Caravan awning tips for cleaning, maintenance and repair

LEAKS – AQUATEX

If the waterproofing quality of the canvas has been affected, the damage can usually be rectified by using “AquaTex” impregnator spray. The awning must be thoroughly dry and clean before application. “AquaTex” will not function on dirt; therefore, the canvas should be sprayed on the inside of the awning. If there are any leaks in the material, “AquaTex” will penetrate and be effective on the outside as well. If the material is very dry, you may notice some discolouration on the outside. To regularise the colour, simply spray on the outside as well. DON’T FORGET it is most important to clean the aw-ning inside and out BEFORE impregnation as any deposits on the material will negate the properties of the “AquaTex”. For example, nicotine from cigarettes will affect the material and the waterproofing. It is a good idea to have a can of “AquaTex” handy at all times as it has a wide variety of uses besides impregnating your awning. For instance, if you experience difficulty in drawing your awning beading through the caravan channel, spray the channel and the awning will slip through easily. “AquaTex” can also be used on stiff zips, removal of stains and, even impregnating your shoes or boots.

CLEANING CANVAS AND WINDOWS

Firstly, detergent or cleaning agents must not be used. Clean with plenty of pure water and a soft brush, the type used to clean your car is ideal. Spray water onto the canvas and loosen the dirt with the brush. Remove the dirt with a steady flow of water. Ideally this cleaning process should take place a couple of times a year and is easiest when the awning is erected. Exposed parts such as roof, sides and corners need careful attention. NEVER use spirit or polishes on the PVC windows. This advice applies to synthetic awnings only. The curtains supplied with Isabella awnings should be washed at 30°C.
Note! Do not tumble dry.

STEEL FRAMEWORK

The standard framework in an Isabella awning is made of hot-galvanised steel tubing with corners and centrecross made of light-weight plastic material. The tubes are joined with a spring and extreme care should be taken with the poles during assembly and dismantling of the awning frame. Careless use will result in the springs being either pulled out or overstreched. Every effort is put into ensuring a maximum lifespan for your steel frame. However, it should be maintained and cared for in the same way as the awning canvas. That is, dirt and earth should always be removed and the poles should be dry and clean before storing. It is also recommended to treat the poles with a wax (such as used on cars). All the spikes on corners and cross are fitted with a rubber grommet which always has to be firmly fixed wide side uppermost between frame and canvas. The rubber grommets prevent water from penetrating.To secure the awning further, rubber grommets can be fitted on the outside, too (wide side uppermost). Grommets are available as an optional extra.

FIBRE GLASS/CARBONX FRAMEWORK

Most Isabella awnings can now be supplied with a lightweight IXL fibre glass/CarbonX frame. This flexible strong frame is corrosion resistant and less likely to experience condensation than a steel frame. These are very easy to maintain, a quick wipe before storage to remove dirt and earth is all that’s needed. If the couplings slide, we recommend cleaning the inside of the fittings and the adjustable tube with white spirit. The position of IsaFix clamps,where fitted, can be adjusted with a screw driver for optimum tension.
IsaFix can be retro fitted on any Fibreglass/CarbonX frame.

LOWER PANEL

Under certain circumstances it may seem like the lower panel is changing structure and is getting lighter in places. On closer examination we have ascertained that this usually is caused by a kind of algae, this means small insect eggs, which are laid in the dents of the material. If you look at these through a magnifying glass, you can take off the egg with a needle point. However the best way to remove these is to use AquaTex impregnator spray and wipe off with a soft cloth maybe together with a soft brush. AquaTex impregnator also counteracts future attacks.
The “algae” appears both on PVC/polyester and acryl, but is more obvious on a PVC/polyester background.

CLEANING THE BLINDS (CREAM PLEATED) ON VISION AND OPUS AWNINGS

This light weight and light coloured material has been tested for appearance and durability in use for Blinds. We are satisfied that the Nylon construction will hold it’s pleated shape and perform to the high standard expected.

To clean the product

• Remove the blinds from the awning.
• Stretch the parts of material affected to lay as flat as possible.
• Brush off any dirt with a soft brush or cloth which will remove normal dust and should remove specific stains
• If the above is unsuccessful then tepid (not hot) water should be applied sparingly with a soft brush and agitated to remove dirt spots, rinse well and hang to dry immediately with the material slightly pleated but not folded tight

REPLACE BAYONET FITTINGS

900060055 Cream For 22mm Zinox or IXl poles
900060083 Cream For 26mm Fibremax poles
900060260 Charcoal Grey For 22mm Zinox or CarbonX poles
900060243 Charcoal Grey For 26mm Fibremax CarbonX poles
The bayonet fittings are a push fit part. No glue is necessary.

To remove and existing part the easiest way is often to unclamp the telescopic coupling and remove the thin pole to which the bayonet is fitted.
Push a thinner rod inside the tube to remove the bayonet end fitting.
Replace the bayonet with a new one, part number as shown, Replace the thin tube and retighten the telescopic coupling.  

ZIPPER

Isabella use nylon spiral zips, on this quality zip the slider moves smoothly even on the corners. If you encounter problems with the running of the zips, ensure that the awning is assembled and tensioned correctly. Avoid using force on your zip. Make sure that both halves of the zip are correctly aligned. Take the strain off the zips by cross pegging at the base, re adjusting where necessary for smooth running sliders.
DO NOT LUBRICATE WITH OIL. We recommend that you lubricate the zips with AquaTex silicone spray. If the zip separates in use – don’t worry- the slider is worn and can be easily replaced, the zip is not faulty. This usually occurs when one zip is used for a prolonged period of time and the slider is no longer gripping the zip spirals together. See Replacing sliders/stop ends for handy hints.

Maintenance tips

• Never use force.
• To avoid damaging the stop ends, care should be taken when assembling the panels.
• Always keep the zips clean and free of dirt and sand.
• A silicone based spray AquaTex acts as an efficient lubricant used sparingly. By using AquaTex, the sliders will move smoothly on the zip, and at the same time ensure that the fabric around the zip is waterproofed. The spray helps prevent water ingress through the teeth.
• Prolonged lubrication will occasionally cause the zip to lose its “lock” i.e. it opens up after the slider has been pulled. This usually indicates that the slider is worn and needs to be replaced.
• Always use a veranda bar to support the zip, when using the awning veranda style ie with the top half unzipped.

REPLACEMENT OF ZIP SLIDERS

Zips are an important part of the awning and are often in constant use, it is important to maintain and care for their various parts. Since they do most of the work, the sliders are very exposed to wear and tear, if the zip is separating in use it easy it is to replace the sliders and remedy this. With correct zip maintenance, wear and tear on all awning parts is reduced. The sliders are designed to be removable – if the sliders are off the panel or roof follow these simple instructions to re- fit them.

1. Remove the panel from the awning completely.
2. There are 2 sliders on the roof and two on the panel. Identify the “stop end” of the zip b2 which has a nib and the “feeder end” which is smooth. Pull the sliders to the feeder end of the zip b1, and they will come off.
3. Put two sliders onto each zip half. The sliders have a fat side for the ridge of the zip and thin for the back of the zip. Also sliders have dome and flat edges. Align the sliders ‘fat to fat’ and ‘flat to flat’ as in the video. Feed these round to the “stop end”. The panel can then be zipped in