What is best way to protect new awning?

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
Have just replaced the original awning and roller on my 2000 Minnie Winnie. Do not have a metal protect shield on the top portion that is most exposed to sun. Any ideas on how to best protect it? I was thinking of keeping Protect All heavily applied. Something else? If only I could get 14 years out of the new awning. THANKS!!!

If you got 14 years from your last awning just what are you trying to accomplish by protecting your new awning, even you get half the life of the original. With the price of new awning material vs the price of a metal shield or any other solution I say go ahead and replace it when needed.

a length of vinyl gutter from home depot fits snug over the roller tube and protects it. They come in 10ft lengths,I bought two for my awning. No need for metal shield or protectant

I made a cover out of a long narrow piece cut from an old sail, used only when the rig is in storage. I had tried using a section of PVC pipe, but it sometimes blew off in high winds. If the cloth blows off it won't damage anything.
The old dacron jib had already lasted 12 years; the cloth is sturdy.

The metal shield that some awnings have is part of the awning. For storage some have made covers out of PVC pipe or rain gutter. Here is one thread. Cheap-O Awning Cover complete

I have a 92 Jamboree and the vinyl weather shielding has done it's job in Oregon - awning is still OK - 303 UV protectant will help.

I have read mixed reports about whether you can add metal weather protector after the fact - some threads say no because they use different fabric and some threads say that depending on brand the mfg doesn't sell it separately.

The metal covers are made into the last few inches of the fabric so it covers the rolled up awning,I don't believe they can be added later.

The ones I had on my awning and windows were all ordered that way.

You could try This It works very well.

Thanks for the comments! Is it possible for a metal shield to be installed after the awning is installed?

Where do you folks get the metal shields for awnings. Do they make smaller ones for slide out awnings?

I agree with using a metal cover and I also treat the fabric with 303 Aerospace UV protectant.

14 years is pretty good.

I have my awnings still looking great on my 1997 motorhome. I had them installed, with metal covers back in late 96. So they are just about 18 years old. I think it is the metal covers that keep them looking great. Along with quality fabrics that are sun resistant.

Good luck!

Fred.