Opening your trailer awning should be a simple task, transforming your campsite into a comfortable and shaded oasis. While specific procedures vary slightly depending on the awning model, the core process involves unlatching, extending, and securing the awning fabric and support arms, typically accomplished in a matter of minutes.
Understanding Your Trailer Awning: A Pre-Opening Inspection
Before you even think about unrolling your awning, a pre-opening inspection is crucial. This prevents damage to the awning, the trailer, and even yourself. Taking a few moments to check these key aspects can save you significant headaches down the road.
Inspecting the Awning Fabric
Carefully examine the awning fabric for any signs of wear and tear. Look for:
- Rips, tears, or holes: These weaken the fabric and can lead to further damage during extension.
- Mold or mildew: These can stain and degrade the fabric. Cleaning the awning regularly is essential.
- Loose stitching: These points are prone to tearing when the awning is under tension.
- Overall cleanliness: A clean awning is a happy awning. Remove any debris like leaves, twigs, or bird droppings.
Checking the Awning Hardware
The hardware supporting your awning is just as important as the fabric itself. Inspect the following components:
- Support arms: Ensure they are straight and undamaged. Look for bends, dents, or rust.
- Locking mechanisms: Test the latches and locks to ensure they are functioning properly. If they’re stiff, lubrication might be needed.
- Rollers and springs: If you have a manual awning, check that the roller spins freely and the springs provide adequate tension.
- Motor and electrical components (for electric awnings): Inspect the motor for any signs of damage and ensure the wiring is secure.
Assessing Environmental Conditions
Consider the weather conditions before opening your awning.
- Wind: High winds can easily damage or tear an awning. If winds are expected, it’s best to keep the awning retracted.
- Rain: While awnings can provide shelter from light rain, prolonged exposure can cause the fabric to stretch and sag. Consider angling the awning for runoff.
- Sun: Excessive sun can fade and damage the awning fabric over time. Apply a UV protectant regularly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Manual Trailer Awning
Opening a manual awning requires a bit of physical effort, but it’s a straightforward process once you understand the steps.
- Release the Travel Latches: Locate the travel latches that secure the awning to the side of the trailer. These are typically located near the top and bottom of the awning housing. Carefully disengage each latch, ensuring that the awning is no longer secured.
- Extend the Pull Strap or Grab Handle: Most manual awnings have a pull strap or grab handle located near the center of the awning. Use this to carefully pull the awning out from its housing a short distance.
- Unlock the Rafter Arms: Locate the rafter arms, which are the support arms that extend from the awning to the trailer. Unlock these arms by releasing the locking mechanism, usually a lever or pin.
- Extend the Rafter Arms: Carefully extend the rafter arms until they are fully extended. You may need to adjust the height of the arms to achieve the desired awning slope.
- Secure the Rafter Arms: Once the rafter arms are fully extended and adjusted, secure them in place by engaging the locking mechanism. Ensure they are firmly locked to prevent the awning from collapsing.
- Fully Extend the Awning: Using the pull strap or grab handle, continue to pull the awning out until it is fully extended.
- Stake Down the Awning (Optional): For added stability, especially in windy conditions, stake down the awning using awning stakes and ropes. Attach the ropes to the awning’s corners and stake them into the ground at an angle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening an Electric Trailer Awning
Electric awnings offer a convenient and effortless way to extend your awning.
- Ensure Power Supply: Verify that your trailer has a reliable power source, either through a generator, shore power, or battery.
- Locate the Control Switch: Find the awning control switch, typically located inside the trailer near the door or on a control panel.
- Press and Hold the “Extend” Button: Press and hold the “Extend” button on the control switch. The awning motor will begin to extend the awning.
- Monitor the Awning Extension: Observe the awning as it extends. Ensure it extends smoothly and evenly. Release the button when the awning is fully extended. Some awnings have automatic stop mechanisms.
- Adjust the Awning Height (if applicable): Some electric awnings allow you to adjust the height of the awning. Use the control switch to raise or lower the awning as needed.
- Stake Down the Awning (Optional): For added stability, especially in windy conditions, stake down the awning using awning stakes and ropes. Attach the ropes to the awning’s corners and stake them into the ground at an angle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trailer Awnings
Here are some common questions about trailer awnings to further assist you:
FAQ 1: How do I prevent my awning from sagging?
Sagging can be caused by rain pooling on the fabric or stretching over time. To prevent this, adjust the awning angle so that rainwater can run off easily. Regularly clean and treat the fabric with a UV protectant to maintain its integrity. Awning support poles can also be used to add extra support in the middle.
FAQ 2: What should I do if my awning gets damaged?
Small tears can often be repaired with awning repair tape. Larger tears or significant damage may require professional repair or replacement. Contact a qualified RV repair technician for assistance.
FAQ 3: How do I clean my awning?
Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush to gently scrub the awning fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the fabric.
FAQ 4: Can I leave my awning out in the rain?
While awnings can provide shelter from light rain, it’s generally not recommended to leave them out in heavy rain. The weight of the water can cause the awning to sag or even collapse. If rain is expected, it’s best to retract the awning.
FAQ 5: How do I protect my awning from wind?
High winds can easily damage or tear an awning. If winds are expected, retract the awning. If you must leave it out, stake it down securely and consider using additional support poles. Awning tie-down kits can also provide extra stability.
FAQ 6: How often should I maintain my awning?
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your awning. Clean it regularly, inspect it for damage, and lubricate moving parts as needed. Consider applying a UV protectant at least once a year.
FAQ 7: My electric awning won’t retract. What should I do?
First, check the power supply. Make sure the trailer is connected to a reliable power source and that the breaker for the awning is not tripped. If the power is good, check the control switch and wiring for any signs of damage. If the problem persists, consult a qualified RV technician.
FAQ 8: Can I replace the fabric on my awning?
Yes, it is possible to replace the fabric on your awning. However, it’s a fairly involved process that requires some mechanical skill. You can purchase replacement awning fabric online or from an RV supply store.
FAQ 9: Are there different types of awning fabrics?
Yes, awning fabrics come in a variety of materials, including acrylic, vinyl, and polyester. Acrylic fabrics are known for their durability and UV resistance, while vinyl fabrics are waterproof and easy to clean. Polyester fabrics are a more affordable option.
FAQ 10: What is the best way to store my awning for the winter?
Before storing your awning for the winter, clean it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Retract the awning and secure it with the travel latches. Consider covering the awning with a protective cover to prevent damage from the elements.
FAQ 11: Can I add lights to my awning?
Yes, you can add lights to your awning. There are many different types of awning lights available, including LED strip lights and awning rope lights. Choose lights that are designed for outdoor use and are compatible with your trailer’s electrical system.
FAQ 12: What are awning de-flappers and do I need them?
Awning de-flappers are devices that attach to the awning fabric and prevent it from flapping in the wind. They can help to reduce noise and prevent damage to the awning. Whether you need them depends on how often you camp in windy conditions. If you frequently experience strong winds, awning de-flappers are a worthwhile investment.