RV Owners: Don’t Let a Sudden Breeze Break the Bank!
If you own a vacation trailer or a motorhome, you know that your awning is the ultimate campsite game-changer. It turns the side of your rig into a shady oasis for relaxing, grilling, and enjoying the great outdoors.
But behind all that comfort lies a surprising truth: awning damage is the most common insurance claim we see for trailers and motorhomes.
Awnings are essentially giant sails attached to the side of your vehicle. While they are built to withstand a light breeze, they aren’t designed to handle sudden summer storms or sustained winds. A single strong gust can rip the fabric, bend the support arms, or even cause severe structural damage to the side of your RV or motorhome.
To keep your vacation stress-free and your rig out of the repair shop, keep these two golden rules in mind:
1. Roll It In Before You Leave
Heading out for a hike, a day at the beach, or a quick run into town? Always roll your awning down and secure it before you leave the campsite. Summer weather can change in the blink of an eye, and you don’t want to be miles away when a surprise squall rolls through.
2. Monitor the Horizon
If you hear thunder in the distance, notice the trees starting to sway, or see dark clouds moving in, don’t wait for the rain to start. Drop what you’re doing and retract the awning immediately. Dealing with a wet awning in a downpour is tough; dealing with a broken one is much worse!
Pro-Tip: If your awning is wet when you roll it up to head home, make sure to roll it back out and let it dry completely once you’re in a safe, calm spot. This prevents mold and mildew from ruining the fabric!
Protect your home away from home, and keep those vacation vibes rolling all summer long under your awning.