RV Awning Operation Guide
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Knowing how to operate and maintain your awning is an important part of being an RV owner. Without proper usage and maintenance, you could end up with an expensive repair or complete replacement on your hands. Follow our awning operation guide detailed in this post for instructions on how to open your RV awning, close your awning and maintain it.
If you’d like to jump ahead to a particular section of this post, simply click the links below.
What are RV Awnings For?
The answer to this question may seem obvious, but it’s important to understand that RV awnings are only meant for shade. They are not rain stoppers or wind blockers. In fact, using them for anything other than shade can cause damage to the awning or your RV, which can lead to an expensive endeavor. So, before you extend your awning, keep in mind that it is meant for shade.
You can of course buy an aftermarket solution such as an Awnbrella™ if you want to keep your awning fabric in tip-top shape, even through the rain. However, we recommend that you always keep your awning safe from harsh wind by rolling it in at the first sign of a gusty, blustery day.
How to Open an RV Awning
Before you begin to extend your manual, hybrid or power camper awning, make sure you’re in a good spot that’s free from obstructions like trees and neighboring RVs. The last thing you want to do is pull up to a crowded campground and start causing damage. Give yourself a chance and leave plenty of room to unfurl your awning.
How to Open Manual or Hybrid RV Awnings
Most manual and hybrid awnings will open using the following general steps. However, these instructions may not be fully comprehensive for your RV. Always consult your owner’s manual before operating any equipment on your RV to ensure safety and avoid damage.
Step 1: Undo all travel locks.
Most common on manual awnings, travel locks keep your awning in place while you’re traveling down the road. Remove or unlatch these locks to start the process of extending your awning.
Step 2: Loosen the rafter knobs.
On the back of each rafter arm (or inner arm), loosen the knobs.
Step 3: Switch the locking lever to the “roll down” position.
Using the awning rod, flip the locking lever to the “roll down” position. This will allow you to unroll the awning fabric in the next step.
Step 4: Walk the awning out.
Use the awning rod to hook the strap loop on the pull strap in the center of the awning roll. Slowly walk backward while pulling the loop with the rod until the awning is extended.
Note: Hybrid awnings should automatically stay in place after this step, so you can skip Steps 5 and 6.
Step 5: Lock the rafter arms in place.
One each side, slide the rafter arm (or inner arm) to the top of the outer awning arm. You should hear it click into place. Gently press downward on the arms until the fabric is taut, then tighten the rafter knobs. After doing this, you’ll want to take the pull strap and wrap it around the outer awning arm to keep it out of your way while you camp.
Step 6: Extend the outer arms.
Lift the handles on each outer awning support arm and raise your awning to the desired height. If you’re opening the awning without a partner, it’s best to do this step in small increments, alternating sides of the awning until it is extended to the desired position.
Note: You can lift your awning to any customized height. For instance, if the sun is in your eyes when the awning is at its full extension, you can lower it to block the sun. Whenever your awning is not at full extension, just remember that the awning fabric must always clear the top of your entry door. If you don’t do this, you could end up with a hole in the top of your awning or signs of wear.
Step 7: Adjust the pitch.
Ideally, you want the awning to slightly slope down for water runoff in case it rains. For most manual RV awnings, this is achieved in Step 6 as you’re extending the outer arms. For hybrid awnings, simply pull down on a pitch arm once your awning is extended.
How to Open Power RV Awnings
Power awnings can work in a variety of ways, from a simple flip of a switch to setting up all the bells and whistles. The following steps are specifically for an awning equipped with the 12V Solera® Smart Arm™.
Step 1: Verify the power source.
Check that the unit’s battery is fully charged and connected to the electrical system.
Step 2: Turn on the awning controller.
To turn the awning controller on, press and hold the lock button for three seconds. The green LED light will illuminate when the awning is on.
Note: If the green LED is not lit, you have to unlock or turn the controller back on before any function of the awning will work.
Step 3: Extend the awning.
To extend the awning, press and hold the “extend” or right arrow button until the awning is extended completely. If you have the optional wind sensor installed, there’s an auto extend feature as well. To use the one-touch auto extend feature, press the “extend” or right arrow button twice within two seconds. The awning will then fully extend on its own.
Note: The awning fabric should always be above the roll tube when extended. Sometimes, the “extend” or right arrow button is engaged too long or is pressed inadvertently instead of the “retract” or left arrow button, which causes the awning to roll up backward. This is not a defect of the system. To control the fabric orientation, press the “retract” or left arrow button. The awning will then extend to its correct orientation and normal operation can resume.
Step 4: Adjust the pitch.
Your awning will pitch itself to purge the pooling of excess water, at times, dumping a significant amount of water without notice. You can adjust the pitch arm to tip to one side of the awning to allow for water runoff.
Once your awning is in the fully open position, decide which side of the awning is most convenient for water runoff. Pull down on the pitch arm until the desired pitch is set. The Belleville washers and bolt allow for the joint to remain in the position set by you.
Note: Do not push the joint of any pitch arm up passed the point where the two sections are in a straight line. This can cause the pitch arm to break as well as put tension on the gas strut eyelet, which can cause the strut to break.
Step 5: Turn on the awning lights.
If your awning has the optional LED light strip, press the light button on the Smart Arm touchpad. There are three light levels available. Press the light button one time for the low setting or 10% illumination, press it twice for the medium setting or 30% illumination and press it three times for the high setting or full illumination. To turn it off, press the light button four times.
