Awnings serve a variety of purposes and are a perfect addition to any RV. Getting one is ideal for those living full-time or part-time in recreational vehicles. Awnings for doors and windows provide shade and rain cover, while awnings for RV slide-toppers shield the roof from debris. Awnings for RV patios increase the amount of living space available. In any RV it provides additional space and extra protection.
How to keep RV awning from flapping? Keep your RV awning steady and firmly secure with the use of an anti-flapping kit, de-flapper, stabilizing kit, bungee cord which is a DIY Anti-flapper, awning repair tape, tensioner, and clips.
Owning an RV is such a nice feeling, especially for people who are always on the go. However, one limitation of living full time or spending most of your time in RVs is the limited living space. Not to mention the changing weather when you are outdoors and the constant harmful exposure to UV rays of the sun. Well, one solution made for this is an RV awning. Although RV awnings are pretty durable, the main issue is how to keep them steady. In this article, I will share the benefits of RV awning, why you should get one, and, most importantly, how to secure it in place.
Put Your Trust To An Anti-Flapping Kit
The anti-flapping kit is all you need to avoid the flap, for this prevents excessive canopy movement. This kit helps you stabilize your RV awning; this is why you put your trust in the anti-flapping gear. The following are its offered features as well the instructions on how to use it.
What is an Anti-flapping Kit
RV anti-flapping kit is an additional supplement to your RV awning. The anti-flapping kit from carefree of Colorado is available for brands and sizes. It has an 8’ projection, manual, and 12V vertical arm awnings.
Anti-flapping kits aim to increase the stability and strength of your RV awning and put a stop to the noisy flapping awning. It also serves as protection of the RV awning from canopy rips, tears, and water pooling.
It is a material made of heavy-duty aluminum extrusions having a canopy camping force of 80’. It has a handy dual utility slot where you can hang any accessories weighing up to 35 pounds. It measures 42” when you roll it for storage. It is fully assembled and adjustable from 83” to 91”. It comes in pairs for the right and left sides of the vertical RV awning.
The Use and The Cost: How To Use and Where To Get One
Mounting an anti-flap kit is very easy, and it does not require several hooks or any loop fastening system. Only the clamp and your RV awning are now stabilized in place.
Mount the anti-flap kit underneath to your RV awning. Please make use of its pin so that you can attach the rafter to the roller tube. The roller tube must have a hole drilled, and you can now mount the anti-flap kit.
Use its cradle to fit around the roller tube as well as hold the rafter in place. In attaching anti flap kit with a cradle, hole drilling is no longer needed. An anti-flap kit can be purchased from an online shop that comes from $215.83 to $243.68. It has a 3-year warranty once purchased.
Reduce The Flapping With A De-flapper
Another solution for a flapping RV awning is a De-flapper. It protects your RV awning from ripping, tears, flapping as well as noise in it.
What is a De-Flapper: What Yous Should Know
A de-flapper is a device that is attached to the RV awning so that flapping is avoided. It is created from durable nylon and UV stabilizers, making it resistant to chemicals. It can be rustproof (particularly the de-flapper’s straps).
It has a wide 8 inches clamp and non-marring grippers, which protect the RV awning. Its comprehensive gripping feature helps support the RV awning more stable even in extreme wind & heavy rains, leaving no marks to protect the awning fabrics. It has hook and loop fastener straps suitable for almost RV awnings and a working length of 4” to 6”, and an overall measurement of 8” x 3” x 2 ½ “.
The Use and The Price: How To Use and Where To Get One
Choose the location first where you are going to put the de-flapper. Make sure that de flapper location is near each side so that they can support the awning. Then clamp the de-flapper to the RV awning and tighten the knot
Pull the straps from the back of the de-flappers and wrap them around the support arm of the RV awning.
Pull the de-flapper’s straps again through the buckle and secure it in place.
