An awning seems so simple, especially on newer RVs where it opens at the touch of a button. There are a few basic tips to keep your awning in top shape and looking great. There are armless awnings, manual awnings, and many other styles but virtually all the mainstream RVs come with the power awning with the arms on the side of the coach.
Top Reasons To Repair or Replace RV Awning Fabric
Rips or Tears Of Awning
Nature isn’t always kind, and often this leads to rips and tears in our RV awning fabric. These must be repaired because they will continue to grow over time, rendering the awning useless. Failure to replace awning fabric on time may result in a bad trip or canceled camping on your trip.
Mold and Mildew Of Awning
The awning when used is exposed to moisture and is often rolled up before that moisture has a chance to dry, mold and mildew are not uncommon. Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to get rid of these problems, and in some cases, replacing RV awning fabric is the only alternative.
Aesthetic Reasons
Awnings are out for the world to see on a pretty regular basis. Therefore, those campers with faded or stained awnings may feel the need to do an RV awning fabric replacement. This definitely gives the rig a fresh new look.
Types of RV Awning Replacement Fabric
RV awnings can be made from several different types of materials and fabrics. Knowing which fabric is best for you is a matter of knowing their benefits as well as their shortcomings. While different fabrics have different strengths, the awning replacement fabric you choose can have a direct impact on things such as the lifespan of your awning, its durability, and even how easily you can clean it down the road. If you’re struggling to identify which awning replacement fabric is best, here are a few tips about the different types of fabric and what you should be aware of when considering them as an option.
Vinyl And Polyester Composite RV Awning Fabric
This option is one of the most common choices for RV owners due to its durability. Vinyl and polyester composite fabrics are able to withstand the toughest of elements since they are waterproof and largely fire retardant. Vinyl and polyester composite fabrics offer both versatility and flexibility as the material is lightweight and very flexible.
Acrylic RV Awning Fabric
Just like vinyl, acrylic awnings are a great choice for RV owners. More durable than traditional cotton blend awning fabric, acrylic offers water resistance and pleasing aesthetics. Resistant to mildew, these awnings are a great option for those who spend a lot of time in humid or moist environments.
Vinyl Coated RV Awning Fabric
Some awning replacement fabrics are coated in vinyl. This gives you the weather resistance and durability of vinyl, as well as the design and aesthetic of whichever fabric you choose. While these awnings tend to be a little heavier than other options, they are resistant to mildew and are a great option.
When choosing a vinyl-coated awning replacement fabric, be cautious to choose one of quality. Cheap awnings made from this material tend to fall apart quickly as holes develop in the vinyl coating. Over time they might start to look less like an awning and more like a cheap restaurant menu.
Metal RV Awning Fabric
Metal awnings aren’t the most popular option, but they have several unique advantages. One of the most durable options on the market, metal awnings allows for peace of mind knowing that you can withstand the toughest of storms.
While metal awnings are durable, there are several disadvantages as well. Metal awnings require much more maintenance than their competitors as they are less versatile and more easily damaged. If you choose a metal awning, you’ll likely have to spend time protecting it from rust and making minor repairs.
Natural Materials RV Awning Fabric
One of the most beautiful options is an awning made from natural materials such as wood or canvas. These options tend to be cheaper, and therefore fall apart more quickly. That being said, the natural look of wood or canvas is sure to catch the eye of others as you drive by.
Regardless of which awning replacement fabric you choose, make sure that it suits your needs and that you consult an expert about what might work best for you. Every awning has its pros and cons, and being aware of these is essential to helping your awning last longer.
Top Things To Consider When Replacing Your RV Awning Fabric
Accurate Measurement Of Your RV
It may seem like it’s difficult to measure and buy the right size of RV awning replacement fabric but it’s really pretty easy. Just measure from arm to arm on your awning to get an idea of the large measurement, then measure from end cap to end cap on the roll tube.
Read what the final length of the awning material is and if it is shorter than the measurement between the end caps you are good to go. For more detailed instructions on how to measure for replacement awning fabric check out this article.
RV Awning Replacement Fabric Material Of Your Choice
All RV awning fabrics are made with some kind of vinyl because it is durable, UV resistant, water-resistant, and can stand being rolled in and out over and over again. But, not all vinyl is made equal. The more layers of vinyl the fabric has and the heavier it is the better quality it will be.
For instance, the basic RV awning fabrics will just be made with a single layer of vinyl. And the premium ones will have 3 or even 4 layers.
If you only camp a few times a year and rarely use your RV awning a basic option will most likely be enough but if you use your awning all the time and camp a lot I recommend getting a thicker premium RV awning fabric.
Manual or Electric Camper Awning
Though they are very different to set up and take down, manual and electric awnings are very similar in build. The same awning fabric will work for either of them, the only difference is the strap that manual RV awnings have to open and close them. The manual RV awning fabric kits will usually come with a replacement strap and you can still use them on electric RV awnings.
Replacement RV Awning Fabric Color
There is a wide selection of colors you can buy for your RV, travel trailer, or camper but remember that lighter colors will reflect the sun and darker colors will soak in the sun.
You can feel the difference between a white or light-colored awning when you stand under it compared to a black one. If you camp where it’s sunny and hot you may want to go with a lighter colored awning fabric over a dark one.