​Ah, the RV awning. It's a wonderful feature to have - for looks, for shade - but also one that needs regular maintenance. How many times have you heard your awning creaking in the howling wind when you forgot to lower it? How many times have you heard of somebody else's awning blowing off completely or seen one sagging to the point of no return after a storm?

The key to avoiding damage to your awning is being prepared. Knowing how to handle your awning can save it - and you - from loss in case of a “rainy day.”

When to hold it, when to fold it
Awnings are a standard part of most motor home and travel trailer equipment today and they can handle the typical everyday wear if they're cared for. Generally, your awning should be secured at its feet, pegged down so it will not flip in the wind. Awning straps are also available to help keep it secured.

In terms of weather conditions, a light drizzle or breeze should not be cause for alarm. At the first sign of menacing dark clouds or a whipping wind, however, roll up the awning. The best thing to do is practice rolling your awning on a nice day, so you'll be prepared to do it quickly when a storm really is about to hit. Nobody wants to be caught in the rain, struggling to roll up their awning while lighting abounds.

Keeping clean
An awning that is rolled up a while will need to be aired out and cleaned as soon as weather clears. This type of maintenance is simple compared to fixing a broken awning or having to replace one altogether. Unroll the awning, rinse with warm water and a mild cleansing solution (you can gently scrub it with a brush or sponge) and then let it dry.

This is a good general practice for your awning regardless of whether it's been wet or rolled. Regular accumulation of dirt and other pollutants on a fabric surface can shorten the life of the structure, and quicken the deterioration of the fabric. Periodic cleanings are best in the long run to keep your awning in good condition.

Though some losses on the road may be out of your control, your awning shouldn't be one of them. Taking good care of it will help keep you "in the shade."
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Need RV insurance?
In addition to RV awning care, make sure you have insurance coverage specialized for your RV. Check out our RV Insurance coverage options or start a quote.

Hit the gym and work up a sweat for a free Fitbit or discounted Apple Watch from John Hancock!

The Boston-based insurance company's Vitality Rewards program, Wellness Benefits built into Life Insurance, offers policyholders an Apple Watch Series 3 for a $25 activation fee in exchange for regularly exercising, eating better and not smoking.

Customers also can earn discounts on premiums and other perks, too. 

Beginning Nov. 6, customers can get the Apple Watch for $25 plus tax, but they must earn monthly points over two years by walking, running, biking or doing any exercise to pay nothing more for the device. Customers in the program who don't meet monthly the exercise requirement will be responsible for paying for the device, the company said.  Or, they can opt for the free Fitbit activity tracker.

Both devices are worn on the wrist and help users keep track of movements, calories and sleep. The more you move you move, the more you earn with the new Vitality program. Customers achieve Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum status based on an array of healthy activities. The higher the status, the better the rewards and perks. Points also can be earned for visiting the doctor, too. 

Customers in the program also may earn up to 15 percent off annual premiums, $600 in savings on healthy food purchases and discounts from Amazon, Hyatt hotels, iTunes, Royal Caribbean cruises and more, the company said. 

"At John Hancock, we’re taking a whole new approach to life insurance. With it, you can save on your premiums and earn valuable rewards and discounts by simply living a healthy life. In fact, the healthier your lifestyle, the more you’ll save and the greater your rewards," according the program's announcement on its website. The Vitality program is also perfect for diabetic customers.

John Hancock offers life insurance, mutual funds, long-term care insurance and retirement and college savings plans. Drop us a line or give us a call for more information.
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