Wiktor Wise
Electric RV awnings are a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors while being protected from the elements. They can provide shade and shelter you from light rain, but they are not meant to withstand high winds or heavy rain. To put out an electric RV awning, you will need to follow certain steps, depending on the type of awning you have. Before operating any equipment, it is important to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. Here are some general guidelines for putting out different types of electric RV awnings.
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What You'll Learn
How to open an electric RV awning
Opening an electric RV awning is a simple process once you've done it a few times. Before you start, it's helpful to know what type of awning you have. Traditional awnings are fully manual, with spring-loaded arms. Hybrid awnings are a combination of manual and automatic features. Power awnings are fully automatic.
If you have a manual awning, you'll need to loosen the rafter knobs, walk out the awning, and manually set the tension. Be sure to loosen the knobs only a few turns; do not remove them or loosen them all the way. You'll also need to release the travel locks on both support arms. To do this, squeeze the support tabs on the awning. You should hear a click, indicating that they've been released.
If you have a hybrid awning, simply rotate the awning rod to open the canopy.
If you have a power awning, you can usually extend it with the simple flip of a switch. Check that the unit's battery is fully charged and connected to the electrical system. To turn the awning controller on, press and hold the lock button for three seconds. A green LED light will illuminate when the awning is on. If the green light is not lit, you'll need to unlock or turn on the controller before any functions will work. To extend the awning, press and hold the "extend" or right arrow button until the awning is fully extended.
If your awning won't extend, you may need to access the awning motor. Be sure to do your research before attempting this, as it can be dangerous if you're unfamiliar with electrical systems. Once you've opened the awning a little manually, you'll need to expose and check the wires from the coach to the awning. Turn off the power before disconnecting the wires. Then, connect the motor directly to a portable battery. If you see any signs of corrosion or damage to the wires, stop and take your RV to a repair shop.
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How to retract an electric RV awning
Operating an RV awning is a simple process, but it's important to follow the correct procedures to ensure the awning functions properly and to avoid damage. Before operating your awning, it's helpful to know which type you have: traditional, hybrid, or electric.
Retracting an Electric RV Awning
First, ensure there are no obstructions in the way of the awning and its components, such as entry doors, pine cones, recreational equipment, or other people. Then, push the 'Retract' side of the awning switch. Visually confirm that the awning is retracting evenly and continue until it makes contact with the exterior wall of the RV. It is important to stop pushing the switch once the awning is fully retracted to avoid damaging the electric motor.
Retracting a Manual RV Awning
For traditional awnings with spring-loaded arms, start by lowering both sides of the awning. Loosen the black rafter knobs—you only need to turn them a few times, and be sure not to remove them or loosen them all the way. Then, slide the inner arms back toward the RV until they lock into place. Finally, push the locking lever into the "roll up" position.
For hybrid awnings, use the awning rod to push the lever into the "roll down" position. Then, holding the strap, walk forward so that the awning rolls up against the RV. Some models may require you to twist the awning rod to roll up the fabric.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
RV awnings are a great way to provide shade and protection from light rain, but they are not designed to withstand high winds and heavy rain. It is important to clean your awning regularly, ideally with RV awning cleaner, and to clear it of leaves and debris before rolling it up. Additionally, always tilt your awning at a slight angle to allow for water runoff.
If your electric awning malfunctions, you may need to manually retract it. If the power has failed, you can try using a 12v battery, such as a cordless drill battery, or jumper cables from a car or RV battery. If the motor has failed, you may need to consult your owner's manual for model-specific procedures.
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How to adjust an electric RV awning
An electric RV awning can provide shade and shelter from the rain, but sometimes it won't work as expected. Here are some tips for adjusting your electric RV awning:
Adjusting the Awning Fabric
If your awning fabric has slipped to one side, you can fix this by sliding it back into position. First, 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. Make fine adjustments to the fabric, moving it over gradually. As you do this, you should see the awning arms moving to the side. Once the fabric is properly aligned, screw it back into the railing before retracting the awning.
Wobbling or Buckling Awning
If your awning wobbles from side to side or bucks up and down, check the motor or its fitting. The fitting is typically attached to the drive shaft of the awning's electric motor on one side and screwed around the bar that the canvas winds around on the other. If the fitting is loose, tighten the screws, being careful not to overtighten as the materials are usually plastic or aluminium and can break. If the issue persists, check for any loose screws in the arm mechanisms and tighten them.
Awning Arms Not Lining Up
If your awning arms are not closing properly or crashing when closing, it could be due to misalignment. Check the bolts at the top and bottom of the arms that are mounted to your trailer. You may need to adjust the bolts to level the arms horizontally. Be cautious when loosening the top bolts, and consider having someone assist you by holding the awning tube during adjustments. Additionally, you can refer to the metal rubbing on the arms, which will indicate which way to move them when adjusting.
Adjusting the Awning Angle
If you want to adjust the angle of your electric awning to provide more shade, there are usually five adjustable positions. Look for a spring-loaded button on each arm. Push the button and slide the arm to the desired angle, then match the front angle with the rear. Alternatively, some awnings have a knob on the underside of the elbow; pull down on the elbow to lower the awning, then tighten the knob to maintain that height. Remember to loosen the knob before rolling it back up.
