Simple Shade Cuts Temperatures Inside RV

One of the easiest ways to stay cool in your RV is to extend your awning. Reflecting the sun away and shading one side of your RV really cuts down on the heat. To make your rig even more enjoyable add a curtain to your awning tube. You can roll these up with your awning or remove them, fold them up and stow them until the next use. You can tie the curtains down or just let them flap in the breeze. Either way, they will provide you with more pleasant temperatures during the dog days of summer. When the wind comes up I always roll up my main awning because I've seen too many RV awnings ripped by the wind. However, I usually leave my window awnings down in light to moderate wind because they don't have as much surface area as the main awning. You can also have snap-on window covers made that will even stand up to heavy wind. Window covers and awnings are an important asset in lowering the inside temperature of your RV. Helping you make it in the shade - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Sewmasters of Yuma Has Your RV Covered

RVers use a lot of fabric and frequently need custom made awning drapes, wiper blade protectors, mirror covers, tire covers and a multitude of other items. On most ships in the Navy you’ll find a “Sail Shop” where a boatswains-mate sews canvas bags, covers and just about anything a ship’s rigging calls for. Sewmasters of Yuma is your personal “Sail Shop” where you'll find most everything "fabric" you’ll need to outfit your RV. Walking into the store is like walking into a warehouse with stacks of fabric lining the shelves. Customers fluff out awning material checking the quality like a Far East merchant inspecting silk in a Bazar. Sewmasters makes awning drapes in various sizes and will custom make anything you specify. They also make 5th Wheel skirts, patio shades, Arizona rooms and a whole lot more. Sewmasters of Yuma is located on 32nd Street across from the big swap-meet. If you want them to ship your order call them at (928) 726-1166. They’ve been in business since 1990 and are well known with a good reputation. They’re “old school” and don’t have a fancy website but you’ll be able to find what you need at a good price when you call. All their sewn products are made in the USA on site at the Yuma store. In the meantime I’ve got you covered spinning a yarn everyday - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Pros and Cons of Different RV Awnings

The RV lifestyle embraces outdoor living. Awnings are a big part of enjoying outside activities because they provide shade on hot days and keep things dry when it rains. RVers have a variety of awnings and colors to choose from. If you buy an RV off the lot or from a private party, chances are it already has a factory installed awning. You’re not stuck with the awning if you don’t like it, but plan on doling out some dough to replace it. If you’re purchasing a new RV, you can usually opt for a few different models of awnings. Your basic choices are manual, electric and electric with a wind sensor that closes the awning automatically when a big wind hits. The automatic awnings really do work. I was standing with a friend under his awning in Arizona when a huge dust devil came towards the campground. Before he could get inside to retract the awning, the sensor was already on the job. It was almost completely closed when the wind hit. The wind ravaged the awning of the RV parked next to him, breaking a pole and ripping the fabric. So, yes these awnings work well, but are not cheap. I don’t particularly care for these awnings when they have to extend over a slide because they come straight out at a 90 degree angle. I prefer the manual type because you have more flexibility for setting the angle. If you leave your awning out when it’s raining always tip one side down to prevent the water from pooling. Some weather sensor awnings will automatically dump pooled rain water or air conditioning run-off. Manufacturers of awnings like Carefree, A&E and ZipDee make very good products and are sure to have an awning to suit your specific recreational needs. You can also add sun shades, and screen rooms to some awnings.Many RVers use their awnings to hang festive lights, wind chimes and various other decorations. Our current motorhome also has window awnings which are terrific. I wasn’t sure I would like them at first, but they are very nice to have when sleeping with the windows open. If it rains, I don’t worry about getting out of bed to close the windows, because the shades keep the rain out. If you’re not sure whether to buy the window awning option, do it anyway, you’ll be glad you did. I’ve got you covered - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing