How to adjust electric RV awning

How to adjust electric RV awning. It’s common to find RV’s equipped with awnings nowadays. Awnings offer shade on a sunny day, shelter from the rain in bad weather and extended living space. They are a savvy space-saving addition to any campervan. Made from fabrics ranging from plastic to canvas, they are contained in a protective casing. There are manual awnings on the market; you have to wind them out and set them up physically. In recent times electric awnings have been introduced to the market, and they are prevalent. As simple as pressing a button, they will automatically unfold themselves and extend fully. Like all technology, it’s great when it works. But what if it doesn’t work and you encounter problems? This article will help you fix any issues that may arise when the electric awning doesn’t work effectively.

Check the electric

The first thing to check in regards to the electric awning is the power supply. A lacklustre electrical system could fail even to start the awning. Furthermore, an inadequate current could result in the awning not fully extending or getting stuck. Therefore it is worth checking all the connections initially to check the awning is wired up. Secondly, check the charge of the battery powering the awning. If a battery has been left for months over the offseason, it will have discharged and may need recharging. Finally, check the motor. You must remove the casing to access the motor. You are looking for any damage or wear. If all electrical connections are good and there is power, you must extend the awning. If the motor struggles, it may need some lubrication or a service. With a fully working awning, it can be adjusted.

Check the material

Once you have a working electrical system, it’s time to check the material. Initial checks should be done to check for any damage. Damage such as tears or cuts in the fabric can ruin the integrity of the awning. If the awning is the fabric, it could have accumulated mould if it was stored before fully trying. Mould can sometimes be washed off. Any damage that is beyond repair needs replacing. Replacing an awning is a different procedure for each model; however, the below video shows how it can be done.

Tension the awning

After all, inspections are done and the awning is in good working order, you can go about adjusting the awning. The goal of od adjusting is to iron out any visible problems. The most common problem you are likely to encounter is a saggy awning. This is where the material has lost its tension. It’s likely to flap around in the wind and not be as effective. The use of fabric tensioners can bring the tension back into the awning, making it function as it should. Fabric tensioners are a relatively cheap solution to this problem. Alternatively, you can physically pull the tension out. Either get on ladders and pull the fabric to each corner. An easier option to this is to take the awning off the campervan so you can properly access it.

When you remove the awning from the campervan, this is a great opportunity to maintain and clean the fabric. Plastic material awnings can be cleaned with soapy water. If it is the fabric, you can steam clean the canvas and even iron it if it is creased. Kinks and creases in the material can reduce the awnings capability to extend. The awning you purchase will have maintenance instructions, so it is good practice to follow. qIt’s like any product; the better you maintain it, the better it will work.