Motorhome owners have a number of awning options to ensure that they literally have it “made in the shade” as they travel.
By Lazelle Jones
July 2004
Whether installed as original or aftermarket equipment, many motorhome accessories add to the quality of life on the road. One of the best examples is an RV patio awning. Each of the players in this market brings its own menu of products to the table. To help motorhomers sort things out, this article will attempt to describe the various types of awnings and related accessories available today. We’ll also include some tips about the proper care and maintenance of these items.
The Basics
An awning attaches to the side of a motorhome (primarily the curb side) and, when extended, provides shade over patio areas, windows, and/or entryways.
The motive force for extending and retracting awnings can be manual or an electric motor “” either 120-volt AC or 12-volt DC. Sometimes compressed air is used in the extension/retraction processes. Power awnings are available in push-button and remote-controlled models, and some feature wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when a preset wind velocity is experienced.
The canopy portion of an awning is made from pliable fabrics such as acrylic, vinyl, and woven acrylics. Awning hardware can include arms, trusses, locks, and a housing (also called a weather guard) that protects the canopy when it’s retracted. In addition, various anti-billowing devices are available that prevent the wind from loosening the canopy during travel. Awnings also can include devices that keep the canopy fabric tight when the awning is open and in use.
Screened-in rooms typically use the area below the patio awning to add living space. They make this area habitable and comfortable in locations with a high insect population. Various systems are used for anchoring the walls to the ground (pegs, ropes, cords, and bags that can be filled with water). Some screen room systems offer roll-down flaps for nighttime privacy and for warmth. Accessories offered can include electric fans, lights, and speakers that enhance the pleasures associated with spending time in a screened-in room.
Patio Awnings
American Made Awnings
Offering one of the longest projections (distance from the coach sidewall) in the awning industry, the Millennium 2000 awning can be enjoyed with either an 8-foot or an 11-foot projection. Using a single-step tension rafter system, these patio awnings are designed to withstand inclement weather conditions, prevent water collection and wind flap, and yield additional door clearance. They are available with built-in “Vegas Lighting,” which reportedly produces a lighting level that attracts few insects but is sufficient for playing cards and games or entertaining guests. American Made Awnings come with heavy-duty roller tube and leg assemblies and feature Weblon five-year one-piece all-welded canvas.
Carefree of Colorado
Carefree of Colorado offers more than five different patio awning systems, including the Eclipse, Mirage, One-Touch, Spirit FX, and Fiesta. Each system features something different or offers different combinations of features. Some are power awnings, while others are manually operated.
The Eclipse is a push-button system that permits the operator to extend the awning to a full 8 feet (or less). It comes with a billow-proof, worm-gear motor that keeps the awning securely retracted against the roofline during travel and extends and retracts the canopy when the button is pushed. When actuated, the rafter arms move up a vertical track on the side of the coach, while a trusslike overhead support is deployed. Depending on the model, the canopy pitch can range from 6 degrees up to 29 degrees. The Eclipse can be retracted from any pitch position and is available with a wind sensor for automatic retraction.
Three models are available, with different pitch adjustments and extensions to fit various RVs. On the flat-pitch canopy, a rain-dump feature releases pooled water. Its 12-volt system can be enjoyed with a choice of two electric switches (hardwired interior and exterior switches) or a fast-install battery version with an exterior switch only. There is nothing to latch or lock when the awning is retracted. Awning sizes range from 12 feet to 21 feet. Fabric can be vinyl, polyweave vinyl, and standard or custom acrylic. For each fabric, several color options are available.
The Mirage features lateral arms; the arms and case are painted for a finished look. Actuation can be a push-button 120-volt electric motor or a manual crank. Each electric model comes with a manual override and can be equipped with a remote control. Automatic wind retraction is standard on the electric model. There are no locks or latches to secure when the awning is retracted. Fabric colors include five standard acrylic colors and 119 custom acrylic colors. Awning sizes range from 14 feet to 22 feet; all offer 10-foot projections. The awning pitch can be adjusted up to a 3-foot height change. Optional tapered end-caps include lights and speakers.
