Wet Awning

[loberg]

Still kinda new at this rv thing. If your awning gets wet, like after a rain, is it ok to roll it up if it's still wet? Will it get mildewed? Thanks

[ROBERT CROSS]

It's happened to us many times...we unroll it on the pad at home, it doesn't take long to dry if breezy & the Suns out.
More of a concern if you don't store at home.

Bob

[Tater]

We do the same. If it's rolled up wet, we unroll at home. As Robert said, it dries quickly in the sun. I have not had a mildew issue. Tree sap yes, mildew no.

[AWCHIEF]

Sunbrella is not prone to mildew and drys very quickly. So ok to roll up wet and open and dry in a reasonable time. It is more important to clean leaves and trash off before rolling up as that can cause staining that can be hard to remove.

[CRH]

I don't really see how those aluminum slats can keep the awning 100% dry to begin with.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by CRH

I don't really see how those aluminum slats can keep the awning 100% dry to begin with.

The Alumaguard (slats) aren't intended to keep the awning dry despite what the advertisements state though it does help to some degree. Its primary purpose is to keep eliminate UV exposure from the sun which is a awning fabric killer.

[AWCHIEF]

Kevin, that is what I see their primary function as also.

[airdreamers]

Unless you never put your awning down, it will inevitably get wet some time. All of the prior comments express the facts of the case. I will occasionally open and air out the awning just because. The less you use it the more chance dampness could invade the awning. Opening the awning for an occasional inspection I think is well worth it.

[SeeMore]

Awning fabric maintenance:

http://cdn.glenraven.net/sunbrella/_...ing-fabric.pdf

[AWCHIEF]

Can second their recommendation of using 303 to retreat. I have been using it for years on Sunbrella and other brands of marine canvas.

[Jim Foster]

When we purchased our '83 27' Excella in December of '08, the blue stripe ZipDee awning had never had a good cleaning and looked very bad, especially near where it attaches to the aluminum cover where it was green with what looked like algae. I unbolted the arms from the side of the trailer and let them go under the trailer and the awning hang down the side of the trailer. I used mild soap and a brush to wash the Sunbrella, then raised the awning and washed the underside. After a good rinse, I let it dry. I washed the full length street side awning and rear window awning as well.
I had purchased a gallon and one quart of 303. I treated the top of all awnings with two applications of 303.
On several occasions I have had to wash bird droppings or other bad stuff. After that area dries I squirt on some 303.
The fabric is not as firm and crisp as new, but the colors are bright and, so far, not a drop of water comes through.

303 is great stuff.