Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

Patio Awning Reclaimed

October 21, 2017, 03:51:41 pm

  Couldn't be happier with how the awning turned out.  Honestly expected to have to replace it, but elbow grease and OxiClean with Whip-it and water, water, water has the 28-year old awning looking fresh and bright. Now waiting for the next sunny day to get the 303 on there.

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #1 – October 21, 2017, 04:15:45 pm

Good show! Your awning looks just great after the scrubbing. Our 22 year old still cleans-up well, too. I think it is a sign of the manufacturer's interest in providing the best componants available. Pretty darn good fabric and hardware back "in the day."

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #2 – October 21, 2017, 04:44:46 pm

As I am sure most of you know, the correct cleaner to use on the awnings (so that it doses not destroy the water-proofing) is SOAP, NOT DETERGENT.  Zip Dee sell it.  One packet will do the all awnings on the coach.

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #3 – October 21, 2017, 05:53:40 pm

Jim, I unbolted the lower arms from the coach---after locking the awning, and then was able to wash the awning like it was a big billboard--straight up and down wall. I bungee corded the lower arms to the upper arms---CAREFULLY---AS THE REAR ARM HAS THE SPRING TENSION IN IT. That is why I said to lock the awning first!!

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #4 – October 22, 2017, 02:16:57 pm

Seems like the brand softsoap or liquid dial would qualify as a soap not detergent? This stuff is easily available at most any grocery store and relatively inexpensive. 

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #5 – October 22, 2017, 02:27:22 pm

Ivory flakes (no longer available) was the last real soap I am aware of. Do not know about either softsoap or liquid dial.

For under $6, not sure I would take a chance on loosing the waterproofing: Zip Dee Washout Awning Cleaner | WOODLAND TRAVEL CENTER

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Re: Patio Awning Reclaimed

Reply #6 – October 23, 2017, 12:05:52 pm

Our reclaimation resulted from the truck running into us and having to replace the whole thing. I took the old material and made skirts for the tires. They match the current awnings and have the original Foretravel embroidery on the one I use on the right-front wheel. Lots of compliments.

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