Awning maintenance

[gbaglo]

I was out at Escape Sat. observing Keath drive Reace crazy with the modifications he wants on his new 19. Keath brought his own upholstery, vinyl flooring, counter laminate and door pulls. He has ordered a vanity drawer below the wardrobe ( which we noted is now on another trailer in progress ) and he ordered a shelf just above the dinette table ( for salt and pepper etc. ). Reace was looking at the work and cost involved, but Keath wants it.
Anyway Keath also wanted to know if an extra layer of material could be installed over the exposed part of the awning. It was determined it wasn't worth the hassle, but did raise the issue of awning care.

Reace recommended making sure it is dry before rolling it up for winter storage and even opening it during the storage to air it out.

So, I spent the last two hours cleaning cedar leaves off Toad's roof and washing it down. Didn't get to the sides of the trailer. I opened the awning and while it is in good condition, there are a couple of blotchy areas I'd like to tidy up. Anybody have a recommendation for an awning cleaner and protector? The least work involved, the better.

Another side note: I had to review my own video to refresh my memory on the sequence for opening the awning...

baglo

[Sandra L]

[escape artist]

Hi: All... I just use the same auto wax/wash product that I use on the trailer, and I have an aluminium telescoping wash mop so I can stand away and not get dripped on. I have noticed a few black mildew spots near the top outer/underside edges that require a lite solution of bleach (Tilex)to remove. The pine gum spots are another matter to chew on
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie p.s. Now what to use to lube the side arms

[gbaglo]

I'm using Super Lube, with Teflon. Claims it won't wash off, disperse, break down or turn rancid. Does not attract dust or other contaminants.

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

A good silcone based lube works great on aluminum with little to no mess. This is what I used with great success on the bed slides on a Coleman tent trailer I used to own. The Super Lube Glenn refers to sounds good, I have never heard of it.

[Bruce Wray]

What material is the awning made of? I'm assuming it's a synthetic. I swear by Formula 303 for synthetic materials. It's not a petroleum based product. I've used it on many things over many years: rafts, kayaks, my fiberglass pickup shell, etc. I think it's a terrific protectant. It's pretty much the default protectant that people use for whitewater sports gear. It's especially good for latex and/or rubber products. A little goes a long way, too. I'm ordering a quart for our upcoming 19'; it'll go on the entire exterior, including the tires and stems. I used to have to replace the tubes on our bikes due to rot every year or two. The tubes I coated four years ago before installation are still holding air.

Old home remedy time for sap (fresh sap anyway); rub the sap with a dab of mayonnaise, watch the sap magically dissolve. Wash area clean. I think the dog deliberately lays in sap because she knows that we'll let her lick the area clean herself.

Bruce

[Jim Bennett]

Bruce, what is this Formula 303, I googled it and only got a muscle relaxant.

[Bruce Wray]

I should look at labels more often. My latest bottle (I am looking at right now) says "303 Aerospace Protectant". Slight name change.

Here's where I get mine: http://kayak.nrsweb.com/display.php?p=Q&ts=custom&w=303

and here's their home site: www.303products.com

Hope this helps,
Bruce

[Jim Bennett]

Thanks for those links Bruce, I will look in to it. I always like to hear a referral as opposed to advertising.

[Hokie Escape]

Just ordered 32oz for HokieEscape. Thanks

[Sandra L]

That 303 product sounds interesting. For $5.00 one can get samples of that plus some other products. The shower shield looks like it might be worth a try too. I wonder where Glenn's lube tube can be purchased in California.

[gbaglo]

You might find Super Lube at a shop that sells high-end bicycles, or at your large local hardware store. It was recommended to me for lubing my fishing reels ( but you won't find it at a fly shop ).

baglo

[Sandra L]

Thanks. It sounds like there would be many other places for use as well.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Sandra L

Thanks. It sounds like there would be many other places for use as well.

Hi: All... Just to resurrect an old topic... I now use LA's Totally Awesome spray cleaner/degreaser for the awning!!! At $1. a bottle, at the Dollar Stores, it's really priceless and works to clean the ever present black streaks under the windows off too. Alf LA's Totally Awesome | Products For Every Day Life
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[cpaharley2008]

I agree with Alf, Totally Awesome is totally awesome.....