Learning how to open an awning on a Grand Design travel trailer shouldn’t stress you out. While there are several types of awnings, some manual and others power-operated, the steps remain straightforward. We know that for those new RV owners; you want to be sure it’s done correctly. To help, we asked our Grand Design experts to discuss the awning types and the steps to take before, during, and afterward, so your awning will look good, work as intended, and last long.
Types of RV Awnings
You have two types of awnings: manual and power-operated. Newer RVs with manual awnings utilize a crank wheel with a detachable handle to open and close the awning. Older models require an awning rod to engage the extend/retract function and to reach the awning strap.
Power awnings use an electric motor to extend and retract the awning. Usually, the motor switch is inside the RV. The manual versus power awning debate has legitimate points for both.
A power awning makes the job simple and fast with the push of a button. However, some people prefer the manual option because your awning is stuck if you have electrical issues or your motor fails. You can still retract a power awning manually, but it isn’t as easy.
That’s why the crank-operated manual process wins the argument. The crank makes opening and closing your awning significantly more manageable, and you never have to worry about your motor failing. One word of advice is always to make sure the removable crank arm is stowed in your trailer before leaving. You don’t want to arrive at your destination only to realize you can’t open your awning.
What to Do Before Extending RV Awnings
You want to take a few precautions before opening your awnings, regardless of how they operate. Your first step is to level and stabilize your RV correctly. You’ll need enough clearance for your awnings to open completely, so walk around your trailer looking for obstructions, including your RV door.
If you don’t have a spotter, the door can pose a problem, particularly for power awnings. With the controls inside, you might need to prop the door ajar so you can watch as your awnings open to spot any issues. Just make sure the door isn’t in the way of your awning.
If you aren’t alone, have your spotter watch as the awning extends. They should look for obstructions you missed and make sure the awning doesn’t overextend.
How to Open RV Power Awnings
You can open your power RV awning after leveling, stabilizing, and checking for obstructions. First, locate the switch on your control panel. It’s a simple switch with an Extend and Retract side. Press the Extend side and let the awning roll out. You or your spotter should watch to ensure the awning extends evenly.
You want to extend the awning until the fabric has completely rolled out and you can see the barrel. The barrel is the tube the awning rolls onto when you retract it. Be careful not to overextend the awning. The electric motor will continue to turn, and many systems don’t have a stop feature when it reaches the end. Instead, the barrel will continue to turn, and the awning will start to retract. At the very best, you have rolled your awning up inside out. At worst, you might cause a jam, as the fabric’s natural curve can kink as it winds in.
When it’s time to break camp, you must retract your power awning. Thoroughly check the awning and surrounding area for obstructions, especially if you’ve been camped for a while. Pine cones, acorns, and leaves can get stuck and jam your awning as it retracts.
If you need to hunker down before a storm, check for obstructions. For good reasons, picnic tables, chairs, gas grills, bicycles, and more often find their way beneath your awning. Once you confirm clearance, go to your control panel and press the Retract side of the switch.
It’s essential to make sure the awning retracts evenly. If it goes in crooked, it can jam. Release the switch once the awning contacts the RV’s exterior wall. Be sure not to continue pressing the Retract side at this point. The outside edge of the awning won’t fit into the roll-up slot, but the motor likely doesn’t have a fail-safe stop feature. Instead, the motor will continue to pull the awning, damaging either the awning or itself.
How to Open Manual Awnings
Manual awnings have a more complicated process, depending on the type. If your awning uses pull-straps, ensure you have the clearance and close your RV’s door. Then, loosen the knobs on the awning arms. Next, open the tabs to separate the inner arm from the outer arm. You’ll need to use the awning rod to engage the Roll-Down switch located on the forward end of the awning’s barrel.
Using the awning rod, snag the awning strap and pull it to extend the awning. You can use the awning arm on either side to help keep the awning even as you extend it. Once you extend the awning completely, tighten the knobs you loosened at the beginning. Open the handle on one end to extend the awning upward and repeat this on the other side. Make sure both arms are evenly extended.
To retract a manual awning, reverse these steps. However, it’s important to note that manual awnings are spring-loaded, so they retract automatically. Hold onto the awning tightly before you engage the Roll-Up switch. Carefully let it retract slowly to avoid it slamming into your RV and possibly damaging the exterior or jamming as it rolls.
Different Types of Awning Options
Awnings are made from various materials, such as cotton, polyester, and canvas. Some provide simple shade, while others convert to a screen room. If you plan on leaving your RV in place year-round, you can upgrade to more durable permanent wood, plastic, or metal options. If you’re interested in changing your pull style manual awning to add a power awning to your RV, you can buy a power RV awning conversion kit.
Speak With Our Team of Grand Design Experts if You Have Any Further Questions
We hope you found this article helpful as you begin enjoying your Grand Design RV. If you still have questions, please get in touch with our team of experts. They’ll answer your questions, help you find RV power awning parts, or help you troubleshoot a problem.
