RV Maintenance

RV Awning Maintenance and When to Roll It In

Answers: How do I take care of an RV awning that stays out all season? · Updated August 2026

Awnings are the single most common storm casualty in an RV park, and nearly every loss is preventable. They are also the easiest thing to ruin by rolling up wet.

Quick answer

Clean the fabric a few times a year, never roll it up wet, keep a slight slope so water sheds, inspect the arms and hardware, and roll it in whenever you leave or when wind is forecast.

Care basics

Wash with a mild cleaner approved for your fabric; rinse fully.
Dry completely before retracting to prevent mildew.
Set one end slightly lower so rain sheds instead of pooling.
Inspect arms, springs, and mounting rail sealant.
Check the fabric edge where it enters the roller for fraying.

Wind is the real threat

Central Texas produces sudden gust fronts ahead of thunderstorms. An awning left out during one can tear the fabric, bend the arms, and take a strip of sidewall with it. If you leave the park or go to bed with storms in the forecast, roll it in.

Add-ons and limits

De-flappers and tie-downs help in light wind, but they can also transfer load into the mounting rail. Follow the awning maker's guidance; no accessory makes an awning storm-rated.

Frequently asked questions

At what wind speed should I retract my awning?

Follow your awning manufacturer's limit. Many are conservative, and Central Texas gusts often exceed them without warning.

Can I leave the awning out while I'm at work?

We do not recommend it. Storms build fast here, and an unattended awning is the most common damage claim we see.

Follow your manufacturer first. This guide is general information from a long-term RV park, not a substitute for the instructions that came with your RV, appliances, roof material, tires, or propane system. Those documents take priority. Use a qualified RV technician or licensed trade for propane, 120-volt electrical, refrigerant, structural, and suspension work.

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