How to pitch a RV awning?

Pitching an RV awning involves extending it from its housing, setting its support arms to the correct height and angle for stability and water run-off, and securing it properly.

How to Pitch an RV Awning?

Pitching an RV awning is a straightforward process designed to provide shade and protection from the elements, enhancing your outdoor living space. It primarily involves extending the awning fabric, adjusting its support arms, and securing it against wind.

Essential Steps to Pitch Your RV Awning

Setting up your RV awning correctly ensures its longevity and your comfort. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Clear the Area and Prepare

Before extending your awning, ensure the area beneath and around your RV is clear of obstacles like tree branches, power lines, or other RVs.

• Check for obstructions: Look up and around for anything that could interfere with the awning's extension.
• Ensure level ground: While not strictly necessary for pitching, a level RV provides a stable base for the awning.

2. Extend the Awning

Most RV awnings operate either manually or electrically.

• Manual Awnings: Use an awning rod or crank handle to unlock and extend the awning fabric from its roller tube. Slowly unroll it until it's fully extended or at your desired length.
• Electric Awnings: Simply press and hold the "extend" button on your RV's control panel. The awning will roll out automatically. Stop when it's fully extended or positioned as desired.

3. Lower and Adjust Support Arms

Once the fabric is extended, the next crucial step is to set the support arms. These arms typically telescope or pivot into place.

• Engage Support Arms: Carefully lower the support arms from the main RV frame or roller tube. They might click into place or need to be pulled down manually.
• Adjust Height and Position: This is where you fine-tune the awning's pitch. As demonstrated in the reference, for many RV awnings, you will need to adjust the telescopic portion of the arm. The process involves actions such as "push[ing] it in. And slide[ing] it up. And that side's done and we'll go to the other. Side." This typically refers to pressing a release button or lever to unlock the arm, then sliding it to the desired height (up or down) and locking it securely. Repeat this process for both support arms.
• Set the Pitch: For optimal water run-off during rain, it's recommended to have one side of the awning slightly lower than the other. This prevents water from pooling on the fabric, which can cause damage. Adjust one support arm lower than the other to create a gentle slope.

4. Secure the Awning

Securing your awning is vital, especially in windy conditions, to prevent damage to the awning or your RV.

• Anchor Legs to Ground: Many RV awnings have legs that can be extended down to the ground. Secure these legs with stakes or anchors to prevent them from lifting in the wind.
• Use Tie-Downs: For added security, attach awning tie-down straps from the roller tube or support arms directly to ground anchors. This creates tension and significantly reduces the risk of wind damage.
• Awning De-flappers: These optional accessories clamp onto the awning fabric to prevent it from flapping noisily in the wind.

5. Final Checks

Before relaxing under your new shade, do a quick check:

• Ensure all locks on the support arms are engaged.
• Verify that tie-downs and stakes are secure.
• Confirm the awning has a slight pitch for drainage.

Practical Tips for RV Awning Care

By following these steps, you can effectively pitch and enjoy your RV awning, making your outdoor camping experience more comfortable and protected.