Otis Singleton
Electric RV awnings are a great addition to any RV, providing shade and shelter from the elements. However, like any other part of an RV, awnings require proper maintenance and care to function optimally. Over time, awnings may become misaligned, with the fabric slipping to one side or stretching, requiring adjustment. This guide will cover various methods for adjusting electric RV awnings, including adjusting the fabric, tightening bolts and screws, and troubleshooting common issues such as loose fittings or wobbling arms. By following these steps, RV owners can ensure their awnings remain in good condition and provide a comfortable outdoor space for years to come.
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting the awning fabric
Slowly move the fabric over a little by little, making minor adjustments. As you do this, pay attention to the arms of the awning; they should also move to the side. Continue making adjustments until the arms are back on their proper track and squared up with the railing. Now, carefully screw the awning's fabric back into the railing. Before retracting the awning, ensure that everything appears adjusted and squared up. If not, you may need to repeat the process, making smaller adjustments each time until everything is properly aligned.
It's important to note that if the fabric has stretched, you may not be able to adjust it back to its original tension. In this case, measuring corner to corner diagonally can help determine if the fabric is stretched. If one diagonal measurement is longer than the other, the fabric has likely stretched, and you may need to consider replacing it.
Additionally, if you notice any bolts or knobs on the awning, make sure they are tightened appropriately. Sometimes, loosening and retightening these can help adjust the fabric tension and ensure the awning operates smoothly.
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Tightening loose bolts and screws
If your RV awning is wobbling from side to side or bucking up and down, it may be time to tighten some loose bolts and screws. First, check the motor or its fitting. The fitting is typically a piece of plastic or metal attached to the drive shaft of the awning's electric motor on one side and screwed in around the bar that the canvas winds around on the other. If this looks loose, carefully tighten the screws connecting the two, being careful not to overtighten as the materials are usually plastic or aluminium and can break or become misshapen.
If the motor and fitting seem fine, check the arm mechanisms for any loose screws. If you find any, tighten them with a screwdriver. You can also try adjusting the awning by opening it and looking at the railing holding the fabric in place at the RV end. Unscrew the screws near the edges of the fabric, being careful not to yank too hard as there will be tension in the awning. Adjust the fabric little by little, noticing the arms moving to the side. Screw the awning's canvas back into the railing, ensuring it is properly lined up before retracting it to its closed position.
If the lead rail seems loose, you may need to reset the motor. Check your operating manual for instructions. If only the ends need to close tighter, you will need a 7/16" wrench or socket and a rubber mallet. Loosen the nut, slide each arm towards the end of the lead rail, tighten the nut, and close the awning to check the adjustment. Repeat if necessary until the ends are snug.
If only one side is loose, you should still adjust both sides to prevent the lead rail from tracking off-centre and not closing properly, which can cause damage.
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Fixing a wobble or buck
If your electric RV awning wobbles or bucks, there are several steps you can take to fix it. Firstly, check the motor and its fitting. The fitting is usually made of plastic or metal, and is attached to the drive shaft of the motor on one side, and screwed in around the bar that the canvas winds around on the other. If the fitting is loose or can be jiggled by hand, tighten the screws connecting the two, being careful not to overtighten, as the materials are usually plastic or aluminium and can be damaged.
If tightening the screws doesn't work, check the arm mechanisms for any loose screws. If the awning is still wobbly, the motor may be welded on, and you may need to seek professional help. If you are confident in your electrical DIY skills, you can try accessing the awning motor. First, open the awning manually, then check the wiring from the coach to the awning. If the wiring passes inspection, access the leads from the motor and attach them to your battery. If the motor does not respond, it may need to be replaced.
If your awning is noisy or crooked, or refuses to open or close, you can try cleaning and lubricating the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant. Check for any obstructions or debris in the tracks, and ensure the arms and fabric are properly aligned and not twisted.
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Adjusting the awning pitch
Firstly, identify the source of the problem. If your awning is wobbling or buckling, it could be due to a loose motor fitting or screws. If the fabric has slipped to one side, you can slide it back into place. If the fabric has stretched, you may need to replace it.
If the awning is wobbling, check the motor fitting. This is typically attached to the drive shaft of the motor and the bar around which the canvas winds. Tighten any loose screws, but be careful not to overtighten as the materials are usually plastic or aluminium and can break. Check the arm mechanisms for any loose screws and tighten them if necessary.
If the fabric has slipped, you can adjust it by first opening and unfurling the awning fully. Locate the screws near the edges of the fabric that affix it to the railing. Unscrew these carefully, being mindful of the tension in the extended awning. Gradually move the fabric over, little by little, and you should see the arms moving to the side. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, screw the canvas back into the railing before retracting it to ensure it's properly aligned.
For adjusting the pitch, there are usually numbered holes along the arms with a ball in one of them. Push the ball in and grab the arm to move it to the desired hole. This will allow you to adjust the pitch as needed. You can also adjust the pitch by loosening the black knob and pulling down on the awning to adjust the slot, and then retightening the knob. It's recommended to stake the awnings down and use a tension spring or bungee cord at the bottom for added stability.
If you have a Carefree awning, you might need to partially retract the awning to reduce the pressure on the arms before making adjustments. Open the awning to about 15 inches from the stored position, then loosen the nut and slide each arm towards the end of the lead rail. Tighten the nut and close the awning to check if further adjustments are needed. If there is a gap between the lead rail and the awning box, you may need to adjust both sides to ensure the lead rail tracks properly.
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Replacing worn-out fabric
Replacing the fabric of your RV awning is a relatively easy DIY project that almost any RV owner can perform themselves. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Awning
Firstly, you will need to prepare the awning for fabric replacement. Measure the awning from the centre of one arm to the centre of the other to get the correct fabric size. Choose your preferred fabric type and colour, with options such as acrylic or vinyl. Acrylic is a breathable fabric that is typically preferred by RVers as it keeps the area beneath the awning cool.
Remove the Old Fabric
Now, it's time to remove the old awning fabric. You will need at least two people to help with this process. Remove the bolts, screws, or rivets holding the end cap in place and set them aside. Take off the cap and spring assembly. Unroll the fabric from the roller, being careful not to knock out the spring locking mechanism. Mark the main section and the decorative valance with distinct letters or symbols to ensure proper installation of the new fabric.
Install the New Fabric
With your new fabric ready, it's time to install it. Work with your helpers to slide the new fabric into the track. Have one person hold each awning leg, while another slides the fabric into the split end of the track. Walk alongside the RV, tugging on the fabric as you go. Once the fabric is in place, remove the tape from the brackets and screw them back into place.
Final Steps
Before completing the installation, extend and retract your awning a few times to ensure the fabric is centred on the roll. You may need to remove zip ties or bolts for this step. Finally, screw in the last polycord screws using the previous holes, and you're done!
By following these steps, you can replace your worn-out RV awning fabric, giving your RV a refreshed look and improved functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric RV awning has a "'knob' adjustment", loosen the knob, pull down on the awning, and then retighten the knob. If your awning has numbered holes, push in the ball and grab the arm to move it to the desired hole.
Check the motor or its fitting. If the fitting is loose, tighten the screws connecting it to the drive shaft of the awning's electric motor. If this doesn't work, check for any loose screws in the arm mechanisms.
With the awning open and unfurled, locate the screws near the edges of the fabric that affix it to the railing. Unscrew these and carefully adjust the fabric, being mindful of the tension in the awning. Once you're satisfied with the adjustment, screw the fabric back into the railing before retracting it.
