RV Travel Safety Guide: How to Properly Fold the RV Awning in Windy and Rainy Weather

In RV travel, the awning is an indispensable piece of equipment. It not only provides you with a comfortable shade under the scorching sun but also offers a temporary shelter during light rain, adding more outdoor fun to your RV life. Many owners consider the RV awning as an extension of their "mobile living room", setting up tables, chairs, and lights to create a cozy relaxation area. However, the awning is not safe to use in all weather conditions. If it is not retracted in time during strong winds or heavy rain, it may not only affect the user experience but also lead to motor damage, fabric tearing, or even safety hazards.

I. Risk Analysis: Why it is necessary to retract in time

1. Risk of Strong Winds

Strong winds are the biggest threat to RV awnings. Once the awning fabric is extended, it acts like a huge sail. If it encounters strong winds, it will be quickly lifted up. At this point, the tensile force on the telescopic arms increases sharply, making them prone to bending or even breaking. If the wind is too strong, the motor and fixed structures may also be directly damaged. Many owners have had to replace the entire awning set due to a sudden strong wind during camping, which not only incurs high costs but also disrupts their travel plans.

2. Risk of Heavy Rain

Compared to strong winds, the hidden dangers brought by heavy rain are more easily overlooked. Rainwater accumulating on the fabric causes it to sag, thereby increasing the pressure on the support arms. If it is not cleared in time, the fabric may tear, and even the metal frame may be affected. In addition, rainwater seeping into the motor can cause short circuits or rust, significantly shortening the lifespan of the RV awning. Once the motor fails, retraction becomes very difficult, and the subsequent repair costs increase.

II.Preparations before retracting the RV awning

1.Check that the power supply is working well

First of all, check the power system of the RV awning to ensure it is working properly. If the awning is electric, it is necessary to confirm that the battery is fully charged and that the battery connections are not loose or faulty. If it is a remote control type, test the response of the remote control or buttons to ensure that they are functioning properly. If the battery power is too low or there is a problem with the power supply, it is recommended to deal with these issues first to prevent the RV awning from being unable to be closed in the middle.

2.Clean the moisture and debris on the surface of the RV awning fabric

Before closing it, check if there is any standing water, stains or debris on the surface of the fabric. Especially in rainy days or open-air environments, accumulated water will increase the burden on the awning and affect its normal closure. Use a clean cloth or sponge to dry the surface moisture of the RV awning fabric and remove fallen leaves, branches and other debris. If there is water accumulation on the fabric, it is best to wait for it to dry naturally before folding it up to prevent the damp fabric from being caught in the roll, which may cause mold or damage.

3. Ensure the surroundings are safe

When retracting the trailer awning, make sure the surroundings are safe. First, check if there are any items or obstacles around the awning, such as camping tables and chairs, luggage or plants, etc. These items may collide with the awning during the closing, causing damage. Secondly, check if there are any pedestrians or pets around to avoid accidentally injuring people or objects. In addition, it is necessary to confirm that there are no external facilities of the RV or items such as doors beside the RV awning that may affect the retracting operation of the awning.

4.Check the RV awning fabric and rail 

Before closing it, it is also necessary to check whether the awning fabric is intact and undamaged, ensuring that it is not torn or stuck by foreign objects. Carefully inspect the sliding rail to ensure there is no dust or debris accumulated, which may affect the smooth opening and closing of the trailer awning. If the rail is jammed by foreign objects, it may cause the awning to get stuck or damaged. After cleaning thoroughly, make sure that the fabric and rail are in good working condition.

Through the above preparatory work, you can effectively avoid problems that may occur during the retracting process, ensuring its normal operation and extending its service life. Conducting these simple checks and preparations after each use will also help enhance the outdoor camping experience.

III.The correct way of retracting

When you are traveling by RV, promptly and correctly retracting the RV awning is very important. With Incorrect operations way may not only damage your RV awning but also increase some bad issue. The following are the proper steps for retracting the awning in bad weather conditions.

Electric rv awning: If you are using the electric one, we recommended you to retract it witha  steady speed when operating through remote control or button, avoiding abrupt stops or sudden acceleration. During the retraction process, continuously monitor the status of awning's operational, If any unusual noises or jamming occurs, immediately stop the operation and only would started again after work out the cause to prevent damage to the motor or mechanical components.

Manual RV awning: If your electric rv awning motor doesn't work or you are using the manual one, It is best performed by two person working together—one person operates the crank handle and  the other monitors the awning fabric's condition. wen the awning is retracting, please check the fabric if have any wrinkles or uneven areas,  if yes, do some adjustments promptly in case the fabric damage or tearing from pinching.

By following the above tips, you can not only quickly and safely retract the awning during a bad condition like strong winds or heavy rain, but also effectively extend the rv awning service life, ensuring every RV traveling is worry-free and secure.

 IV.Inspection and Maintenance After Severe Weather

After a storm, don't assume that everything is fine after you've folded up the awning. A thorough inspection can identify potential problems and prevent future losses.

1. Appearance and Structural Inspection

Tarp Inspection:

Fully Unfold: In clear weather, fully unfold the awning.

Careful Inspection: Inspect the front and back of the awning for tears, holes, fraying, or rips. Pay special attention to the edges and seams.

Check for Mold: If the awning is not fully dry before being folded up, it is prone to mold growth. Check for black or green mold spots.

Mechanical Inspection:

Brackets and Arms: Inspect all metal brackets and arms for bends, deformation, or cracks.

Connections: Check the connection between the awning and the vehicle body for tightness and loose screws.

Reel Mechanism: Inspect the reel for smooth rotation and any unusual noises or sticking during retraction or extension.

Functionality Test:

Full Operation: Slowly fold and unfold the awning 1-2 times, listening for the motor sound (electric models) or feeling the resistance of the crank handle (manual models) to ensure it operates normally.

Checking the Automatic Stop: For electric awnings, test whether the automatic stop function works properly when encountering resistance.

2. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the awning:

Use a soft brush and clean water to remove debris such as leaves, sand, and mud.

For stubborn stains, use a mild soapy solution or a dedicated awning cleaner and gently wipe with a soft cloth. Do not use strong acids, strong bases, or corrosive cleaners.

If mold or mildew is present, use a dedicated anti-mold cleaner for awnings.

Important: Dry thoroughly! After cleaning or after closing the awning in the rain, wait until the awning is completely dry before folding it again. If you are in a hurry, at least wipe off any excess moisture with a dry towel and spread it out to air immediately upon arrival at your next stop.

Lubricate Moving Parts: Spray moving parts, such as the rocker arm joints and the ends of the reel, with a silicone-based lubricant (be careful to avoid spraying it on the awning) to keep them smooth. Never use penetrating lubricants like WD-40 as long-term maintenance products; these are primarily used to remove rust.

3. Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Before each trip, perform a routine inspection of the awning's function and appearance.

Perform a thorough cleaning and maintenance regularly (e.g., quarterly).

If you notice minor damage, repair it immediately with a dedicated awning repair patch to prevent further damage.

For any serious structural damage or problems that cannot be fixed yourself, contact a professional RV service provider for repair.

V.Summary

Strong winds and heavy rain are always the biggest threats during the use of RV awnings. If not retracted in time, the sunshade fabric may be torn, and the support arms and motor are also prone to damage. Owners should not only retract the awning immediately before bad weather arrives but also develop the habit of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it is always in good condition. Correct usage and maintenance can not only effectively extend the lifespan of the RV awning but also avoid high repair costs due to neglect, making RV travel safer and more reassuring.