My RVs Awning skews when retracting

If your RVs awning begins to skew while retracting, it may not close properly, can wear unevenly, and potentially damage the awning or the mechanism. Here’s a list of steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

Visual Inspection:

Before making any adjustments, visually inspect the entire awning.

• Look for any visible damage or wear.
• Ensure the mounting brackets are securely fastened and are not bent or misaligned.
• Check the roller tube to see if it’s bent or warped.

The main cause of your RVs awning skewing when retracting is the fabric has become misaligned.

Fabric Alignment:

The awning fabric may not be squarely attached to the roller or the rail on the RV.

• You can try loosening the screws on the awning rail and adjusting the fabric left or right to center it on the roller.
• After adjusting, tighten the screws and roll the awning in and out a few times to see if the issue is resolved.

If you checked and aligned the awning fabric and it still rolls up crooked, the tension may be out of whack.

Tension Adjustment:

Uneven tension in the spring mechanisms on either side of the awning can cause it to roll up unevenly.

• Ensure that the tension is even on both sides. It’s a good idea to refer to the awning’s manual for guidance or to seek professional help, as adjusting the spring tension can be dangerous if not done properly.

Lubrication can oftentimes fix uneven tension because the pivot points may need lubrication.

Lubrication:

Sometimes, a lack of lubrication can cause the awning to retract unevenly.

• Use a silicone-based lubricant to spray the awning arms’ pivot points. Get CRC Silicone spray here and support the site: https://amzn.to/3OPyrcm
• Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and grit, which can cause more problems.

Clean the Awning:

Dirt, leaves, or other debris caught in the awning fabric or in the mechanism can cause uneven rolling.

• Fully extend the awning and clean the fabric with mild soap and water.
• Inspect the tracks and ensure they are free of debris.

Check for Obstructions:

Make sure nothing is obstructing the awning’s path as it retracts. Even small obstructions can cause it to retract unevenly.

Professional Inspection:

If you’ve tried the above steps and are still experiencing problems, it might be time to have the awning professionally inspected. There may be internal issues or parts that need replacement.

Remember, when working with awnings, always exercise caution. The spring mechanisms inside the awning arms are under tension and can be dangerous if mishandled. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s always best to consult the awning’s manual or seek professional help.

Want more great RV How-to and Maintenance tips & tricks? Check out these articles on my site:

18 Tips on How to Store Your RV for Winter
How to Sanitize your fresh water holding tank
Top 10 RV Tire Maintenance Tips
RV Suspension Upgrades & Maintenance: Improve Handling and Safety

Remember, when working with awnings, always exercise caution. The spring mechanisms inside the awning arms are under tension and can be dangerous if mishandled. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s always best to consult the awning’s manual or seek professional help.

About Author

TR Bowlin

Lifelong Camper, RVer, and Photographer. I share on this site my years of experience owning and living in an RV on a budget.

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