RV awnings are an essential part of the outdoor hospitality experience, providing shade and protection from the elements. However, over time, you may notice that your awning doesn’t align perfectly with the frame mounted to the RV.
This is a common issue that can be fixed in just about 10 minutes with a screwdriver, saving you a trip to the dealer or the cost of a new awning.
The misalignment of the awning arm happens due to the stretching and expanding of the awning over time. Factors like wind, rain, UV rays, and the natural aging process contribute to this stretching. As the awning stretches, it doesn’t roll up perfectly when you extend and retract it. This issue is common across various styles of awnings on the road today.
To fix this issue, first, recognize which way your awning arm needs to move to get back into alignment. For instance, if the arm is too far to the left, it needs to move a bit to the right. Once you’ve determined the direction, extend your awning completely.
Next, get your ladder out or go up on the roof and look at where the awning connects to the RV. You should see a screw in the gutter or drip rail that holds the awning in place. Remove that screw and push or pull your awning in the direction it needs to move.
If your awning arm was too far to the front, you would need to move it to the back, which would mean pulling your fabric back.
For now, move the awning about a quarter to a half inch. Don’t put the screw back in yet. Instead, retract your awning and check your alignment. If your awning is not aligned after your first adjustment, extend your awning again and continue to make adjustments until it is centered. Once everything is centered, you can put the screw back in.
Finally, check the other side to make sure that arm is still in alignment too. This simple DIY fix can save you time and money, and ensure your awning is functioning correctly for your outdoor adventures.
This guide provides a quick and easy solution to a common RV awning alignment issue. By taking a few minutes to make these adjustments, you can enhance your outdoor hospitality experience and ensure your awning is in top shape for your camping trips.
