How Much Wind Can an RV Awning Withstand Before It Needs to Be Retracted?

RV awnings make outdoor living more comfortable by providing shade and shelter, but wind is their biggest weakness. Many new RV owners learn the hard way that even a mild breeze can turn into a costly repair if the awning is left out too long. Understanding how much wind an awning can handle, how to gauge risk, and how to prevent damage can save you from unexpected headaches.

General Wind Limits for RV Awnings

Most standard RV awnings, whether manual or electric, are not designed to handle wind speeds over 20 mph. Some higher-end models with reinforced arms or wind sensors may endure slightly stronger gusts, but the risk of damage increases rapidly once the wind picks up.

Light winds under 10 mph are usually not an issue. The awning might sway slightly, but it won’t be under significant strain. Once winds reach 15 mph, movement becomes more noticeable, and by 20 mph, the awning is at high risk of bending or tearing. Any gusts over 25 mph can cause serious structural damage or even rip the awning off the RV entirely.

Some manufacturers provide specific wind ratings, but these numbers assume perfect conditions, which rarely exist. If you’re parked in an open area, near a body of water, or in a valley where wind can accelerate, those ratings become unreliable.

Why Wind Damage Happens Faster Than Expected

A common mistake RV owners make is underestimating how quickly conditions can change. Wind doesn’t just arrive at a steady speed—it comes in gusts. A calm afternoon with 10 mph winds can suddenly produce 30 mph gusts, enough to twist awning arms or tear fabric.

North Carolina, with its mix of coastal breezes, mountain drafts, and open farmland, is especially prone to unpredictable wind shifts. Even if the weather report says 15 mph, local wind speeds could be significantly higher depending on the surroundings.

How to Tell If It’s Too Windy Without a Gauge

Not everyone carries a wind meter, but there are simple ways to assess whether your awning is at risk:

Watch tree branches

If they’re swaying significantly, the wind is likely over 15 mph.

Feel the resistance when walking

If you notice you’re pushing against the wind, it’s already strong enough to be a problem.

Pay attention to loose objects

If napkins, plastic cups, or paper plates are blowing off the table, your awning is in danger.

Look at flags or windsocks

A fully extended flag means wind speeds are at least 15-20 mph.

If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution. A few minutes spent retracting the awning can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

What Happens If You Leave It Open Too Long?

Even if the wind doesn’t immediately tear the awning, prolonged exposure weakens it over time. You might not notice the damage right away, but repeated stress on the arms and fabric can lead to permanent sagging or tearing.

Some common signs of wind damage include:

Stretched or loose fabric

The awning no longer rolls up as tightly as before.

Bent or wobbly arms

The support structure doesn’t feel as sturdy.

Creaking or popping sounds when extending or retracting

This indicates stress fractures in the arms.

Awning doesn’t fully retract

A bent frame can prevent smooth operation.

The worst-case scenario is an awning getting completely torn off. If the wind catches it just right, it can rip from the mounting brackets, sometimes damaging the side of the RV in the process. Repairing an awning is expensive, but repairing the RV wall can be an even bigger headache.

Ways to Protect Your Awning

While retracting the awning is always the safest option, there are a few ways to reinforce it if you need to keep it open in mild conditions.

1. Retract It at Night

Even if the wind seems calm when you go to bed, it’s safer to close the awning. Many RVers have woken up to a destroyed awning because nighttime gusts picked up unexpectedly. If you’re not awake to react, there’s nothing stopping the wind from doing its damage.

2. Use Tie-Downs and Support Arms

Some RVers use de-flappers, tie-down straps, and stabilizer arms to reduce movement. These can help in lighter winds but won’t prevent damage if the wind gets too strong. Never rely on tie-downs in gusty conditions—an awning should never be left open just because it’s secured with straps.

3. Install a Wind Sensor on Electric Awnings

High-end electric awnings often come with built-in wind sensors that automatically retract them when wind speeds get too high. While these sensors can be helpful, they aren’t foolproof—if they malfunction or react too late, the awning could still suffer damage.

4. Keep a Slight Angle for Wind and Rain Runoff

Awnings should never be completely flat. Tilting one side slightly allows wind to pass over instead of pushing straight against it. This also helps prevent rain from pooling, which can add weight and increase stress on the arms.

5. Monitor the Weather Forecast

Even if today’s conditions seem fine, always check the forecast before leaving the awning extended. Wind can pick up quickly, especially before storms. If there’s any chance of a front moving in, retract the awning before heading out.

What About Storms?

Thunderstorms are an absolute no-go for RV awnings. Wind speeds in a storm can exceed 40 mph, and sudden gusts can happen with little warning. If storms are in the forecast, close the awning well in advance.

Some RV owners think they can save their awning by quickly retracting it when the wind picks up, but that’s risky. High winds can make it difficult to roll up properly, and trying to close an awning in a sudden storm can lead to accidents or injury. The best practice is proactive caution—if bad weather is even a possibility, close the awning before it becomes an issue.

When in Doubt, Close It

It’s always better to retract the awning too early than too late. If you find yourself debating whether to leave it open, that’s a sign to put it away. Awnings are an investment, and treating them with care can extend their lifespan significantly.

No one wants to deal with a bent frame, torn fabric, or a costly replacement. By paying attention to wind conditions, using simple judgment calls, and knowing when to act, you can avoid unnecessary damage and enjoy a hassle-free camping experience.