12 RV Awning Maintenance Mistakes That Shorten Awning Lifespan

Admin
February 20th, 2026

Keeping your RV awning in great condition doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention. Good RV awning maintenance protects your investment and keeps your awning looking great for years. Unfortunately, many RV owners unknowingly make mistakes that accelerate wear, lead to expensive repairs, and shorten the lifespan of their awning.The good news is that most of these issues are avoidable with a little care and awareness. Below are the 12 most common RV awning maintenance mistakes and practical tips to help you extend the life of your awning.

1. Skipping Routine Cleaning

Awnings are exposed to dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and road grime every time you travel. Letting this debris build up over time traps moisture and leads to mold, mildew, and staining.Tip: Clean your awning regularly using a soft brush and a mild awning cleaner. Avoid household detergents, which can strip protective coatings.

2. Retracting the Awning When It Is Still Wet

One of the biggest RV awning maintenance mistakes owners make is rolling up the awning while it is still wet. Moisture trapped in the folds encourages mold and mildew growth, which can degrade fabric and create odors.Better approach: Let the awning dry completely before retracting it. Even morning dew can cause damage if it gets trapped inside.

3. Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Tools

Your RV awning is made to withstand the elements, but harsh cleaning products can do more harm than good. Bleach, heavy detergents, and stiff brushes can weaken fabric fibers and wear away protective coatings.Maintain correctly: Use manufacturer-approved cleaners or a gentle soap solution. A soft brush or sponge is all you need.

4. Leaving the Awning Extended Constantly

Awnings are designed to provide shade and comfort, but leaving them open when not in active use exposes them unnecessarily to UV rays, rain, and wind.Constant exposure to sunlight accelerates fading and weakens fabric fibers, while frequent wet/dry cycles promote material fatigue.Smart habit: Retract your awning if you won’t be using it for several hours or overnight.

5. Ignoring Hardware and Moving Parts

Awnings are more than just fabric. The arms, joints, springs, brackets, and rollers all play a role in keeping your awning working smoothly. These parts can accumulate dirt, rust, or stiffness.Maintenance tip: Inspect hardware periodically and apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving parts. This keeps the system operating smoothly and reduces unnecessary strain on fabric.

6. Leaving the Awning Extended in Windy Conditions

Wind is one of the biggest threats to RV awnings. Even moderate gusts can flap the awning violently, stressing seams and hardware. In stronger winds, fabric can tear or arms can bend.Avoid damage: Always retract your awning when wind picks up. There is no amount of maintenance that prevents wind damage once the awning is fully extended in gusty weather.

7. Overlooking Small Tears or Fraying

Small rips and loose stitching are warning signs that the fabric is beginning to weaken. If ignored, they can grow into large tears, requiring expensive repairs or full replacement.What to do: Address minor tears as soon as you notice them. Repair patches and seam treatments are inexpensive and quick fixes compared to replacing a full panel.

8. Misusing Electric Awning Mechanisms

Electric awnings are convenient, but improper use can shorten their lifespan. Forcing the system if the fabric catches, or running the motor repeatedly without addressing resistance, places stress on the motor and moving components.Best practice: If you notice uneven movement, odd noises, or resistance during extension or retraction, stop using the motor until the issue is resolved.

9. Neglecting Maintenance During Storage

Many RV owners believe that because their RV isn’t in use during storage, awning maintenance isn’t needed. This is a mistake. Dust, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures can all damage fabric and hardware over time.Before storing your RV:

Clean the awning thoroughly
Let it dry completely
Inspect for loose hardware or small damage

Proper pre-storage care prevents surprises when you hit the road again.

10. Using the Awning to Support Heavy Items

Holiday lights, plants, or hanging fans are popular additions under an awning, but too much weight can pull on seams and strain support arms.Keep weight minimal: Only use accessories designed for awning support and never attach heavy or unbalanced loads to the fabric or arms.

11. Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines

Every awning comes with care instructions and usage recommendations. Ignoring these details is a common RV awning maintenance mistake that leads to poor results and voided warranties.Pro tip: Keep the manufacturer’s manual and follow it. These guidelines include safe cleaning methods, recommended products, and weight or extension limits.

12. Delaying Replacement of Worn Components

Parts don’t always wear out at the same pace. Springs, motors, and brackets may weaken even if the fabric looks fine. Waiting too long to replace worn components often results in further damage.Smart move: Replace worn parts promptly. A simple part swap can prevent damage to larger sections of the awning and keep everything working smoothly.

Protecting Your Awning When Your RV Is Parked in Connecticut

In Connecticut, RV awnings are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. Strong summer sun, heavy spring rain, fall debris, and winter snow and ice all contribute to fabric wear and hardware stress. Staying aware of changing local weather patterns, such as those reported by NBC Connecticut Weather, can help RV owners plan awning use, cleaning, and storage more effectively.Storing your RV at a dedicated facility can help reduce constant exposure to these conditions when your RV is not in use. Choosing a secure location like Max Storage allows RV owners to limit sun damage, moisture buildup, and debris accumulation that often occur when RVs are parked at home or outdoors for extended periods.For RV owners in northern Connecticut and nearby communities, Max Storage in Windsor Locks, CT provides a convenient option for keeping RVs protected between trips or during seasonal downtime. Combining reliable local storage with consistent RV awning maintenance helps ensure your awning remains clean, functional, and ready for use throughout the year.