The One-Touch is powered by a 12-volt motor that allows it to be fully extended in 15 seconds with the push of a button. The push button is mounted inside the coach, close to the entry door, so that the operator can observe the actuation of the awning. Included is an on-off switch to prevent accidental operation. Worm gears in the electric motor prevent the retracted awning from billowing during travel. The One-Touch features detachable wind braces for added strength in heavy winds. Carefree’s WindSmart Upgrade Kit automatically closes the awning when a specific wind velocity is detected. A wireless remote control upgrade kit also is available with the WindSmart upgrade. Fabrics include the choice of vinyl, polyweave vinyl, standard acrylic, and 119 custom acrylic colors. The awning hardware and Alumaguard metal wrap colors are Polar White, Satin, and Cameo; custom colors also are offered. Available sizes range from 12 feet to 21 feet in length. The minimum circuit requirement is 15 amps. A manual override is provided in case of power failure.
The Spirit FX is a manually operated awning that includes several exclusive features. It comes with an aluminum utility slot roller that makes the roller rigid and versatile, and it features built-in awning tie-downs to hold the awning steady. The Spirit also comes with a built-in self-storing canopy clamp that keeps the fabric tight and wrinkle-free. This single-track slider is designed so that it doesn’t bind and comes with a self-locking handle. A built-in awning roller light moves in and out with the awning. The awning hangers remain on the roller and roll up with the awning. Color-matched castings of black or white are available (no extra charge), and an arm lock secures the awning hardware during travel. The Spirit FX is available in two models. The first features a 14-ounce vinyl canopy with 18-ounce 1000-denier Weatherguard or polyweave vinyl. The second model is an acrylic canopy with a no-leak Alumaguard metal wrap housing. Several color options are available with each type. Hardware colors include Satin, Cameo, Polar White, and custom colors. Sizes range from 8 feet up to 25 feet in 1-foot increments.
The Fiesta is available in three models: the Standard (a vinyl canopy with vinyl Weatherguard), the Armored (a vinyl canopy with Alumaguard), and the LTD (an acrylic canopy with Alumaguard). All Fiesta models come with the No-Wand Remote Lock, which eliminates the need to stretch for the roller lock. The Fiesta features a single-track slider that eliminates rafter binding during setup and storage. All models come with a self-storing, built-in canopy clamp that keeps the awning wrinkle-free. Black or Polar White color-matched castings are available at no extra cost. Fabric choices are vinyl, polyweave vinyl, standard acrylic, and custom acrylic. Awning arms are available in Satin, Cameo, Polar White, and custom colors. Sizes range from 8 feet up to 25 feet in 1-foot increments.
Dometic A&E Systems
Dometic offers six different A&E patio awning systems, including two power models. Both vinyl and woven acrylic fabric are offered.
The LA03 is a power-operated lateral-arm awning that features what Dometic calls its Smart-Technology wind sensor system. The LA03 extends and retracts with the touch of a button (an interior wall-mounted switch or a remote control). There are no locks or latches to deal with. The lateral arms are tucked underneath the canopy for improved clearance. Built into the lead rail is a channel for mounting optional sun shades and other Dometic accessories. The LA03 system comes with an ignition lock-out that keeps the awning stowed during travel. The LA03 is available in lengths of 18 feet, 20 feet, 22 feet, and 24 feet.
The WeatherPro is a power awning that with its single compact wireless remote control can operate an A&E power door awning as well. Touch a button (remote control or the switch mounted inside the coach) and the WeatherPro extends or retracts. The WeatherPro features A&E’s Knee-Action Design, which prevents damage from sudden wind gusts and prevents annoying false retractions. This awning also includes an automatic roll-up awning feature. It is available in 12 colors; sizes range from 12 feet to 21 feet in length. The weather guard is metal.
