How to Open an RV Awning

Last Updated: November 30, 2024 Fact Checked

When the weather is nice, there's nothing better than enjoying the day under your RV awning. Awnings are one of the best additions to an RV and figuring out how to open them doesn't need to be tricky. By knowing how to do things such as loosen a rafter knob and use an awning rod, you'll be setting up your awning in no time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Unfastening the Arms

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1
Loosen the rafter knobs on both awning support arms. There should be a black knob on the back of each awning arm. Loosen these so that the awning arms will be able to move, being careful not to unscrew them all the way. ^{[1]
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- When you’re traveling, these knobs should be tightened well so that they don’t become loose and fall off.
2
Release the travel locks on both support arms. To release the travel locks, squeeze the support tabs on the awning. These tabs are what hold the two arms together. When you squeeze them, you should hear a click telling you that they’ve been properly released. ^{[2]
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- Some models require you to swing the release tabs up to undo them.
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3
Switch the ratchet mechanism to the roll-down position. The ratchet mechanism is essentially a directional lever located on the end of the awning closest to the front of the RV. Using your awning rod, switch the lever to the open position.
- All RVs that come with an awning will come with an awning rod as well.
- The ratchet mechanism should be labeled with both “open” and “close” for when you go to switch the lever.
- Some RVs have a slide mechanism on the awning arm that releases the ratchet by itself.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Securing the Awning

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Hook the black pull strap on the awning with your awning rod. Use the rod to pull the strap straight out, opening the awning. You can use your hands to pull the strap the rest of the way until the awning is fully extended. ^{[3]
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2
Slide the rafters up the awning arms and lock them. The rafters, or the inner arms, should be pushed to the top of the opposing arms. Once the inner arms slide all the way into position, you should hear a click that will lock them. If the rafter knobs are loose enough, the arms should slide easily. ^{[4]
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- To keep the rafters lubricated, you can spray them with WD-40.
The black knobs that you loosened earlier should now be tightened. Press down on the awning arms to make the fabric taut, and then tighten the rafter knobs to keep the rafters locked in place. Make sure to tighten both sides of the awning. ^{[5]
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4
Raise the awning using the handles on each arm. Lift the handle on the arm and raise the awning to the desired height. If you’re doing this by yourself, it’s best to raise the awning a little bit at a time on each side. If you have another person helping you, you can raise both sides at once. ^{[6]
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- Lifting the handle on the arm releases the lock, allowing you to raise the awning. Once you release the handle, the awning will lock.
- Make sure the awning is high enough to clear the door.

Community Q&A

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Question

I didnn't find an awning rod. Where are they located?

Community Answer

They are usually located in the long compartment, grey in color, available at any RV supplier. you can also use a hockey stick with a bent nail in a pinch.

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Question

What if you can't see the black awning strap? Maybe it was rolled up wrong previously?

Budhi Suhradi

Community Answer

Unroll the tent and look for straps. Then redo the rolling step correctly. Change the straps if they're worn or torn.

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Question

How would I know if an awning is motorized?

Community Answer

There should be a button on the inside of your RV. Use your RV's manual to research whether or not they're motorized. The manual should be available online if you cannot find the hard copy.

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Tips

Set one side of the awning lower than the other if it rains — this will allow the water to run off instead of collecting on top of the awning.

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Pull the awning strap to one side and tie it to an arm to keep it out of the way.

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Warnings

Never open the awning without loosening the black knobs first.

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Awnings aren’t designed to withstand heavy wind or rain, so if it’s very windy or stormy outside, don’t open your awning.

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When moving the awning, always use the pull strap to avoid injury.

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How to Open an RV Awning

Steps

Unfastening the Arms

Securing the Awning

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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