Adjusting a camper awning for rain is crucial to prevent water from pooling on the fabric, which can lead to stretching, damage, or even collapse of the awning structure. The primary method involves creating a sufficient slope or pitch that allows rainwater to run off effectively.
Why Adjust Your Awning for Rain?
Proper adjustment serves several important purposes:
- Prevent Water Pooling: Without a slope, water collects on the awning fabric, creating a heavy pool that strains the material and frame.
- Avoid Damage: Excessive weight from pooled water can bend or break the awning arms, rollers, or mounts, leading to costly repairs.
- Extend Awning Lifespan: By preventing water accumulation and subsequent stress, you significantly prolong the life of your awning fabric and components.
- Maintain Safety: A sudden collapse due to water weight can be dangerous to people or property underneath.
Step-by-Step Adjustment for Water Runoff
To effectively adjust your RV or camper awning for rain, follow these steps to create the necessary pitch:
- Identify the Downspout Side: Determine which side of your awning you want to lower. Often, RVers choose the side away from their main entrance or the side that directs water away from their patio area.
- Access Awning Arm Adjustment Mechanism: Most camper awnings, whether manual or electric, feature adjustable arms that allow you to change their height and angle. These arms typically have a locking pin or lever.
- Lower One Awning Arm:
- Locate the adjustment point on the awning arm you wish to lower.
- As demonstrated in guides and videos about pitching RV awnings, the process often involves manipulating a release mechanism. You might need to "push it in" to disengage a locking pin or lever.
- Once released, "slide it up" or down to position the arm at a lower height compared to the other side. This creates the essential slope.
- Lock the Arm: After achieving the desired height, ensure you securely lock the adjustment mechanism back into place to prevent the arm from slipping.
- Check the Slope: Visually inspect the awning to confirm a noticeable pitch. Water should flow freely off the lowered side.
- Adjust Tension (If Applicable): Some awnings allow for tension adjustment. Ensure the fabric remains taut to prevent pockets where water could still collect.
Important Considerations & Tips
- Awning Type:
- Manual Awnings: Typically have a clear adjustment mechanism on each arm (pins, knobs, levers).
- Electric Awnings: Many modern electric awnings have an automatic pitch adjustment or allow for manual override to lower one side. Consult your awning's manual for specific instructions.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Even with a proper slope, heavy, continuous rainfall or strong winds can still overwhelm an awning. It's always best practice to retract your awning during severe weather to prevent damage.
- Clear Debris: Regularly check the awning for leaves, twigs, or other debris that could block water flow and create pooling spots.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your awning arms and mechanisms clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation when making adjustments.
- Don't Over-Tighten: While you want the fabric taut, avoid over-tightening, as this can strain the material and frame.
Awning Rain Adjustment Checklist
For quick reference, here’s a summary of key actions for rain-ready awning adjustment:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Create Sufficient Slope | Ensures proper water runoff and prevents pooling. |
| Lower one side of the awning | Directs rainwater effectively away from the center. |
| Utilize arm adjustment mechanism | Securely changes the height of the awning arm (e.g., "push it in and slide it up"). |
| Lock arms securely | Prevents slippage and maintains the desired pitch. |
| Monitor weather and retract if necessary | Protects the awning from severe wind and heavy rain damage. |
| Periodically clear debris | Maintains unobstructed water flow paths. |
