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babamartha's avatar
babamartha
Explorer
Aug 04, 2014

Water accumulation in rolled-up awning

I hope I can find an answer here - you-all seem to know everything about everything!

I have a 2009 Kodiak 160SVT. When the awning is rolled up, rainwater enters the sides and stays there until I open the awning. As a result, it's really gross in there. I have it open now so I can clean both sides of it, then let it dry. We're having a family reunion at a state park and I want my rig to look GOOD.

Two questions, then:

1) What can I use to clean the awning safely?
2) How can I prevent rainwater from seeping into the sides when it's rolled up? There's a LOT of water in there!

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!

14 Replies

  • My awning is a sponge for moisture as well. It has not rained but a fraction of an inch in weeks here, but I'll make a point to open it after work tonight and I bet it'll be dripping as it unrolls.

    I agree, it's more likely condensation.
  • Rain may get in but I'm convinced it's a form of condensation. Air within the rolled up awning gets heated by the sun and expands. When the air cools the air contracts inside the awning and brings with it moist air eg. in the evening. The next day the air expands again BUT not all of the moisture taken in the evening before goes with it. This cycle is repeated every day depending on what the awning is exposed to. A cover over the roof and awning helps minimize the problem because it keeps the suns rays off the rolled up awning.
  • some on this forum have taken a pressurized tank commonly used for spraying weed killer, and fill it with bleach and soap. unroll the awning and spray the bottom them lower the awning spray the top then roll it up for 30 minutes and then unroll and spray with garden hose to remove dirt and grime. a brush will help remove any stubborn dirt.
  • I have a 2012 kodiak 181e and I notice the same issue. Generally I am in the habit of opening the awning after any big rain just to dry it out before mold get a chance to set in. I also wash it with the car wash brush every time I wash the trailer (about every 2-3 weeks when not in use).
    I have run across many threads on various solutions for cleaning it. I am sure someone will chime it, but I think is best to prevent mold than to clean it. I would start by keeping it as dry and as clean as possible so you do not need to use heavy cleaners.
    I would be interested in ideas on how to keep the rain water out too.