The TwoStep patio awning features A&E’s Knee-Action Design, which allows the canopy to flex in moderate winds. It can be equipped with a vinyl or aluminum weather shield and is available in six colors. Sizes range from 12 feet to 21 feet long. The TwoStep, as the name implies, requires only that it be unlocked, then lowered and enjoyed. The TwoStep also features an automatic rain dump. When rain accumulates on the fabric, a spring-arm mechanism compresses from the weight of the water and automatically lowers one end, dumping the pooling water; the awning then springs back to level.
The Elite 9000 is a manual awning of woven acrylic fabric that breathes and dries quickly. Featuring Dometic’s patented Shadow Pattern hues, which are woven into the fabric, and an all-metal weather shield for canopy protection, the Elite 9000 is available in lengths that range from 10 feet to 25 feet. All extend out to 8 feet. This patio awning model is offered in six colors and can accept optional accessories (screened-in patio room, mat, shade, anchors, and tension-rafter system).
The Imperial 8500 is a manually operated patio awning that features a canopy of 13-ounce, four-ply laminated polyester-reinforced vinyl that includes color patterns on both sides (a total of six colors are offered). The weather shield is available as a metal wrap. The Imperial 8500 includes automatic roll-up with aluminum hardware. Sizes range from 8 feet to 25 feet in length; all extend out to 8 feet. Optional accessories include a patio room, a patio mat, and shades.
The Sunchaser includes many of the same hardware functionality features as the Imperial 8500. The canopy is made of reinforced vinyl with five vibrant color options for the top and clean white underneath. The weather shield is Polar White reinforced vinyl. Clear acrylic coating overall provides scratch, fade, and stain resistance. Sizes range from 8 feet to 21 feet in length; all extend to 8 feet. The Sunchaser accepts the same optional accessories as the Imperial 8500.
Fiamma
The F45i box-type crank-style awning is a patio awning designed for use on smaller motorhomes, such as type Bs and Cs. It is offered in sizes that range from 7 feet to 16 feet in length. An electric option is available. Features include an easy-to-operate box awning, an attractive case, long fabric extension (8 feet 2 inches), dual shocks, and Fiamma’s own Presto Fix system. Presto Fix enables users to adjust the closing of the front bar if, over time, one side of the awning stops closing perfectly. The Florida Room screen enclosure is available for F45i box awnings that are 8 feet to 13 feet. The Fiesta 150 door awning measures 4 feet 8 inches in length and is designed for doors and rear vehicle windows. A 12-volt motor kit is available. The F45i Double Awning is for a larger motorhome and features one box with two canopies that operate independently of one another.
Girard Systems
The G-2000 lateral-arm patio awning is powered by a 120-volt motor that features a wall switch and/or remote-control operation. A manual override is standard. The independent wind sensor can be upgraded to the Girard Awning Control System (ACS), a weather system that monitors wind, rain, sun, and outside temperature. All fabric is 100 percent woven acrylic, and awning lengths are available from 10 feet up to 22 feet 11 inches. Awning projections include 5 feet, 6 feet 6 inches, 8 feet, and 9 feet 9 inches. For protection when not in use, the awning retracts into a compact powder-coated aluminum box. Decorative fairings are available for a contoured and aerodynamic look.
Zip Dee
Zip Dee’s awnings are custom crafted and permit clients (within reasonable limits) to create their own awning. Customers can choose from 140 colors of Sunbrella acrylic fabric and select an exact length from 9 feet to 23 feet, in 1/4-inch increments, to fit between compartments, windows, and doors. Two features that Zip Dee is especially proud of are the garage-door-size spring that helps retract the awning, and its extensive use of stainless steel (including the fasteners). All Zip Dee awnings also feature a wraparound slatted metal cover (a high-end awning feature originated by the company) for a more aesthetic look and to protect the canopy during travel. Constructed of stainless steel and anodized aluminum, the awning arms are compact and rustproof. All window, door, and patio awnings come in the same colors and patterns.
