Setting Up An Awning

(with additional comments)

Courtesy of Roy Timberman and Roy's RVing In The USA

Opening the awning up is a simple process and instructions should come with a new awning of course. If you don't have those instructions... there are a few simple steps:

• Unloosen the hand tightened knobs which adjust the length of the awning stabilizer.
• Use the hooked awning tool to reach up and move the awning lock on the right side of the awning to the open position.
• Use that same awning tool to reach up and pull the unroll loop down. The awning should unfurl from the side of the vehicle evenly.
• Once in awhile it will stick on one side or the other and you'll need to work with it.
  The awning should be unrolled completely.
• The support arms that you loosened will now be free to slide the length of the main support and lock into the area at the end of the main supports. If those little gray locks are broken they are easily and inexpensively replaceable with a kit your RV dealer.
• Pull down on the awning to 'stretch' it tight and then tighten the hand screw knobs that you had loosened earlier. This should put the awning out tightly.
• The final step is to unlock the handles long enough to raise the awning main support arms. If you lower one end of the awning you will then have the moisture able to drain off and keep the awning dry.

Many RVs have an awning on the side of the vehicle. The awning can be a wonderful thing to keep the sun or rain off of you. It can be a nightmare if it is not put up correctly or it is not taken down when the weather gets on a rampage.
One of the most popular awnings out there is the A&E Awning. We have an A&E 8500 and it is about 18' long. When you get this much canvas out there on the side of your camper you need to properly care for it. There are usually two supports, one on each end. These supports have a lock which holds the adjustable awning stabilizer brace inside the main awning support when you are traveling. Don't ignore these! These locks are integral with the awning storing system and hold the unit close to the side of the vehicle while traveling. I have had some problems with them jarring loose in a high wind bouncing open. What I've done is to put a small 'ball bungee' cord around each lock assuring that they will not come loose. Click here for photo.

Here's what you can do additionally...

The awning main support arms will detach from the side of the unit. You then place them as straight up supports. This will keep you from bumping your head on them when they are still attached but will also require a little work.
Do one arm at a time and attach the support arm to the ground with something such as a stake or an awning arm anchor below.
(Be sure that you have each support arm under control at all times either by being attached to the vehicle, staked down or having someone firmly holding the support arm.)
The awning support arm can also be tied down with one of a variety of stake/spring/rope combinations to fight the wind.