Published Date: March 7, 2022
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
If you are looking to add an awning to the side of your RV, we are going to take a look at how to measure the size correctly so you get the right awning for your requirements. Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
What Is An RV Awning?
An RV awning is a flexible cloth that is designed to provide shade to RV users. Purchasing an RV awning requires you to get two different products- an awning fabric section and awning arms.
How to Measure an RV Camping Awning
Traveling outdoors has become easier with the fascinating technological inventions in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy the comfortable shade on those bright sunny days under a classy RV awning. These awnings may become dented over time and require repair as they become damaged. To replace awning fabric, you will have to note down accurate measurements to get the right size.
Measurement Methods for Different Awning Types
You get different types of awnings, namely, slide-out awnings, window awnings, and retractable awnings, and there are different measurement procedures for each one.
Measuring for RV Awning
Here’s how you can measure the canopy fabric if you require an entire awning fabric:
Width: Measuring the width of your RV’s existing awning is pretty easy. All you have to do is to take out a tape measure and note down the total width from the middle of one awning arm to the middle of the other awning arm. Whatever the reading is, place the order for that exact size of awning fabric.
Height: Awning arms have different heights based on the height of the vehicle they will fit in. Measure vertically down from the roller to the awning rail with the help of a tape measure. Bring the correct measurements to an RV dealer and select an awning fabric that matches your measurements.
Measuring For Slide-Out Awning
In order to select the right slide topper, you need to investigate three measurement dimensions of the trailer awning as follows:
- Width of the slide-out room (the box placed inside the RV)
- Width of the slide-out flange (the most spread out element of the slide-out assembly)
- Height from the slide-out room peak to the flange peak (The flange is a slim metal frame on the sides of the room and lays flat against the RV. It encompasses a rubber seal that is designed to prevent the water from entering inside.)
With the above three measurements, you can derive the width of a slide-out awning fabric.
Measuring For Replacement RV Window Awnings
The width measurement for window awnings is similar to that of patio awnings, i.e., the middle of the arm straight across to the other side arm. There are two heights for window awning arms, so it should be pre-determined before ordering am awning.
Measuring For Retractable Awnings
Start by measuring the wall height where the awning is to be installed. Decide the width of the awning by taking horizontal measurements. Bear in mind some of the following installation instructions before executing the process:
- The awning should be 8 feet above the ground, as most retractable awnings need a downward pitch.
- There should be at least 6 inches of clearance space for safe installment. If it is to be installed on a swinging door, add a further 10-12 inches for the unobstructed space.
RV Awning Canopy Fabric Extension Lengths
Most of the patio awnings have a canopy fabric that is extendable to a standard of 8 feet. The only exemption is some destination awnings have an extension length of 10 feet out from the RV. All slide-out canopy fabrics are crafted with 42 inches of extension length to offer the vast slide-out room space. Window awnings are manufactured with dual extension lengths for standard and extra tall windows. Lastly, almost all retractable awnings can be extended between 5 feet to 10 feet.
Do All RV Awnings Have A Similar Size?
Every camping awning fabric comes in whole measurements of feet, such as a 12-foot awning, 16-foot awning, and so on. You will never find measurements in any other unit than feet, not even in inches. However, there are sources on the online platform where you can custom-cut the canopy fabric according to your requirements.
Removal of an RV Awning
Removal of an RV awning may become necessary when your awning unit needs to be repaired or replaced. It is not something that you can do on your own, as you will need the support of two or more people to help you remove the awning unit. The items that you will require for the execution of the removal process are:
- Work gloves
- Short 2 x 4 or wooden board
- Pliers
- Two cotter pins
- Two sawhorses
- Screwdriver/electric drill
Just make sure that the weather is stable the day you choose to perform this process, and that there is no chance of wind or rain.