The AutoAwn is an automatic patio awning that, with the push of a button, allows the operator to extend it up to 9 feet or any amount in between within 30 seconds. When activated (extended), the 24-volt roller-tube motor unlocks while the computer controller acts in concert with the air-piston support arms. Zip Dee points out that the AutoAwn’s three-point installation gives it strength and stability. As a safety feature, it is not possible to activate the AutoAwn with the coach ignition in the “on” position. Power draw is no more than 3 amps, and the motor is able to operate on 8 volts. An override allows the AutoAwn to be manually retracted should a power failure occur.
The NewCentury automatic lateral arm awning extends out to 10 feet. A 5-foot extension model for use over windows and slideout rooms provides enough clearance for a greater slope and better water runoff. To extend and retract the awning, users touch either a handheld remote control or a wall switch that activates a 120-volt motor. A wind sensor automatically closes the NewCentury when wind speed exceeds a preset velocity. A manual override permits the closure (and opening) of the awning should a loss of power occur. Pitch adjustment can be preset from 5 to 35 degrees. The box that houses the awning measures only 5-1/2 inches high.
Window and Door Awnings
Carefree of Colorado
The Standard window awning canopy measures approximately 27 inches from the rail to the end of the roller. The aluminum arms project 19 inches at a right angle from the RV in the rolled-out position. These awnings are available in 6-inch increments (3 feet up to 6 feet 6 inches) and in 1-foot increments (7 feet up to 15 feet). The see-through FullView window awning fabric is said to keep the interior cool and bright without obstructing the view. Vinyl, acrylic, and polyweave vinyl fabrics are available as well.
The XL window awning is designed for windows that measure more than 36 inches tall. This awning comes with 30-inch arms and has a 45-inch projection. It is available in 6-inch increments (3 feet up to 6 feet 6 inches) and in 1-foot increments (7 feet to 15 feet). The XL window awning is offered in vinyl, acrylic, and polyweave vinyl fabric.
The One-Touch window awning features push-button control. It can be stopped anywhere between fully open and fully closed. The control switch is located inside the RV, adjacent to the window. Current owners of Carefree manual window awnings can upgrade them with 12-volt One-Touch hardware, or the awning can be purchased new. The One-Touch awning is available with a standard projection or in the XL format for windows more than 36 inches tall. It’s offered in vinyl, polyweave vinyl, FullView, and acrylic fabrics. Sizes range from 3 feet to 13 feet.
One-Touch over-the-door awnings are 12-volt-powered. The canopy is available in vinyl, polyweave vinyl, FullView, and acrylic. It can be ordered as the Over-the-Door LTD, which is available in all standard and custom acrylic colors with the Alumaguard metal wrap cover. The new 12-volt over-the-door awning hardware will work with most current manual Carefree over-the-door awnings.
The Freedom window and over-the-door awnings are 12-volt power, lateral-arm awnings that extend and retract with the push of a button. The Freedom extends 3 feet to shade windows and doors. Its scissor-action lateral arm support eliminates the need for vertical arms. The canopy is housed in an aluminum case that comes standard in white but can be custom-ordered in Pewter and Champagne colors. Ten standard acrylic and 119 custom acrylic colors are available. Freedom window awning sizes range from 50 inches to 13 feet; Freedom over-the-door awnings range from 50 inches to 72 inches. The motor’s worm gear prevents billowing.
Dometic A&E
A&E Elite acrylic window awnings are designed to match the A&E Elite 9000 and WeatherPro awnings. Made of woven acrylic fabric (the color is woven in), this fabric breathes so it dries quickly and resists mildew. The A&E Elite features automatic roll-up with an anodized aluminum weather shield. Lengths are available in 6-inch increments (ranging from 30 inches to 144 inches) and in 1-foot increments (ranging from 9 feet to 16 feet).