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How to replace an electric RV awning
Replacing an electric RV awning is a challenging task, but with the right tools and some assistance, it can be accomplished in an afternoon. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace an electric RV awning:
Prepare the Awning for Replacement:
Start by extending the awning to its full length. Remove the two small screws that hold the fabric in place at each end of the awning using a screwdriver or an electric drill. If your awning has a torsion spring, you will need to release the tension by turning it away from the RV, following the instructions in your manual. For Dometic A&E electric awnings, there is no torsion spring, but there is a heavy torsion spring at the opposite end of the tube from the electric motor.
Remove the Old Awning:
Pop the awning arms out of their brackets by pulling them outward and away from the RV. Ensure that the arms are fully extended and resting on the ground. If your RV model allows, you can also extend the arms upward against the vehicle. Next, roll out the awning fabric about one foot away from the RV by flipping the control lever on the right side of the roller tube. Use an awning rod to pull the roller tube out if needed. Cover the upper awning brackets with electrical or masking tape to prevent scratching the RV's sides. If your awning is old, use a sharp edge to cut away any sealant connecting the fabric to the track, and scrape away any debris inside the track.
Install the New Awning Fabric:
Purchase a replacement awning fabric of suitable quality and size. Heavyweight, tight-weave vinyl is often recommended, but check your manufacturer's instructions for specific fabric recommendations. Measure the awning from the inside of each cap before purchasing the new fabric. Once you have the new fabric, place it into the track, ensuring it is secure and aligned correctly.
Reattach the Awning:
Place the roller tube back onto the track and bolt the new awning into place using a cordless drill with the proper bolt tip. Reattach the main bolts—two on each side, four in total. Finally, reattach the two small screws that prevent the fabric from sliding, and your new electric RV awning will be ready for use!
Note: If your awning folds into the side of your RV, you may need to press the spring and grip the bracket at the left of the roller tube before attaching the bolts. Always refer to your RV's manual or seek professional assistance if you encounter any issues during the replacement process.
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How to maintain an electric RV awning
Maintaining an electric RV awning is crucial to ensure it lasts a long time and provides shade and shelter from light rain. Here are some detailed instructions on how to maintain an electric RV awning:
Cleaning
It is important to clean your awning to keep it in good condition. At a minimum, clean the awning with dish soap and water at least once a year before storing your RV for the winter. Ideally, clean it every few months or more frequently if needed. You can also purchase RV awning cleaner. If you have to roll up the awning when it is wet, ensure that you open it again as soon as possible to allow it to dry.
Adjusting the Awning
If your awning is misaligned, you can adjust it by first opening the awning and unscrewing the fabric from the railing. Carefully adjust the fabric, being mindful of the tension, and move it over gradually. As you do this, you will notice the arms moving to the side. Adjust the arms back into their proper track and square them with the railing. Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, screw the awning's canvas back into the railing and retract it.
Water Runoff
Always tilt your RV awning at a slight angle to allow for water runoff. Angle one corner of the awning downward, or invest in an awning with an automatic rain dump feature.
Safety Precautions
RV awnings are meant for shade and light rain protection. They are not designed to withstand high winds and heavy rain, so be mindful of weather conditions. Before extending or retracting the awning, ensure there are no obstructions, such as entry doors, pine cones, or recreational equipment, in the way. Additionally, always be aware of the location of the awning to prevent accidental damage, such as someone opening a door and tearing the fabric.
Troubleshooting
If your awning starts to wobble side to side or buck up and down, check the motor or its fitting. The fitting is typically attached to the drive shaft of the electric motor and screwed around the bar that the canvas winds around. For further troubleshooting, refer to your owner's manual for model-specific procedures.
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Frequently asked questions
To put out an electric RV awning, first check your owner's manual for model-specific instructions. Then, ensure the awning has clearance and no obstructions are in the way. Next, press and hold the lock button for three seconds to turn on the awning controller. Finally, press and hold the "extend" or right arrow button until the awning is fully extended.
Before putting out an electric RV awning, ensure there are no obstructions in the way, such as entry doors, pine cones, recreation equipment, or other passengers. Also, make sure your travel companions are aware that you are opening the awning to avoid accidental damage.
To retract an electric RV awning, first ensure no obstructions are in the way. Then, push the "Retract" side of the awning switch and visually confirm that the awning is retracting evenly until it makes contact with the exterior wall of the RV. Do not continue pushing the switch once the awning is fully retracted to avoid damaging the electric motor.
To maintain your electric RV awning, clean it at least once a year with dish soap and water before storing your RV for the winter. Ideally, clean the awning every few months or more frequently as needed. Also, always tilt your awning at a slight angle to allow for water runoff.
If your electric RV awning needs to be replaced, you can attempt to do it yourself or contact trained RV technicians for assistance. Replacing an RV awning involves removing the old one, finding a suitable replacement, prepping for installation, and properly securing the new one to your RV's substructure.
