Awning question-- getting wet when stored

I ought to knock on wood but I've never really had this issue. Always make sure its dry when I roll it up and that's about it. My new Flagstaff has built in awning covers, so I think that helps.

I have seen a post on here in the past about using "modified" 2 liter soda bottles to make end covers for awnigs to help seal up the ends, but can't attest as to how they work. Obviously you can't drive with them on.

Hope this helps

Awning Pro Tech makes a commercial awning cover. I just made the same thing out of 4" PVC sewer pipe (it's thin wall). I used my circular saw to make a slit in it. I bought 2 ten foot pieces at menards for $13.89. When I close up my camper for the winter I'll snap those pieces on and next spring I'll see how good my awning was protected.

I may be mistaken about this (and I'm sure the experts here will jump on it if I am), but I think the mildew that you're smelling and/or seeing forms on materials OTHER than the actual awning fabric. In other words, its the pollen, dust, leaf bits, bugs, and other debris that supports the growth of mildew. The awning fabric is generally vinyl, which is plastic, and if it were totally clean, there would be no mildew.

So, if I'm correct, the issue isn't that it's wet. The issue is that it is not clean.

You probably will have a lot more success if you keep it meticulously clean, since you probably can't keep it totally dry.

-Speak

When in storage and it rains and your trailer is level, the rain water will sit near the awning and find its way into your rolled up awning. If you store with a little more tilt, rain will run off. Only a guess.

I have no idea how capillary action can suck in so much water but it does. Also, it will almost always leave a dark streak.

I wash it periodically but when it rains a lot, it is not worth the effort.

Doug33 wrote:
Gets wet and attracts some mildew also - and it looks pretty crappy when I extend out the awning to see the stains.

Go to Lowes and pick some of this stuff up. Spray it on and let it sit for a while. Stains will be gone, and it will also help to prevent new stains and mildew.

To the OP - just unroll it once in a while or make a cover for it: