| Awning damage is one of the most frequent | | | | out, then slide the tension arms all the way up the |
| claims that RVers make on their insurance. In the | | | | main arm until they click into position. Pull down |
| rush to buy/sell an RV, one component that is | | | | slightly on the awning tube until the fabric is taught |
| frequently overlooked is the awning. Learning to | | | | then tighten the knobs on the tension arms. Grab |
| properly set up and use your RV awning could | | | | the lift handle on the main awning arm and lift |
| save you the expense and hassle caused by a | | | | while disengaging the catch pin until the awning is |
| damaged awning. | | | | at its full height. When releasing the lift handle |
| Most awning manufacturers have a disclaimer that | | | | make sure that the catch pin engages in one of |
| declares that their awning is intended to block the | | | | the adjustment holes. |
| sun and not wind and rain. When you are not | | | | To prevent water collecting on the awning make |
| going to be using your RV for a considerable | | | | sure to have a pitch of several inches from the |
| period of time it may indeed be a good idea to | | | | trailer to the awning roller. Lower one corner |
| roll it up. However, with proper setup, most | | | | several inches to allow water to run off that side. |
| RVers can safely leave their awnings deployed | | | | There should not be any sag where water can |
| through torrential rain and at least moderate wind. | | | | collect. |
| To set up your awning first disengage the travel | | | | In windy conditions consider an awning tie down |
| locks. Some awnings will require you to lift the | | | | kit. Be wary of locations like the edge of a field. |
| arms slightly as the top of the arm hooks over a | | | | the top of a hill or alongside a body of water. |
| catch. Grab your awning pull rod and flip the lever | | | | These locations are particularly susceptible to |
| on the end of the awning tube to the down/open | | | | strong wind gusts. Take your awning down |
| position. Now use the pull rod to grab the loop in | | | | anytime that wind gusts are expected to exceed |
| the pull down strap. Pull the awning all the way | | | | 20 mph. |