Don’t Let Durham County’s Winds Damage Your RV Investment: Essential Awning Care Tips

Durham County’s variable weather conditions, including northeast winds 5 to 10 mph and occasional stronger gusts, make proper RV awning maintenance crucial for protecting your investment. Maintaining your RV’s awning is crucial for ensuring comfort and protection against the elements during your travels. Understanding how to properly care for and repair your awning in North Carolina’s changing weather conditions can save you thousands in replacement costs.

Understanding Wind Damage to RV Awnings

RV awnings provide shade but cannot withstand strong winds. Always retract the covering during windy conditions to prevent damage. Even in Durham County’s typically moderate wind conditions, wind will put excess pressure on extended awning fabric that is already stretched (stressed). We’ve seen even small wind gusts rip an awning apart. One minute you’re laying in bed on what you thought was a warm spring night—the next you’re hearing rain pouring down, your awning whipping in the wind, or worse, a loud bang from a gust of wind that tore your awning off its track.

To be safe, retract your RV awning whenever the wind begins to bounce or shake it. Luckily, RV manufacturers have innovated to create “smart” awnings that retract when wind speeds over a set limit are detected. For those without automatic systems, vigilance is key, especially during Durham County’s changing weather patterns.

Essential Maintenance Practices

Regular maintenance is your first line of defense against costly repairs. In order to stay ahead of any potential issues, you should thoroughly inspect your awning at least twice per year. Follow this basic guide: Open your awning slowly and pay attention to how it feels. If there is resistance or loud noises, it may need to be inspected by a mechanic.

When cleaning your RV awning, a gentle approach is best. Use a mild soap or specialized awning cleaner and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes that may damage the material. Regular cleaning removes dirt and grime, preventing buildup that could cause staining and extending the lifespan of your awning.

Proper lubrication is also critical. Lubricate the moving parts of your awning to ensure smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant on the joints and arms. This simple step can prevent mechanical failures that often require professional intervention.

Weather-Specific Precautions for Durham County

Durham County’s climate presents unique challenges for RV owners. Water weighs a lot, and too much collecting on your awning can put unnecessary strain on it. Your awning tube can bend under the weight of all of that water, or even worse: the whole awning can break off. When rain is forecast, position one side of the awning lower than the other to allow the rain to run off instead of pooling in the center. Heavy, pooled water can cause your awning to wear quicker than usual.

For added protection during windy conditions, consider investing in stabilization equipment. Invest in tie-downs or canopy stabilizers for security during gusty weather. A stabilizer kit can also be very handy on windy days. These kits come with spiral stakes and pull tension straps so you can anchor your awning to the ground.

Common Repair Issues and Solutions

Small tears are inevitable but manageable. Small tears can be repaired with awning repair tape or a fabric patch kit. For larger holes, consider replacing the fabric. Your awning fabric repair kit comes with Vibratite, an adhesive that’s perfect for sealing pinholes. If the hole is up to 1/8″ in diameter, just add two or three drops of Vibratite directly into the hole. This will create a waterproof seal and keep your RV patio area nice and dry.

For larger repairs, if you encounter holes larger than 1/8″ in diameter, it’s time to call in the pros. Contact an approved contractor, like Fibernew, who can handle bigger repairs on vinyl fabric. They’ve got the expertise to ensure your RV awning is as good as new.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many maintenance tasks can be handled by RV owners, some situations require professional expertise. The overall cost of awning replacement depends on the model type and whether you will be conducting the replacement yourself. According to Camper Smarts, costs range anywhere from $200 and $4,000. Smaller repairs will be less expensive, but total replacement with parts and labor costs will be pricey. This is why it is important to follow proper RV awning maintenance and care procedures.

For Durham County RV owners seeking professional service, Stream RV offers expert RV repair services & quality reconditioned pre-owned RVs. Located in nearby Creedmoor, Stream RV makes buying an RV simple and stress-free with expert guidance and personalized service. They also provide professional service and repairs, from routine maintenance to custom upgrades, ensuring your RV is road-ready. Trusted, integrity, and respect are the bedrock of our company, and we’re proud to say that these values are translated into the services we provide our customers.

When searching for reliable rv services in durham county, NC, it’s essential to choose a provider that understands the unique challenges posed by North Carolina’s weather conditions and can offer both preventive maintenance and emergency repairs.

Protecting Your Investment

Although the awning’s main purpose is to provide shade from the sun, constant UV rays can, unfortunately, damage your awning over time. When you are not using your awning for shade or heat prevention, roll it up and stow it away to minimize damage from the sun’s strength. This is especially pertinent if you are a full-time RVer who utilizes their awning often or if you take lots of trips during the summer.

Remember, never leave the awning extended when you leave even for a short period, or at night. This simple rule can prevent the majority of weather-related damage and extend your awning’s lifespan significantly.

By following these maintenance guidelines and understanding Durham County’s weather patterns, you can protect your RV awning investment and enjoy years of comfortable outdoor living. Regular care, prompt repairs, and professional service when needed will keep your awning functioning properly through all of North Carolina’s seasonal changes.