The de-flapper is now ready for the work but just make sure to remove them when you roll out and store the RV awning. You can shop the De-flapper for RV awning in an online shopping store.
Just visit the Camco store, which is one of the manufacturers of de-flapper. In there, you will find a Camco Awning De-flapper Max- 2 pack (42251) which costs $17.05.
Keep It Steady With A Stabilizing Kit
To stabilize your RV awning so that it will not easily be damaged by strong wind and other elements, you need a stabilizing kit. This stabilizing kit helps your RV awning from flapping as. a means of providing support.
What is a Stabilizing Kit
The stabilizing kit is another product from the carefree Colorado design to support RV awning. Utilizing this stabilizing kit will add support to your latitude, longitude, altitude of the RV awning. This secures your RV awning economically.
A Stabilizing kit comes with the support of a spiral stake that will work well in all kinds of soils. The spiral stakes of the stabilizing kit work even in sandy soil and on the beach. It also includes tension units so that you can firmly secure the ropes.
You can use this stabilizing kit for all types of RV awning. The stabilizing kit includes 2-adjustable vertical metal support poles equipped with high-quality plastic cradles & adjustment levers, 2-tension straps with D-rings, and 2-ground stakes. It has a total product dimension of 58” L x 5” W x 5” H
The Use and The Price: How To Use and Where To Get One
Extend the RV awning first until reaching the desired length. Then switch the RV awning off to prevent retracting during the attachment of the stabilizing kit. Remove the support poles and mount the support cradles at each end of the pole. Position the support cradle between the end cap and the canopy fabric
Now open the height lever from its vertical support pole. Then adjust the height of the support pole according to your preferences. The height adjustment of the stabilizers support bar is limited to the 55” to 108.” an
Take note: do not use the stabilizer support pole to adjust the RV awning. Your stabilizer kit is ready to support the RV awning for you to experience a steady shade without flapping, even hit by strong winds. The stabilizing equipment is available at an online shopping store. Visit the carefree store and look for stabilizing kit. Stabilizing kit costs $8.05.
Bungee Cords: DIY Anti-Flapper
Making use of the bungee cord or also called shock cord, is another method to avoid flapping in your RV awning. This cord is usually covered with woven cotton or polypropylene sheath or a fabric. You can use a bungee cord in various ways, such as in the military, RV awning anti flap, and many more. Through bungee cord, you can create your DIY anti-flapper for your RV awning.
What are Bungee Cords
A bungee cord is composed of one or more elastic material or rubber. It is used to tie down heavy equipment or luggage in the vehicle. Secure your cargo and loads. Many of the bungee cords are UV resistant which can withstand different elements. It is multi-functional and convenient to use in an RV.
In RV awning, we use bungee cords together with stake, nylon rope, large camRings, and carabiner clips to DIY an anti flap for RV awning. With these materials, you can avoid flapping in your RV awning.
The Use and The Price: How To Use and Where To Get One
DIY your RV awning anti-flap with the listed materials. Ensure to prepare two bungee cords, two large CamRings, and two stakes. Start with placing the stake to the ground by hammering it. Make sure to look for a location under the outside corner of the arms of your RV awning. Then tighten the awning rafter arm.
Now hang the bungee cord into the corner of the awning structure. Cut the prepared ⅛” nylon rope according to the awning required size. Tie each one end of the rope onto the carabiner clip
From the other end of the rope, run it through the large holes of the CamRing. Create a knot at the end and ensure to tie it before you string it to the large camping. Insert the carabiner clip into the bungee hooks, then let the rope hang down to the stake
Pass through the knotted end of the rope into the hole stake. Next is to run the string in the notch of the large camRing tent cord tensioner.
Tighten the bungee by pulling down the carabiner clip. Do this while adjusting the large camRing up and down so that you can remove the slack from the bungee cord. Follow the same steps to the other RV awning end, and your RV awning is now securely firm with the support of the DIY anti flap through utilizing bungee cords; thereby, flapping is prevented.