Step 6: Activate the infrared sensor.
To operate or activate the optional infrared sensor, press and hold the light button until the red LED auto light comes on. Once lit, the infrared sensor is operational.
The infrared sensor will automatically turn on the LED lights to 100% illumination if a moving heat source is detected during low light conditions. The sensor range reaches out approximately eight feet in a 180-degree radius from where it’s mounted on the unit.
To deactivate the sensor, press and hold the light button for three to five seconds. The red LED light will turn off, making the sensor no longer operational.
Step 7: Set the wind sensitivity level on the wind sensor.
The optional wind sensor will automatically retract your awning if wind is detected based on the wind sensitivity level set by you. To set, first press and hold the lock button for three seconds to unlock the controller. The green LED will illuminate. Then, press the wind button from one to three times, depending on the amount of wind sensitivity desired. The amount of wind sensitivity will be displayed by the three LED lights next to the button. The levels of wind sensitivity range from one to three. Level one requires more wind to trigger the feature while level three requires less wind.
When the awning is activated by the wind sensor, the awning light will flash as a notification that the awning is preparing to close. Any time the awning is retracted for any reason, the desired level of wind sensitivity will need to be reset. The awning can also be extended without activating the wind sensor.
How to Close an RV Awning
When it’s time to pack up your campsite for your next adventure, you’ll need to close your camper awning. Follow the same steps you took to open your awning, except perform them in reverse order.
How to Close Manual or Hybrid RV Awnings
Most manual and hybrid awnings will close using the following general steps. However, these instructions may not be fully comprehensive for your RV. Always consult your owner’s manual before operating any equipment on your RV to ensure safety and avoid damage.
Step 1: Remove any debris.
During the stay at your campsite, the awning on your RV likely collected some items from nature that you don’t want to take home with you. Things like twigs and leaves should be removed from the top of your awning before you roll it up.
Step 2: Unwrap the pull strap.
If you wrapped up your pull strap to keep it out of your way while camping, you’ll have to unwrap it from the awning arm and bring it to the center of the awning.
Note: If you have a hybrid awning, you can now skip to Step 5.
Step 3: Lower the outer awning arms.
Lift the handles on each outer awning arm and lower your awning. If you’re closing your awning without a partner, it’s best to do this step in small increments, alternating sides until your awning is fully lowered.
Step 4: Lower the rafter arms.
On each side, loosen the rafter knobs and slide the rafter arms to the bottom of the outer awning arms.
Step 5: Switch the locking lever to the “roll up” position.
Switching the locking lever to the “roll up” position will allow you to roll the awning fabric in the next step.
Step 6: Roll in the awning.
Give the pull strap a slight tug, either with your hand or the awning rod, and slowly walk forward until the awning is retracted.
Step 7: Lock it up for safety.
At this point, your awning should be rolled up and sitting against the side of your RV, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to travel. Use the awning rod to switch the locking lever to the locked position, close any safety latches and tighten your rafter knobs. Now, you’re ready for the road!
How to Close Power RV Awnings
The following steps are specifically for an awning equipped with the 12V Solera® Smart Arm™.
Step 1: Verify the power source.
Check that the unit’s battery is fully charged and connected to the electrical system.
Step 2: Turn on the awning controller.
Ensure that the system is on by pressing and holding the lock button for three seconds, illuminating the green LED.
Step 3: Retract the awning.
Press and hold the “retract” or left arrow button until the awning is fully retracted.
Manual Override
In case you have issues connecting to power, you can use manual override on power awnings. Face the side of your coach where the awning is extended and find the motorized drive head, which should be on your right side. Next, remove the rubber grommet that you should be able to see from the exterior and use a power drill to rotate the now exposed bolt clockwise (retract) or counterclockwise (extend).
How to Maintain an RV Awning
- Adjust the pitch: Setting the pitch at an angle will allow for proper water runoff when it rains. Don’t skip this step! If you let water pool on top of your awning, your awning fabric will begin to stretch and sag.
- Allow entry door clearance: Always be mindful of the height at which you set your awning and make sure your entry door clears it, otherwise you’ll wear out the top of your awning and end up with holes in the fabric.
- Roll up your awning if it’s windy or raining: Always remember that RV awnings are made for shade! You could cause damage to your awning components if you keep it extended during heavy rain or wind.
- Don’t leave your awning unattended: Before leaving your campsite, it’s a good idea to roll up your awning. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and you don’t want your awning extended during a storm.
- Clear debris before rolling up your awning: Sticks, twigs and pinecones can all puncture your awning fabric if you roll it up without clearing it off. Always check for debris before rolling in your awning.
- Don’t roll up a wet awning: If you need to retract your awning while it’s still wet, extend it back out as conditions allow to let it dry. This will help prevent the formation of mildew and extend the life of your awning fabric.
- Clean your awning regularly: To keep your RV awning in tip-top shape, make sure you properly clean it on a regular basis. For cleaning tips, read our post “How to Clean Your RV Awning the Easy Way.”
Looking for RV Awning Replacement Parts and Fabric?
If you’re looking to upgrade your awning, we’ve got you covered! You can shop our large selection of RV awning replacement parts and awning replacement fabric to find the perfect upgrades for your RV aesthetic and style.