The Oasis RV door awning is totally enclosed in a white all-metal case to protect the awning and reduce wind resistance. Its 56-inch-wide canopy provides cover for the door and side window and is available in six acrylic colors and white vinyl. The Oasis Elite features push-button control.
Girard Systems
The G-1500 over-the-door awning is powered by a 120-volt motor and operated via a wall switch or remote control. Its legless lateral-arm design makes the awning free of obstructions. The G-1500 has a standard manual override and is available in lengths from 54 inches to 120 inches with a 39-inch projection.
The G-2085 window awning is available in lengths that range from 24 inches up to 156 inches. All awnings extend out 28 inches and are made with 100 percent woven acrylic. They are actuated by a wall switch or remote control and powered by 120-volt electric motors. All Girard window awnings retract into a powder-coated aluminum box that protects the fabric from the outdoor elements. Arms are mounted flush with the window frame.
The pitch of both awning models can be adjusted to facilitate water runoff.
Zip Dee
Zip Dee makes both door and window awnings to match the design and colors of the patio awnings. However, because the space around doorways often is limited, so is the choice of door awnings. For window coverage, more customizing choices are available. In addition to 140 colors and sizes in 1/4-inch increments (up to 21 feet), there are six choices of slope and eight choices of arm length, so that, regardless of the size and shape of the window (or windows), the finished product looks custom made.
Accessories
Dometic A&E Systems
The Patty O’ Shade RV Awning Screen is available in three no-fade colors. All are 54 inches high and offered in 10-foot and 15-foot lengths. The open-weave mesh is a vinyl-coated, fire-retardant screen that allows privacy with a view. Brass grommets are included. This shade slides into utility slots on most RV awning rollers and includes elasticized tie-downs, plus two tent stakes.
Girard Systems
Girard offers a variety of accessories for today’s motorhome awnings. They include M-1 Exterior Lights, a lightweight, solid-state light bar with amber LED bulbs that are said to attract fewer bugs. Lengths range from 1 foot 6 inches up to 9 feet. The lights mount underneath the awning, over doors, on slide rooms, or any place where additional lighting is wanted. The power source is 12 volts. The M-1 Exterior Light comes with an aluminum frame, a clear acrylic lens, and the amber LED bulbs.
The M-2 Awning Power Crank works with all retractable lateral-arm awnings with cranks. The power source includes a battery pack and a charger. Battery life between charges is approximately 6 to 8 hours. To operate, place the hook at the end of the Awning Power Crank and activate it.
Girard’s Awning Control System (ACS) is a four-sensor weather station that monitors wind, rain, sun, and outside temperatures. The ACS is designed to protect power awnings from wind and rain damage. An optional remote control is available. Powered by 120 volts, the system runs automatically, and data is displayed on a control panel. The awning also can be operated independently of the sensors, in the manual mode.
The Girard Wind Sensor V attaches to the roof of a coach and requires only three screws and two wires for installation. It continuously monitors outside wind conditions and ensures automatic retraction if the wind speed exceeds a specific velocity. This wind sensor works with all Girard awnings.
Kinzer Enterprises
The RV Awning Travel Lock, an aftermarket RV awning accessory, is designed to prevent the awning from billowing during travel. This prevents damage to the awning and eliminates the possibility of a potentially dangerous situation should the awning deploy when the motorhome is under way. The RV Awning Travel Lock can be installed in 15 minutes. Once installed, the Travel Lock is made ready for travel in less than one minute.
RV Specialties Inc.
The AwningSaver is an aftermarket anti-billowing lock for RV awnings that prevents wind from loosening the canopy when the coach is going down the road. It is designed to augment conventional roller tube locking mechanisms by locking the roller tube to the awning arm. Only a small crescent wrench and a 1/8-inch Allen wrench are required to install the device “” there is no drilling involved. Once installed, the brake band tightens around the roller tube with a few twists of the tension bolt, which is manipulated by any standard awning arm from the ground.
