TRAILER TIPS
TRAILERLIFE
TOW RATINGS
ANNUAL TOWING GUIDES (2009-1999)
What Does That Mean?
AWNING MAINTENANCE
FABRIC CARE
CAUTION DO NOT USE OIL BASED CLEANERS OR ANY CAUSTIC, GRANULATED, OR ABRASIVE TYPE CLEANERS ON YOUR AWNING FABRIC.
1.) One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clean water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
2) When it's time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still mounted. For Vinyl Fabric--Use a soft brush and warm water with soap. For Acrylic Fabric--Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3) When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following: 1) Always use a natural soap. Never detergent; 2) Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees; 3) Air-dry only. Never Apply heat to the fabric; 4) Always allow the fabric to dry completely before rolling up the fabric.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Vinyl coated polyester fabrics are mildew resistant because of a chemical biocide in the vinyl coating. Under ordinary conditions, mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are common, mildew can be a problem and require the material to be washed more frequently. THOROUGHLY rinse the fabric with clean water and allow to air dry completely before rolling up the fabric.
SIDE-OUT AWNING POOLING
When water collects on the top of the fabric, this is known as "pooling". This can occur during inclement weather or if a running air conditioner discharges over the slide out awning. The water is dumped when the room is retracted. It is recommended that if water accumulates on the top of the slide out awning, briefly retract the room to dump the water. This will help prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting.
Information Provided by Carefree of Colorado
Disclosure: TrailerLife Tow Ratings is a publication of TrailerLife Magazine. The link will take you directly to TrailerLife's website. Most of the Trailer Tips come directly from Jayco, Inc. Tech Flyer publication which is published each month.
