How to Use a Camper Awning?

Using a camper awning involves understanding its type – manual or electric – and following specific steps for extension, retraction, and proper care to ensure its longevity and your comfort.

Camper awnings provide essential shade and shelter, extending your living space outdoors. While their basic function is simple, proper operation depends on whether your RV is equipped with a manual or electric (also known as automatic) awning. Each type has its own method of deployment and retraction, with key differences in effort and convenience.

Understanding Camper Awnings: Manual vs. Electric

Before operating your awning, identify its type:

• Manual Awnings: These typically require physical effort, using a crank handle or a pull strap to extend and retract the fabric.
• Electric/Automatic Awnings: These are motor-driven and operate with the push of a button, usually located inside the RV or on a remote control.

Operating a Manual Camper Awning

Manual awnings, while reliable, unfortunately require a little more work compared to their electric counterparts. It is a lot easier if you have two people to assist with deployment and retraction, especially for larger awnings, to manage the fabric and support arms.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Unlock the Awning: Locate the travel latches or lock mechanisms on the awning arms (usually at the base near the RV wall). Release them to allow the awning to move.
2. Locate the Pull Strap/Crank:
   • For strap-style awnings: Use the pull strap, often located at the center of the awning's leading edge. Pull downwards and outwards to begin unfurling the fabric.
   • For crank-style awnings: Insert the crank handle into the designated receiver, usually on the side of the awning roller or arm. Turn the crank to extend the awning.
3. Extend the Awning:
   • Continue pulling the strap or cranking until the awning is fully extended or reaches your desired length. Be mindful not to over-extend.
   • As the awning extends, the support arms will unfold.
4. Position the Support Arms: Once extended, swing the support arms outwards and secure them. Depending on your awning model, they may latch directly onto the side of the RV or extend downwards to be secured to the ground with stakes. Adjust the height as needed for proper pitch to allow water run-off.
5. Lock in Place: Ensure all locking mechanisms on the support arms are engaged to prevent the awning from collapsing or retracting unexpectedly.

To retract a manual awning: Reverse these steps. Release the arm locks, guide the arms back towards the RV, unhook them if they were staked, and then use the strap to guide the fabric back onto the roller or crank it in, ensuring it rolls up straight and taut. Secure the travel latches once fully retracted.

Operating an Electric Camper Awning

Electric awnings offer convenience and speed, allowing you to deploy or retract them with minimal effort.

Here's how to use one:

1. Ensure Power: Make sure your RV's battery is charged or you are connected to shore power, as the awning motor requires electricity.
2. Locate the Control Button: The control button is typically found on an interior control panel, often near the RV's entry door, or on a remote control. It usually has "Extend" and "Retract" (or "Out" and "In") labels.
3. Extend the Awning: Press and hold the "Extend" or "Out" button. The awning will smoothly roll out until fully extended. Release the button when it reaches the desired position or full extension.
4. Position Support Arms (if applicable): Some electric awnings have integrated support arms that automatically deploy. Others may require you to manually extend and lock them, similar to a manual awning, for added stability in breezy conditions.
5. Retract the Awning: Press and hold the "Retract" or "In" button. The awning will roll back into its housing. Release the button once it's fully retracted against the RV.

Essential Tips for Awning Use

Regardless of your awning type, proper use and maintenance are key to its longevity:

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Always retract your awning during high winds, heavy rain, or hail. Strong gusts can severely damage or rip the awning fabric and arms. Even light rain can pool on the fabric, causing it to sag or tear if not properly pitched for run-off.
• Ensure Proper Pitch: When extending, adjust the pitch (angle) of your awning so that one side is slightly lower than the other. This allows rainwater to run off, preventing pooling and potential damage.
• Secure Your Awning:
  • Use awning tie-downs or straps to secure the awning arms to the ground, providing extra stability in light breezes.
  • Consider de-flappers to minimize fabric flapping in the wind, reducing wear and tear.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your awning periodically with a mild soap and water solution to prevent mildew growth and maintain its appearance. Ensure it's completely dry before retracting for storage to prevent mildew.
• Avoid Over-Extension: Do not force the awning past its natural stopping point during extension or retraction, as this can damage the motor (for electric) or the roller assembly (for both).
• Retract Before Travel: Always ensure your awning is fully retracted and secured with travel latches before moving your RV.

Awning Usage Checklist

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use your camper awning to enhance your outdoor camping experience while protecting your investment.