are designed with tension to help them retract. The tension is provided by one or two springs that are located on the end of the tube. The awning tension becomes greater as you extend the awning out, similar to a roll up shade. Most roll out awnings have a locking mechanism that is rotated in one direction to extend and the other to retract. The locking mechanism prevents the awning from rolling back up while extending and prevents it from extending while traveling (along with a couple of arm locks).

Electric Roll out Awning- Electric roll outs operate the same as the manual except they are driven by a 12 volt motor. Some still contain springs to assist the motor and some are motor-only driven. Many have various types on wind or motion sensors that will automatically roll the awning up in windy conditions.

RV Box Awnings- Box awnings work very much the same way as roll up awnings but they have no arms that extend down the side of the coach. The entire fabric rolls up inside of the awning case when closed

How do I keep it working?

Hardware- Wash and clean awning hardware with an RV wash solution. Lube all moving and sliding parts with a dry silicone. Do not use WD 40 or other lubricants that will allow road dirt to cling.

Fabric- Use a quality RV awning cleaner that is safe for your type of fabric (vinyl or acrylic). Use an awning tape to repair any tears or holes. Replace the awning fabric if it begins to crack, peel or the stitching pulls loose. Use a 303 UV protectant on the portion of the awning that is exposed when rolled up. This portion is continually exposed to the sun and needs additional protection.

Spring Tension- If the awning has trouble rolling up, it could be a broken or weak spring. RV awning springs can be dangerous when not properly handled. Find an experienced RV awning repair center to properly repair or replace your awning springs. When the awning is rolled up for travel, make sure that you pull down on the awning to make sure it cannot roll out unless the lever is flipped to the "roll down" position. If the awning will extend with the lever in the "roll up" position, the awning lock is defective and must be repaired to prevent the awning from opening during travel.