Installing a Trailer Awning

If you want to have a nice and convenient lunch outside your motor home while you’re on the go, a trailer awning will sure come in handy. They are usually there for recreational purposes like having tea in the afternoon or playing chess right after a hearty meal. It protects people and things that take shelter under it from the harmful rays of the sun and the other elements like as rain and snow. Installing a trailer awning will definitely be a welcome addition to any trailer.

Step 1: Making and Marking Measurements

First you have to determine where you will be attaching the brackets of your awning. If your awning has a manual, refer to it so you will know the exact distances the brackets and railings have to be from each other. Now determine where you will be attaching the bottom brackets by aligning it to the bottom of the trailer. Mark the location of the brackets with the marker.

Step 2: Attach Top Railing

Attach the top railing first by holding it perpendicular to the ground along the side of your trailer. Determine the height as to where it should be placed and mark the holes where the screws are going to go. Drill the holes and attach the top railings by screwing them securely using the screwdriver.

Step 3: Attach Bottom Brackets

After you’re done with the top railing, it’s now time to do the bottom brackets. Attach them by marking the place where the screws should go and drill the appropriate holes. Make sure that the trailer awning brackets will not get in the way of doors and windows. They should be able to open and close normally without any trouble. Attach the brackets and screw them on tightly

Step 4: Unroll the Awning

Pull down the awning and unroll it fully until it attaches to the upper arm of the railing. Depending on the type of your trailer awning kit, there should be knobs on the sides in order to adjust the tension. This basically adjusts how tight the awning will be. Make sure that the tension on both sides is the same to have an even distribution on the awning. You can actually add a piece of metal tubing in the middle of the awning fabric in order to make it more secure. These can be bought at your local hardware store.

Step 5: Apply Silicone

Get your silicone and apply it to the joints of the system in order for them to function better and last longer. Apply a generous amount and make sure that you do not miss any spots. This will prevent the moving parts from rusting easily and will therefore help your awning last longer.

Step 6: Put up the Awning

At this point, your awning should still be propped against the side of your trailer. Put it up by fastening the railing to the brackets at the base so that it will be in the upright position already. Your trailer awning is now ready for use.