The materials needed in your DIYanti-flapper are all available at an online shopping store. You can buy Bungee cords from online stores in 24 pieces of assorted bungee cords- 10”, 18”, 24”, 32”, 40”, and 8” canopy/ tarp ball ties. You can get 16PK bungee cords for $13.99. A 24PK bungee cords are also available for $12.99, or you can get a 30PK bungee cords for $9.99
Back To Basic: Use A Tape
In fixing your RV awning from flapping, you can use the basic; taping it. Tape is used to repair different goods, and this includes setting your RV awning from flapping. This is because flapping may sometimes occur when the fabric awning has to tear of hole problems. So tape is necessary if you still don’t have plans on replacing it.
Using A Tape For Repair
The tape used to repair the tearing problem is the awning repair tape. The awning repair tape, particularly the Camco brand, will permanently repair rips and punctures on your RV awning. It also works well on boat sails, tents, canvas, rainwear, popup campers, etc.
Camco awning tape is an aggressive adhesive that will permanently stay in place. When the tape is applied, it will help the RV awning fabric resist any form of rips, tears, punctures, etc. Camco awning repair tape weighs 3.2 oz and has a total dimension of 3” x 5” x 7”. Remember to buy an awning repair tape according to your RV awning color.
The Use and The Price: How To Use and Where To Get One
Prepare your scissors or any cutting tool and, of course, the awning repair tape. Then look for holes, punctures, and rips of your RV awning fabric. Now cover those holes, rips, punctures with the awning repair tape.
Make sure to paste the awning repair tape perfectly because the awning fabric is not ripped or folded. Your RV awning fabric is now free from holes; therefore, flapping will not occur even when struck by a harsh element.
You can find awning repair tape at online shopping stores or visit the Camco store because it is one of the manufacturers of awning repair tape.
You can buy an awning repair tape of 3 inches for $12.97. A 5 inches wide of awning repair tape is also available for $12.50
Use A Tensioner and Clip
Another way to avoid RV awning from flapping is through the use of a tensioner and a clip. These are one of the methods to secure your RV awning to avoid flapping as well as the noise produced from it.
What is a Tensioner
Tensioner simply means the device that seeks to maintain the tension of a specific object. The typical tensioner used to secure the RV awning is the Power Hook Awning Tensioner.
The Power Hook Awning Tensioner manufactured by the Camco is created for RV awning so that you can reduce the noise produced from the flapping of awning fabric. This tensioner is capable of lowering flaps from the RV awning without the use of stakes or anchors. It works by pulling the awning roller traut. This tensioner has an overall weight of 1.99 oz and a total dimension of 10.9” x 2.8” x 8”
How To Install
A power hook tensioner is easily installed because a tool is no longer needed. Holes, notches, and rivets are no longer required in installing this tensioner to your RV awning. All you have is to follow the product instructions packed in the package. Extend or roll out your RV awning first and; Just connect the power hook tensioner to the existing awning hardware.
What is a Clip
A clip is a device used to hold objects in place or clips or fasten anything. RV awning makes use of a clip so that flapping will not occur even in strong wind. It serves as a support to your RV awning, especially during the windy season.
You can use a Caravan/ Motorhome Awning Tie-Down Clips. This clip simply clips the tube of the rolled-out RV awning. It helps secure your RV awning by tying it down.
If clips support an RV awning, it is protected against strong winds and other harsh outdoor elements. Clips are easily installed, and Clips will fit almost RV awnings. You can use it along with standard camping ropes.
Caravan clip is made in Australia and is created from stainless steel. It is easily installed. Just clip it to the RV awning tube. Then attach the rope like a standard camping rope.
The Use and The Price: How To Use and Where To Get One
Tensioner online shopping stores and physical ones. Visit the Camco store and look for a power hook awning tensioner. The power hook awning tensioner costs $26.60. You can shop at a full range camping shop the caravan/ motorhome awning tie-down clip. The clip costs $25.00 and is 2 in 1 pack.
