Adjusting an electric RV awning typically involves realigning the fabric at the rail and tightening loose motor or arm fittings. Most misalignment issues stem from fabric slippage in the track or loose mounting bolts that can be fixed with basic tools in about 30 minutes. Common problems include crooked arms during extension, gaps when retracted, and wobbly movement caused by loose connections between the motor and awning assembly.
Don't worry—we've all been there, staring at a lopsided awning that looks like it had one too many at happy hour. The good news? Most electric RV awning adjustments are simpler than you'd think, and you won't need to call in the pros for every wobble or gap.
Crooked awning arms usually result from fabric that's shifted in the wall-mounted rail or uneven tension in the support arms. With the awning open and unfurled, look to the railing holding the fabric in place at the RV end of the awning. There should be screws near the edges of the fabric, affixing it to the railing.
The most common culprit is fabric that's slipped sideways in its track over time. When your awning fabric isn't centered properly in the wall rail, it pulls the entire assembly off-kilter during extension. This creates that frustrating crooked appearance where one arm extends further than the other.
Motor damage can actually be the cause of a wobbly arm system as well. If you're experiencing this problem and the arm seems to buck and wobble while extending or retracting, one of the first places you should look is the fitting between the motor and the outer bar of the awning. Before tackling any electrical components, make sure you understand how to open an RV awning properly—improper operation can actually cause many of the alignment issues we're addressing here.
Quick DIY Fix Steps:
Retraction gaps occur when awning arms aren't properly aligned with their mounting tracks or when mounting bolts have loosened over time. My bolts were a little loose, almost finger tight and there is a marker on the rail where it is supposed to be. I adjusted each arm out 1/4" and closed the awning, perfecto....gap is gone and back to being flush.
Most electric awnings have adjustment points at the wall-mounted brackets. These allow you to move each arm slightly to achieve perfect alignment when retracted. In some cases, if only one side is loose, you still must adjust both sides. If you don't adjust both sides, the lead rail will track off-center and not close properly.
The Fix:
Wobbly operation usually indicates loose screws in the motor-to-awning connection or worn motor mounting hardware. That fitting will typically have two screws that can get loose, so this should be one of the first places you look.
The motor assembly connects to your awning's roller tube through a drive head mechanism. When these connection points loosen, you'll notice jerky, uneven movement during extension or retraction. Left unchecked, this can damage both the motor and awning fabric.
Inspection Points:
Don't over-tighten these connections—snug is sufficient. Electric awning motors generate significant torque, and over-tightening can strip threads or crack mounting points.
Basic electric awning adjustments require a 7/16" socket or wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, and potentially a rubber mallet for stubborn fittings. Most Dometic, Carefree, and Lippert electric awnings use standard hardware that's accessible with common RV toolkit items.
Essential tools for DIY adjustment:
Solera's premium lineup of RV awnings is rigorously tested to withstand any adventure, and we offer universal compatibility with other major RV brands. This universal compatibility means most adjustment procedures work across brands, though always check your owner's manual for model-specific requirements.
Electric RV awnings benefit from alignment checks every 6 months or after any significant weather events or rough travel. Regular maintenance for your RV encompasses various essential costs to keep in mind. This includes oil changes, regular checks on tire pressure, and the upkeep of the generator.
Preventive maintenance beats reactive repairs every time. A quick visual inspection during your regular RV maintenance routine can catch small alignment issues before they become expensive problems. According to RV maintenance experts, awnings should be thoroughly inspected at least twice per year, with particular attention to how they feel during operation and any unusual sounds during extension or retraction. The costs to repair a manual retractable awning range between $200 and $600. Repairing motorized retractable awnings costs between $250 and $1,100.
Monthly Quick Checks:
After making any adjustments, it's also smart to give your awning a thorough cleaning. Dirt and debris can actually contribute to tracking problems, and a clean awning makes it easier to spot future issues early. Check out our complete guide on how to clean an RV awning for detailed steps that'll keep your fabric in top shape.
Always disconnect power before making mechanical adjustments, and never force stuck components—electric awning springs and motors store significant tension. Press and hold the "retract" or left arrow button until the awning is fully retracted. In case you have issues connecting to power, you can use manual override on the power awnings.
Electric awning systems combine mechanical tension with electrical power, creating multiple safety hazards if not handled properly. The fabric maintains tension even when extended, and the motor assembly can engage unexpectedly if power isn't disconnected. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) sets safety standards for awning installation and operation that all certified RV manufacturers must follow, emphasizing proper electrical isolation during maintenance.
Critical Safety Steps:
Note: Do not push the joint of any pitch arm past the point where the two sections are in a straight line. This can cause the pitch arm to break, as well as put tension on the gas strut eyelet, which can cause the strut to break.
Call a professional if you discover electrical issues, cracked mounting points, or if adjustments don't resolve the problem after following proper procedures. When awning electrical issues are more complicated than ensuring ample battery power, circuit breaker position, and fuse health, most RVers schedule an awning diagnostic at their local RV service center.
Some problems go beyond simple adjustments. If your awning has suffered storm damage, shows signs of structural failure, or electrical components aren't functioning, a professional diagnosis can prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.
Professional Help Needed For:
The overall cost of an RV awning will depend on the type of awning and whether you're doing the replacement yourself. You can expect the price to range from $200 to 4000 in the end. Professional labor typically adds $200-500 to repair costs, but ensures proper installation and often includes warranties on the work. If your awning is beyond simple adjustments and needs complete replacement, our guide on how to replace an RV awning walks through the entire process.
The open road's calling, but make sure you're covered before you answer. If your awning damage goes beyond a quick adjustment—from storm damage to mechanical failure—you want to know you're protected. Get peace of mind with RV insurance that understands the unique needs of life on wheels. Get your RV insurance quote in minutes and get back to what you love most: the journey ahead.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.