Wet Awning

[fudge_brownie]

Just returned from six weeks on the road and as part of the post travel cleanup I always unfurl the awning. I have started this process because we do not use the awning very much and I have found on occasion the 24 inches just off the trailer can gather moisture during a rain storm while parked. Not a big deal but there have been occasions when I needed to wash off the mold that formed.

Today when I pulled if down I found there were bands of horizontal moisture at 11 inch intervals. On Monday we had driven through heavy rains in Georgia and I surmise that water had entered the awning in the front and managed to travel all the way through the rolled up material and then settled at the bottom.

No big deal unless you fail to unfurl and allow it to dry out. Mold will accumulate. I post this to update those owners with the exposed awning. I believe the new awning is enclosed so there is not an issue.

Is there any value in constructing a cap over the leading edge of the closed awning? Something to prevent water penetration while driving.

[Iowa Dave]

Hi Paul
Considering how penetrating the rain can be at 60 miles an hour, I have never trusted awning covers. Like you, I unfurl the awning when I get back from a trip each time. It's pretty common to see leaves, bugs, and other detritus rolled up in there along with moisture. I drop it down as steep as practical and sweep it with a light broom, then hose it down if it's a drying day. Otherwise I unfurl it inside of our building and let it dry. I've had good luck doing this and with an awning on our tent trailer. Probably what I will stick with.
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

I had purchased an awning cover for my older style unit, 3 pcs of plastic pipe that were cut to allow covering the entire awning with overlap. Included 2 pins that could be used to keep the unit on while traveling. Never tried it under tow and after one winter took it off and there was muck on the cover. So, like Dave I unfurled the first dry day I could. Also had mine become unfurled while driving, even with the awning straps attached. So glad those days are gone with.
The awning cover sits in my garage, free if you want to pick it up...

[fudge_brownie]

I will pick it up, but only if it is in one of those myriad of Amazon boxes.

[fudge_brownie]

I was thinking of something waterproof that could just fit over the leading edge to keep rain from penetrating at 60+ mph. I guess the issue with that idea, as with any type of cover, is keeping it attached.

A greater benefit maybe that other owners know to open that awning to give it an opportunity to dry out.

[tractors1]

I do awning cleaning (old style) by extending it as low as possible and hitting it with a pressure washer - works great. Which I don't know if you can do with the new style awning. Can that be lowered as far for cleaning access?

[gbaglo]

Keep in mind that with a pressure washer, you can do a lot of damage.
It will punch holes in concrete if you're not careful with the pressure and spray pattern.
I follow the instructions on the label on the awning. Mild soap and soft brush and spray rinse.

[Loren & Cathy]

One of the last things I do before the trailer is put into storage is to unfurl the awning on a warm sunny day and make sure it is completely dry. Loren