Now it's 2026, and if you have a fiberglass rv , you know how durable and water tight they are. As a retired 30 year boat builder, we routinely backed all though deck fitting. We mostly used stainless steel plates of metal a few inches wide and long. You can only imagine the pull of sailboat sailed on the forestay/backstay during heavy winds. These backing plates have lasted in boats for over 65 years. My awning has three through bolts, well sealed and each backed with 1/4" SS 4"x3" plate. It will not leak! If anything, a 16' metal awning offers + structural integrity. These fears of poking holes in the RV should be reserved to the roof. Here, you must pay attention to prep.  A dirty RV will not seal properly. Use a high quality sealant that expands.

I thought the heater blower fan used oilite bearings. 

Last time I "fixed" a heater blower I removed the motor and opened it up and carefully hung it with the bearing submerged in -0w20 oil for a day then did the other end. Just have to be very careful to keep the brushes out of the oil.

cheap too!
https://a.co/d/06oCeogH