Directions for RV Awnings

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RV awnings offer protection from the sun and other elements and provide temporary storage space for bikes during a camping trip. When you don’t want to eat inside your RV on a warm spring day, the space under an awning makes an ideal location to set up tables and enjoy lunch outside. If the awning fabric on your RV rips or shows signs of wear and tear, you’ll need to replace it. Knowing the directions needed to install, roll out and retract your RV awning will make life on the road and at your camp site easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Directions for Installation

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver
Cotter pin

Step 1

Undo the travel locks, which you can find on the awning arms. Flip the cam lock into the roll-out position and unwind one foot of awning.

Step 2

Remove the two lag bolts on the rafters at the top of the trailer by hand. The bolts are used to hold the rafters in place.

Step 3

Remove the two side screws that secure the awning fabric on the awning rail using a screwdriver.

Step 4

Grip the awning arms and slide the assembly off. Slide the awning tube and the awning arms to the side.

Step 5

Slide the new awning on the tube and center it using the resting marks as your guide. Insert the cord tails into the tube by hand.

Step 6

Roll up the awning and lock the travel locks, which will prevent the awning from coming undone.

Directions for Rolling Out Your Awning

Step 1

Disengage the travel locks, which are located on both awning arms. You must disengage the travel locks in order to roll out your awning.

Step 2

Switch the ratchet mechanism to the “Out” or roll-out position using the awning rod.

Step 3

Access the pull strap by hooking it with the awning rod. Roll out the awning.

Step 4

Slide the rafters up so you can roll out the awning. Tighten the rafter knobs on both rafters by hand.

Step 5

Push the awning up so the arms extend out. Choose the height you need for full coverage.

Directions for Retracting Your Awning

Step 1

Grip the pull-down strap and use it to slide down the awning arms.

Step 2

Loosen the rafter knobs by hand. Locate the rafter knobs on the back of the awning arms. Undo the rafter catches.

Step 3

Slide the rafters down. Hold the awning rod and strap as you slide the rafters down to the rest position. As long as you hold the awning tightly, you won’t have any problems loosening and lowering the rafters.

Step 4

Flip the ratchet mechanism into the “In” position, which will allow the awning to roll up.

Step 5

Flip the ratchet mechanism to the “In” position, which will allow the awning to roll up. Wind the awning up and lock the handle releases. Push down the travel locks to secure them.

Tips & Warnings

Have an assistant help you grip the awning arms, which can be hard to manage alone.

Resources

RV Travel: RV Awning Care Tips

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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