Setup

• There are two basic types of awnings: attached and standalone. Attached awnings are permanently connected to your RV, and can be folded or rolled out when you need to use them. These awnings normally provide only overhead shade, without any type of walls. Standalone awnings are unattached to the RV, and are set up with poles like a tent. They sometimes have screen walls attached.
  
  If you have an attached awning, you can open it simply releasing any locking mechanisms, then pulling the awning out from the RV or turning the knob on the awning to roll it out. The awning may have a lock to keep it in place once opened. These awnings typically come with poles that can be attached to the end for added support. Connect one side of the poles to the awning, and the other side to the bottom of your RV. Your RV should have a space for the poles to be attached to. If it does not, you can stake them into the ground, although this will provide less support against wind.
  
  Standalone awnings need to be set up like a tent. There will be several folding metal poles. Unfold them, and thread them through the pole openings in the awning. Then stake the bottoms of the poles into the ground.
  
  You can increase the strength of both types of awnings by tying them to your RV. Attached awnings typically come with ties, but with some standalone awnings you may need to use your own rope.
  
  Awnings provide some protection from rain, but they are not designed to withstand heavy rainfall. The most common way for rain to damage an awning is by pooling on top of it. To prevent this, tilt the awnings so that they slope away from the RV. This allows rain to drain off the awning.
  
  

Warning

• Don't set up your awnings in storms with extreme rain or wind. These can easily damage or destroy the awning. Instead wait out the storm and set up the awning once the storm passes.