RV Awnings

By Nicole McTavish, photos courtesy Carefree of Colorado Outdoors

Maintain & enhance your outdoor living space

Most RV’s come with awnings as they are a great way to expand your living space while mingling with Mother Nature, and your neighbours. Here are some tips to maintaining your awning, and if you’re ready to improve it, some very ‘cool’ options.

The mechanicals of your awning do need lubrication like virtually any moving parts, especially those exposed to the elements. A silicone spray is what you need, not oil. The fabric requires occasional TLC as well. A good awning cleaner will make your fabric shine and protect it from the elements. The cleaner we recommend is the Magic Boss Citrus Awning Cleaner. Made of all natural ingredients, this product is safe for all vinyl, fabric, canvas, acrylic materials, and it is safe for the environment. With a mildew-cide ingredient to treat mould growth and prevent it from coming back. Also worth noting, it will not affect the waterproof treatment on your awning.

Enhancing and personalizing your outdoor space is easy with RV mats and lights. RV mats are rugged enough for outdoor use and allow you to slip outside without putting on your shoes. Lights come in a plethora of styles and colours so set up your awning up to create a ‘patio’ you can use day or night.

How about some protection from those rays of sunshine, when the awning just isn’t enough? That’s where the SunBlocker from Carefree of Colorado comes into play. Made of the same material as your screen door at home, it will provide you with a cool place to relax and enjoy your trip in the great outdoors while letting the breeze flow through. It comes in four different colours: black, navy, sierra brown, and bordeaux . It is also available in three lengths: 10ft, 15ft and 17ft. There is also the SideBlocker, which is a one size fits all and comes in the same four awesome colours.

Need some extra room for guests, or just another room to relax in? Then the Add-A-Room is what you need. There are ones available for either power or manual awnings, and they both function great. Made of a lightweight vinyl fabric, these rooms will help to keep your awning space cool and give you some added space. It’s like having a sunroom for your RV, and when you want more light there are roll up panels with screen windows to let in the light and the breeze. These are perfect for creating a restful and relaxing environment while in the great outdoors.