When R.V. awnings are working properly, they are easily operated, but when they're not, what a hassle they can be.

Never wash your awning with a solution containing bleach. I know, it's covered with mold and stains, but bleach will cause failure of the canvas material and will rot any stitching. There are a number of awning cleaners available for around $6.00 each; any one will do a fine job without the possibility of damage or voiding your warrantee.

If your canvas has served you well but now shows signs of wear and tear, take heart. You do not need to replace your entire awning. Carefree of Colorado offers a replacement canvas any size up to 21 foot in length for around $200.00 in an array of colors. (The installation of an awning canvas can be dangerous due to the extreme spring tension needed to roll it up. Let a qualified R.V. dealer or repair facility handle this one.)

The biggest awning complaint is, "My awning doesn't roll up tightly to my camper and every time I roll it up things don't line up right." Most of the time, this problem is not caused by lack of spring tension but by a canvas that has become weathered or a slightly bent roller tube.

How did the roller tube get bent? Remember the beautiful sunny day you went off and left your awning level? Well, while you were away, that one cloud in the sky stopped right over your RV and dumped all the water it was holding right on your awning. The water pooled on your canvas, stretching it until the weight caused your roller tube to bend. Lesson learned? Always tilt your awning at least three to four holes lower in the height adjustment in the arm furthest away from your entrance door. This will allow door clearance, and still lets your awning drain off properly. Aluminum roller tubes that are bent slightly -- but not kinked or broken -- can be made relatively straight and do not require costly replacement.

Along with the proper set up of your awning, you should include some kind of awning de-flapper device (to stop that annoying wind noise) and a sufficient tie down system that will prevent your awning from relocating itself to the roof of your camper when that gentle summer breeze suddenly blows 40 miles per hour.

Alignment problems happen when tilting your awning properly for drainage causes the canvas to shift on the roller tube. Open the awning and hold the canvas and valance in your hands, placing the awning arm at the spring location against your chest, and pull the canvas in the direction needed for proper alignment of the awning arms when the awning is rolled up.

There are times when proper alignment can only be accomplished by slightly moving the top arm bracket (they are slotted to allow slight movement) or by removing the set screws in the awning rail and sliding the canvas to the proper location, than reinstalling the screws with the awning in the rolled up position.

There are plenty of options that can be added to your awning from sun shields and lights to complete screen rooms, center rafters to take the sag out and awning bows that enable you to leave that awning level (if you insist) without the possibility of rain damage. There are awnings that open and close with the touch of a button, ones that close by themselves when the wind reaches a preset speed, and ones you can leave level that will dump the water off for you.

If you are still convinced your awning needs more spring tension, please don’t attempt this yourself. I have witnessed two broken wrists from people trying to accomplish this task without the proper knowledge and tools required for the job.

Remember, camping is supposed to be fun and relaxing, don't let the little things ruin your good time. Get them fixed and enjoy yourself.