Your RV awning is one of the most-used accessories on your rig — and one of the most neglected when it comes to maintenance. A little attention each season goes a long way toward preventing tears, broken arms, and motor failures that can leave you without shade at the worst possible time.

Clean the Fabric Regularly

Dirt, mildew, and bird droppings degrade awning fabric faster than UV exposure. Clean your awning at least once per season — more often if you camp in dusty or humid conditions.

For vinyl awnings: Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft brush. Avoid bleach-based cleaners, which break down the vinyl coating over time. Rinse thoroughly and let the awning dry completely before rolling it up — storing a wet awning is the fastest way to grow mildew.

For acrylic awnings: Acrylic fabric is more breathable and mildew-resistant, but it still needs cleaning. Use a cleaner specifically formulated for acrylic awning fabric.

Inspect the Arms and Hardware

With the awning extended, walk the length of it and inspect:

• Pivot points and hinges — look for cracks, corrosion, or loose fasteners
• Rafter arms — check that they lock securely in the open position
• Mounting brackets — verify they're tight against the RV wall; loose brackets cause the whole awning to sag and stress the fabric
• Roller tube — spin it by hand; it should rotate smoothly without grinding

Lubricate all pivot points and moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based products, which attract dirt and can degrade rubber components.

Check the Tension

Proper tension keeps the awning taut and prevents water pooling. Most manual awnings have a tension adjustment on the roller tube — consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure. Electric awnings typically self-tension, but the motor and limit switches should be tested each season.

If your awning sags in the middle when extended, the tension needs adjustment. A sagging awning collects water, which adds weight and can collapse the arms.

Retract Before Wind and Rain

This sounds obvious, but it's worth repeating: retract your awning before leaving the campsite, before sleeping, and at the first sign of wind or approaching weather. Most awning damage happens when owners leave them out unattended.

A gust of 20–25 mph can invert an awning arm. A sustained wind of 35+ mph can destroy the entire assembly. No awning is designed to withstand severe weather.

When to Call a Technician

Some awning repairs are DIY-friendly — replacing a pull strap, tightening mounting screws, cleaning fabric. Others require professional service:

• Torn or delaminating fabric — replacement requires proper measurement and tensioning
• Bent or broken arms — structural repairs need the right parts and alignment
• Electric motor failure — motor replacement involves wiring and limit switch calibration
• Mounting bracket damage — improper repair can compromise the RV wall structure

Done Right RV Repair handles awning repairs throughout North Texas. Our mobile service means we come to your location — no need to haul your RV to a shop. Call us or request service online.