How to Install an RV Awning
RVs are great when you want to venture and enjoy the great outdoors, but for you to enjoy it more, you should get an RV awning. This helpful installation gives you a pleasant shade while you lounge in front of your vehicle. For your awning to be extremely useful, you should know how to install it properly. Here’s what you should do.
What You’ll Need:
RV
RV awning
RV awning track
Deflapper device
Procedure:
Buy the right type of awning. There are different awning sizes available today, so make sure you purchase one that fits your RV. Also, buy and RV track for the awning, either of equal size of larger than the awning. This track should be installed to the RV’s top railing shell frame, using steel screws and bolts. Most tracks come with these when you purchase them.
Take into account the width and height of your RV before you install the awning. Measure the distance from the ground to the top railing. Make sure the awning will not hinder the windows and doors of your vehicle, as well as the compartments. When you drive in the screws, make sure they are installed on an area without slots, windows or wirings.
Check that the awning and its railing is properly and securely installed, before you unroll it.
You need to properly tension your awning, so it won’t flap around too much in the breeze. To do this, stand in front of the awning, holding the awning tube with your hands. Then, pull the tube slightly downwards, going towards you. Unroll the awning fully, sliding its upper arms into position. With one hand, find the knob on the awning’s upper tension arm and tighten it. Repeat for the other tension arm.
Unfold the support legs, as soon as the awning is fully stretched to its full length. Make sure you give the legs enough allowance so they can bend. Don’t straighten them.
If it’s very windy, chances are the awning will be flapping around too much. To solve this, get an awning deflapper device that provides tension to the awning fabric. This will have an adjustable awning clamp that can be attached to the upper support arm. There’s also a gripper that secures the fabric in place. Attach this deflapper at least midway down the fabric. Adjust the tension if necessary.
Purchase awning tie-down straps and stakes. These often come as a kit, and work to stabilize the awning. First, put the corkscrew-style stakes in the ground diagonally, a few feet away from the support arms of the awning. Then, attach the straps need the end of the awning tubes, adjusting the tension as needed.
Installing an RV awning isn’t too difficult, but you need to follow the right procedure. When you get it right, you can enjoy the comfort of your RV under a nice, cool shade.