Zip Dee
The SolarShade attaches to the roller on an awning. It is said to block 85 percent of the sun’s heat and glare and to provide privacy as well (you can see out, but those outside cannot see in). Socket snaps on the SolarShade attach to studs the coach owner installs on the roller tube. The device can be repositioned anywhere on the roller. It’s offered in two heights, two colors, and two lengths.
Zip Dee offers a fabric cleaner called WashOut Awning Cleaner. This granular cleaner is specially formulated for Sunbrella fabric and is said to lift out stains without harming the water-repellent treatment. It contains a mildew retardant, is biodegradable, and is hard water tolerant. Zip Dee officials warn against using any detergent, such as Formula 409 or Simple Green, that might damage the water repellency of an acrylic fabric.
Other Zip Dee accessories include the Lift Handle, which makes it possible to quickly raise an awning to the desired height, and a variety of Center Rafters to reduce or eliminate fabric sagging associated with longer awnings. Of special interest is the Slider Bar, which is installed between the main supporting arms and the vehicle, thereby allowing the arms to “slide” up and above head height and provide enough clearance to walk or work underneath. Anyone who has ever walked into an open awning arm will understand the benefits.
Screen Rooms
Carefree of Colorado
Carefree of Colorado offers several models of screened-in rooms from which to choose. They include the Designer Add-A-Room, Standard Add-A-Room, Add-A-Room LTD, and Breezeway Screen Room.
The Designer Add-A-Room is offered in 55 solid-color Sunbrella acrylic fabrics. The 3-foot zippered door can be located at either end of the front wall. The room is completely reversible “” so privacy panels can be put on the inside for convenience or outside for rain protection. Clear Mylar WeatherView panels are optional.
The Standard Add-A-Room fits straight-sided RVs with an awning rail-to-ground dimension of 92 inches to 121 inches. It features sewn-in privacy panels with hook-and-loop fasteners to hold them down in breezy conditions. The room is completely reversible “” and comes with a 3-foot zippered door that can be located at either end of the room. It’s available in Cream or White colors and comes with a storage bag.
The Add-A-Room LTD includes all of the features of the Standard Add-A-Room plus heavy-duty zippers, 15-ounce reinforced vinyl fabric, optional snapless side panels, zippered privacy panels, and optional Clear WeatherView and Solar Screen Panels.
The Breezeway Screen Room provides bug-free comfort when RVers don’t need a room under the awning to be equipped with privacy panels. The screen-fabric wall and front panel allow the 3-foot zippered door to be attached at either end. The Breezeway is available with snapless side panels.
Dometic A&E
The Patty O’ Room fits both high-profile and low-profile RVs. The door can be positioned anywhere in the front section. The enclosure is offered with optional screen room anchors (water-filled bags) that eliminate the need for stakes. The ground-to-awning-rail standard dimensions are 93 inches to 110 inches; taller dimensions range from 111 inches to 120 inches. The Patty O’ Room is made of white vinyl and fiberglass screen; panels measuring 2 feet, 4 feet, and 8 feet allow coach owners to create the length of patio room desired, using all or part of the patio awning (8 feet to 25 feet).
Zip Dee
The Tropic Room Screen Enclosure is available in neutral gray so that it blends in with the screen. It reportedly can be set up by one person in minutes. Instead of stakes, the room is stabilized with Zip Dee’s own Aqua Anchors, puncture-resistant bags that are inserted in fabric pockets around the room and filled with water. The screening is commercial fiberglass, and the spring-loaded poles are made of rust-resistant, chrome-plated steel.
