The awning: probably the most important accessories for the motorhome or Camper Van. We have summarised the most important information about awnings for you here.
Bodywork and dismantling of the awning
Ideally, two people should be involved in the bodywork of the awning. To begin, crank the awning out so far that you can remove the support feet from the front profile. Then slide the support legs apart until they touch the floor and lock the support legs. You can then extend the awning further using the crank. Do not forget to move the support legs forwards accordingly. Make sure to set one of the support feet lower to ensure possible water drainage. This prevents damage to the fabric due to large amounts of water accumulating. Then attach the clamping arm.
The dismantling process is the other way round. Release the tensioning arm and start retracting the awning. Then attach the support feet to the front profile and retract the awning completely.
If you use a product to tension the awning, attach it after the awning has been bodyworked and remove it before retracting the awning.
You will find further information on the correct assembly and disassembly of the awning in the operating instructions for your awning.
Using the awning in rain and wind
Basically, the awning on your motorhome serves as sun protection. However, it can also be used in light rain. It applies: Storms can cause damage to awnings and vehicles. To prevent this, we have summarised a few tips for you here:
- you should retract the awning in strong winds, snowfall, rain or hail.
- place one of the support feet lower than the other to allow water to run off the awning more easily and prevent damage to the awning fabric.
- lock the clamping arms and support legs properly.
- the installation of a tensioning set provides additional protection against damage to the awning.
Care and cleaning
We have summarised some cleaning recommendations for the awning for you here:
- If possible, you should not roll up the awning fabric when it is wet.
- You have no possibility to dry the awning before departure? Please extend the awning again as soon as possible and allow the awning fabric to dry completely to prevent mould from forming.
- Only clean the awning fabric with water or PVC cleaner.
- Treat the hinge connections between the jointed arms and the front profile regularly with silicone spray.
Tip
- Do not extend the awning directly under a tree to avoid possible resin stains on the awning fabric.
If in doubt, please consult the operating instructions for your awning.