Awning preservation

[McIver]

Well, I now have new Dometic awnings on my slide-outs WITHOUTS the alumnashields (yes it did cost me over $500 to have them replaced). Does anyone have a way to add to the protection that these shields were designed to provide (perhaps a tape? perhaps a paint on coating?) ?

[bncinwv]

I have considered using 303 protectant on ours but have not gotten around to it. My understanding is the sun's uv rays are the main cause of the material degradation.
Bingo

[RRman]

I suggest 6" wide Eternabond. On my Main Awning (not the slideouts), it was starting to delaminate at the outside layer that is always exposed when rolled up. Over six months later, awning is holding up fine after covering the ends and other damaged sections with the Eternabond which was applied in the rolled up awning position. A little challenging from a ladder.

[1retired06]

When I traded our 5 year old Montana in on our 2010, the toppers were in good shape, some staining. My advice is to keep them clean, without stressing the material. Keeping the underside clean is difficult. Too much scrubbing will certainly stress the material. Do not put any supports under the topper which puts pressure on the awning, as it will cause the topper to permanently stretch and weaken the material. And always try to give the toppers time to dry out before closing. I have never tried any UAV protection products and have not had to do eternabond repairs.