Leaving the Awning Out
Answers: Why do RV awnings tear or get moldy? · Updated
Almost every ruined awning we see was either left out in wind or rolled up wet.
Quick answer
Roll the awning in whenever you leave or when wind is forecast, dry it fully before retracting, set a slope so rain sheds, and inspect arms and mounting rail sealant a couple of times a year.
What people commonly do
Treating the awning like a permanent patio roof.
Why it can be a problem
Fabric mildews within days when rolled wet, and a gust front can bend the arms and tear the mounting rail out of the sidewall — turning a fabric problem into a body repair and a leak.
What to do instead
- Retract before leaving the park and before bed during storm season.
- Extend again to dry the fabric fully after rain.
- Angle one end down so water never pools.
- Clean with a fabric-appropriate cleaner a few times a year.
- Check arms, springs, and rail sealant during your walkaround.
Pooled water is the quiet killer
A few gallons of standing water weighs enough to bend an arm or pull the rail. If you see a belly forming, drop one end immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Do awning tie-downs make it storm safe?
No. They help in light wind and can transfer damaging load into the sidewall in strong wind.
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Living here: monthly RV living · rates · full-hookup sites · RV park near Temple, TX