These Cool Girard RV Awnings Have No Support Arms

Have you heard of Girard Awnings? Having shade can make RV life better. They keep us cool and dry and save us money. But have you ever really paid attention to your RV awning? Maybe only when it has malfunctioned or made a squeaking noise. But you can have an exceptional RV awning or a standard one. 

Let’s look at Girard awnings’ innovative, sleek designs that have raised the bar in functionality. These ones have no arms. Let’s learn more.

What Is a Girard Awning? 

A Girard awning is a motorized, lateral-arm, retractable RV shade. Girard has 12 types for RVs. They range from patio or slide to window ones. They have 220V, 110V, or 12V DC controls and motor configurations to fit all types of RVs. 

The Girard Group can custom make your awning to fit whatever size you need. The sleek design of these shade products and corrosion-resistant aluminum frames make Girard Group one of the leaders in innovation in the RV industry.

While Girard is not the only manufacturer of lateral RV awnings they have become one of the most well-known for the design.

Who Makes Girard Awnings?

The Girard Group out of San Clemente, CA, makes Girard awnings. Since 1996, the company has manufactured custom awnings. They were the first company to introduce motorized lateral arms. 

Their innovative designs and top-quality products make them one of the best companies in the RV industry. After receiving an order, the company custom makes each shade within two weeks, and it comes with a two-year limited warranty.

How Do Girard Awnings Work?

Girard awnings feature motorized lateral arms. These heavy-duty lateral arms keep the fabric taut and smooth. Unlike most RV retractable shades, these arms don’t form a triangle shape. You can barely tell it has supports as they extend with the fabric. They have no legs either.

You can now operate all Girard awnings with G-LINK wireless technology through a wall switch or remote. The newest product is the NOVA II dual-pitch awning. The additional 20-degree drop helps block the sun’s early morning and afternoon rays.

When it’s time to reel it in, it retracts completely into a fully enclosed cassette for a sleek aesthetic. This enclosure also protects it. Because of the design these awnings are commonly used on large class A motorhomes and are roof-mounted.

Pro Tip: Don’t know what a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is? We’ve got you covered! This is GVWR Meaning Explained: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings for Trucks & Towing.

Do Girard Awnings Work in Wind?

Just like all others, you should retract Girard awnings in windy conditions. Because they lack additional supports down to the coach this type of awning is more susceptable to wind and needs to be put in sooner. Heavy rain may be too much as well.

One innovative safety feature is the anemometer, which will send a retract signal to the awning when winds increase.

Girard awnings have a two-year warranty that becomes void if damaged by wind or rain.

How Do You Install an RV Retractable Awning? 

Because the Girard Group offers a roof-mounted, side-mounted patio, over-the-door, slide-topper, and window awnings, each has a different installation process. However, all of them come with extensive instructions for installation.

First, the Girard Group recommends having at least two installers. You’ll need the following tools: electric drill, tape measure, two ladders, chalk line, and a flat head and Phillips screwdriver. 

Additionally, you’ll need a caulking gun, two tubes of silicone caulking, drill bits, Allen wrenches, open-end wrenches, and a keyhole saw. Before installing, make sure the RV is on level ground.

The basic installation process includes mounting the brackets, securing the awning, and locking it into place. You must install the roof-mount and sidewall application brackets within 2” of each end on the product. 

Consult your RV’s owner’s manual to ensure you don’t drill into any electrical wires when installing on the roof or sidewall. Once you’ve installed the brackets, place the awning onto them. 

Next, feed the motor wire through the white motor grommet. Consult the manual for completing the electrical work for proper installation. Finally, secure the locks by moving them along the bottom track. 

How Do You Adjust Girard Awnings? 

You can adjust a Girard awning if it doesn’t close completely by using an Allen wrench to tighten the screws. Close the awning after each adjustment until it closes. 

If you want to adjust the awning’s pitch or the elbow’s height, you need a 3/4” open-end wrench and a 3/8” open-end wrench. Extend the shade about 18”. 

You can loosen the right nuts on the arms to lower the pitch or lower the arm. Or you can tighten the nuts to raise the pitch or raise the arm. Don’t overtighten. Always bring the awning in completely to ensure a proper fit.

What Pitch Should an Awning Be?

Girard awnings can be adjusted to a few different pitches. There is no specific pitch that works best so the best pitch is the one that provides the best shade for you.

Are Girard Awnings Any Good? 

You may find Girard awnings a great upgrade to your RV. They have an aesthetically pleasing and innovative design. You don’t have to worry about ducking your head to avoid walking into the arms of an awning. 

Your patio space can feel much bigger and more open without the standard arms blocking your view. The motorized feature makes extending and retracting it simple. If you want to replace or upgrade your RV awning, check out the Girard Group.

Do you have an RV awning? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Read More From The Mortons:

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• How to Take Care of Your RV Slide Out Awnings
• Truck Camper Awnings: An Imperfect Encyclopedia of Your Options
• How to Easily DIY Repair an RV Awning
• How Do You Replace An RV Awning?

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