More Things To Know About RV Awnings
I know for sure that the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear an awning is a supplemental sheet attached to the RV. Some people might think of an awning as an additional roof cover to the RV, but it can be more than that.
Types of RV Awnings
The acrylic awning is one of the most popular RV awning based upon the type of material used to create one. This type of RV awning can handle different elements- sun, rain, snow, ice, winds, dust, dirt, etc. and provide good air circulation. Because acrylic is a fabric, it is not waterproof but can repel water and dries quickly. If you decide to buy an acrylic awning for your RV, just avoid touching its underside during rainy days so that water will not seep in.
Vinyl awnings are among the most common materials used in making RV awnings. Like the acrylic awning, the vinyl is also made of fabric, but this type has waterproofing. If this material is used, your RV awning is free from scratches and resistant to road grime, pollution, UV rays, etc. Because vinyl is a fabric, it supports mildew and mold growth and attracts more specks of dirt & dust.
Fixed awnings are those “permanently installed” over the RV doors and windows. This type of awning provides covering against sunlight and rain but quickly flaps & falls off during driving. You will also encounter minor difficulties in changing the RV awning position.
A slide-out awning is a type of RV awning capable of rolling out so that you get some sunlight rays in the morning. As the name implies, you need to slide out or pull the awning manually, which is, of course, an easier task. Some roll-out RV awnings are mechanical, but this awning is the most budget-friendly, which you would like to consider. The downside of this awning is the water pooling in its roof during rainy days.
Automatic RV awnings are the most expensive because they only take one touch of a single button, and the awning will automatically deploy. Its single button is not for deployment but also for retracting. Because this is expensive, an automatic RV awning is the most convenient and easiest to utilize. However, this type of RV awning requires experts in installment.
Patio awnings provide additional space to your RV. This type of RV awning is created from extra fabric to make another room outside, including walls, roofs, & doorway.
Patio awning or sheltered awning provides shade to your RV and a room where you can sleep in, or it may serve as storage when you are parking. One of its best features is the ability to provide “extra protection against splashes during rainstorms.” Yet, it still has a downside, and these are- have poor ventilation except for types of patio awnings that have windows, and it is difficult to tie down due to its complex parts.
Few Best Reasons To Get RV Awnings
Many adventurous people live on recreational vehicles to travel and camp in the comfort of their homes. And, additional awnings to your RV completes your journey as an RVer. This is because awnings protect you from different elements (sun, rain, snow) while you are sipping your coffee outside.
It offers protection against rain, sunlight, UV rays, etc., so that you can enjoy the outdoor environment. Instead of staying inside your RV during hot or summer days, stay outside under the shade of the RV awning to help you keep cool without the need to protect you from using electricity for air conditioning.
It is not only your protection against sunlight when you are sitting outside because it does a very well job on the RV. This protects the RV from the sun’s rays so that the RVs’ interior features like leather furniture, carpet, etc., are safe from fading.
It helps the interior features stay cool even on hot days. It is an additional outdoor space for you to sleep in, your privacy, storage, and many more.
Factors That Damage Your RV Awning
RV awning damage is inevitable. It could be damaged by the extreme wind while driving. Rough wind may unfurl your RV awning, and if this happens, it will start to rip off easily. If shearing unfurls, this will wreak havoc, especially when the other side is already detached.
Conclusion
If an RV awning is not firmly installed, flapping occurs especially when struck by strong wind and other gusty weather. Along with flapping, an annoying noise is also produced. And, it is no doubt that nobody likes it because all campers or RVers love to experience a pleasant and perfect shade. Since RV awning is usually made of fabric, flapping or sagging will always occur, thereby requiring a solution by attaching some devices to keep them steady. These devices are all anti-flapping so that you can have perfect shade from your RV awning. So the next time you need an extra shade, get an awning and keep it steady the right way.
