Black awning

[Steve69]

So this isn’t really a repair question but maybe a mod question. We have a 22’ awning on our new 29 View and when loading up for our first trip with it, I noticed that the awning radiates some serious heat under it. It is black on both sides. In direct sunlight, it’s pretty useless for sitting in the shade on a hot day. Other than replacing it, is there anything I can do to cut the heat? I don’t know if there is something that can be put on it or if it’s going to be a case of replace or live with it. The slide cover is the same and I suspect that contributed to the slide staying warm despite the AC going.

When we first saw it, we thought “cool, we don’t have to deal with the stains we had in the old camper awning” but this may be worse.

Any thoughts or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

 

[MGD1961]

So this isn’t really a repair question but maybe a mod question. We have a 22’ awning on our new 29 View and when loading up for our first trip with it, I noticed that the awning radiates some serious heat under it. It is black on both sides. In direct sunlight, it’s pretty useless for sitting in the shade on a hot day. Other than replacing it, is there anything I can do to cut the heat? I don’t know if there is something that can be put on it or if it’s going to be a case of replace or live with it. The slide cover is the same and I suspect that contributed to the slide staying warm despite the AC going.

When we first saw it, we thought “cool, we don’t have to deal with the stains we had in the old camper awning” but this may be worse.

Any thoughts or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

I can’t wait to see the answers. I have the same issue and try to pick camp sites with the awning facing as north as possible.

 

[ken64k]

Several years ago I used this spray Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Coating. I had good results with it on some boat seats. I notices Walmart sells some made by Rust-Oleum. Maybe using a light color on the topside would help reflect the heat.

 

[Steve69]

Several years ago I used this spray Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Coating. I had good results with it on some boat seats. I notices Walmart sells some made by Rust-Oleum. Maybe using a light color on the topside would help reflect the heat.

This might be an idea. I need to find some test material but it’s worth a go. Many others have said the they just have a fan going to keep the air moving, which I can see would help some. That’s also another thing taking up space. I’ve even seen the argument that the heat doesn’t radiate down so maybe I’m just hallucinating the whole thing…

I’m a little torn because not having to deal with the stains is a pretty nice perk.

 

[Steve69]

I can’t wait to see the answers. I have the same issue and try to pick camp sites with the awning facing as north as possible.

Yeah, me too. I normally don’t plan as much as you do but it might come down to that. Our neighbor this weekend had a silver awning, which looked pretty good but I wonder how much effort they put into it. They seemed to be a retired couple and I’m not there yet.

 

[kenandterry]

This might be an idea. I need to find some test material but it’s worth a go. Many others have said the they just have a fan going to keep the air moving, which I can see would help some. That’s also another thing taking up space. I’ve even seen the argument that the heat doesn’t radiate down so maybe I’m just hallucinating the whole thing…

I’m a little torn because not having to deal with the stains is a pretty nice perk.

1. I’d be worried that any kind of paint won’t do well rolling up and rolling out over time. Fabric that’s a color is one thing….paint to change a color is another thing.
2. We use a Dyson fan unit, that also doubles as an electric heater. We have a cat, so with a Dyson, no worries about blades. It takes up very little storage space.
3. Our last RV had a light colored awning which shows dirt and stains. This having a black awning is a perk at an increase in heat sometimes.
Pick your poison they say.

 

[MGD1961]

1. I’d be worried that any kind of paint won’t do well rolling up and rolling out over time. Fabric that’s a color is one thing….paint to change a color is another thing.
2. We use a Dyson fan unit, that also doubles as an electric heater. We have a cat, so with a Dyson, no worries about blades. It takes up very little storage space.
3. Our last RV had a light colored awning which shows dirt and stains. This having a black awning is a perk at an increase in heat sometimes.
Pick your poison they say.

Are you suggesting using a fan outdoors? Doesn’t seem like that would do much. Much less how do you power that when boondocking?

 

[kenandterry]

Are you suggesting using a fan outdoors? Doesn’t seem like that would do much. Much less how do you power that when boondocking?

Like you mentioned yourself, the fan keeps the air moving, which is a little cooler than the still air that’s heated and trapped underneath. We hardly ever boondock or dry camp, and if we do, we have an onboard generator to power any A.C. powered items. Sorry.

 

[Iwritecode]

We have a black/dark brown awning and have never noticed it radiating heat. The shade it provides is just as cool as anything else.

 

[ken64k]

1. I’d be worried that any kind of paint won’t do well rolling up and rolling out over time. Fabric that’s a color is one thing….paint to change a color is another thing.

This stuff is made for fabric. It is not like your regular spray paint I had it on seat cushions and it lasted years.

 

[DJ252]

Ours is black too and I've had the exact same thoughts, though so far, haven't noticed heat radiating down from it.

I think the trade off is worth it. i.e. Hides stains much better.

 

[Electra glide]

We switched to black in 2020 and I love not having to deal with the stains. Mine is a fifth wheel so maybe being higher up helps because I have never noticed increased heat from it. We have used fans outside but if boondocking I could see where that would be hard to work with. I have seen solar fans but not sure how much air they move.

 

[DJ252]

BTW, a fan can be worth while outside, especially if the mosquitos are bad. We have a 12" mini box fan, that can run on AC or batteries. Not too bulky and the batteries are heavier that the fan is.

 

[Reverse_snowbird]

We have a black awning and have never noticed heat radiating from it.
It does a great job of shading that side of the rig and the refrigerator which is on that side likes it.
A fan is a good idea. There's usually an electric outlet on that side of rigs.