Care and Maintenance of Acrylic Awnings
Girard provided the following cleaning and stain-removal solutions for fabric made from 100 percent acrylic fiber. For daily maintenance, brush the dirt off and rinse with water. To clean, mix a mild soap (natural soaps are best) with water in a bucket. Dunk a clean brush into the bucket and wipe across the fabric with sweeping motions. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. (If you use a liquid detergent, you will need to reapply a water-repellent treatment such as 303 Hi-Tech Fabric Guard or a similar product.) Let the fabric air dry. If needed, store the fabric in a dry, ventilated area.
Girard’s Stain Removal Tips:
- Berry “” liquid detergent/ammonia, 3 percent to 6 percent with water
- Grease “” volatile solvent (acetone)
- Iron rust “” oxalic or citric acids and water
- Mildew “” half-cup bleach and quarter-cup natural soap per gallon of water
- Oil “” solvent (acetone)
- Paint (latex) wet “” liquid detergent and water
- Paint (latex) dry “” paint, oil, or grease remover
- Paint (oil or lacquer) “” paint, oil, or grease remover
- Tree sap “” turpentine, liquid detergent
Zip Dee provided the following information for maintaining its awnings. The two main parts of the awning, the hardware and the fabric, need attention for only a few hours each year. The awning hardware (everything that’s not fabric) needs to be cleaned and/or lubricated. Wipe off, using soap and water for stubborn dirt, all parts that are reachable. Spray an aerosol silicone lubricant on any moving parts that can’t be wiped off. Do not use WD-40 or grease; these products attract dirt and don’t leave a lasting film. The telescoping bars and tubes of each arm can be slid completely apart, one arm at a time, and wiped off. Flush out the inside of the tubes with water from a pressure hose.
The bright finish of the aluminum will dull over the years and a chrome polish will help improve the appearance. For a luster, spray on silicone lubricant again, not for the lubrication but for the shine. Finally, tighten every nut and bolt. Nothing should be loose. Most parts can be tightened with a 7/16-inch socket wrench.
Each month, hose off the fabric with water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fibers and eliminates the need for more frequent deep cleaning. Mildew causes the most damage to woven fabrics; however, because Sunbrella is made of non-organic acrylic fibers, it doesn’t support mildew fungus. But dirt can. Pollen, seeds, leaves, and even bird droppings can lead to mildew growth that can stain the awning fabric.
Every two or three years, a thorough cleaning is needed. Don’t wait for the fabric to look dirty. By that time dirt will have already set in and the stains may not come out. Deep cleaning is not difficult. Brush off any loose dirt, hose down the awning, then scrub the awning with a clean, soft-bristle brush using Zip Dee WashOut powder concentrate or a solution of 1 gallon of cold or lukewarm water with 1/4-cup natural soap (do not use detergents or commercial awning cleaners). For stubborn stains, add up to 1/2-cup of chlorine bleach. Allow the soap to soak into the fabric by rolling the awning closed for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The air will quickly dry the awning.
Manufacturers
American Made Awnings
P.O. Box 310
Dekalb, TX 75559
(800) 789-1212
www.americanmadeawnings.com
Carefree Of Colorado, C444
2145 W. Sixth Ave.
Broomfield, CO 80020
(303) 469-3324
www.carefreeofcolorado.com
Dometic Corporation (A&E Systems), C306
P.O. Box 490
Elkhart, IN 46515
(800) 544-4881
www.dometicusa.com
Fiamma, C5445
2427 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 672-0091
www.fiamma.com
Girard Systems, C6970
5 Chrysler St.
Irving, CA 92618
(800) 382-8442
(949) 587-8400
www.girardrv.com
Kinzer Enterprises
PMB 8100
P.O. Box 2428
Pensacola, FL 32513
(866) 562-5296
(602) 738-6231
http://rvawningtravellock.tripod.com
RV Specialties Inc., C9370
9706 Windy Hollow Drive
Irving, TX 75063
(817) 312-6911
www.awningsaver.com
Zip Dee Inc., C716
96 Crossen Ave.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(800) 338-2378
(847) 437-0980
www.zipdeeinc.com