30 mph headwind

[trower]

We headed to Fargo ND last weekend with the coach into a 30 mph headwind for 150 miles. The next morning the wind switched to a quartering 30 mph gusting to 45 mph headwind. We managed 7.5 mpg at 55 mph in the economy mode. We also fueled up in Steele, ND on the way back home for $3.93/gal. Not bad. Had a great time.
We did almost lose the awning when a gust of wind slamed the side of the coach. We heard a bang and saw part of the awning hanging down. Slowed and stopped off the ramp and found a large building to park next to so we could open the awning. I didn't see any damage but I did tie the arms and adjust the middle support hard against the awning cover.
Live and learn.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trower We headed to Fargo ND last weekend with the coach into a 30 mph headwind for 150 miles. The next morning the wind switched to a quartering 30 mph gusting to 45 mph headwind. We managed 7.5 mpg at 55 mph in the economy mode. We also fueled up in Steele, ND on the way back home for $3.93/gal. Not bad. Had a great time. We did almost lose the awning when a gust of wind slammed the side of the coach. We heard a bang and saw part of the awning hanging down. Slowed and stopped off the ramp and found a large building to park next to so we could open the awning. I didn't see any damage but I did tie the arms and adjust the middle support hard against the awning cover. Live and learn.

Tying the arms will not top the awning from unfurling. You have to stop the roller from rotating. Lots of people have tried the tied arms and found them still tied tightly and the awning up over the rig.
The wind gets up under the fabric and the ratchet moves a little, that allows more area for the wind to act on, then it happens again, so more fabric exposed, finally there's enough to strip the fabric out completely. Sounds like you caught yours in time.
To keep it from happening again you need a positive stop on the awning tube itself.

[trower]

I believe the only positive lock on the tube is the center support. It is adjustable for tension up against the awning in the middle. I do not know any other way to lock it.

[RJay]

There is a hole that goes thru the end cap of the roller tube. A 5/16” x 3” bolt secured in this hole will lock the roller in place.

[clubmed98]

since the economy mode only sets or changes shift points and given speed and wind resistance you probably were in 5 most of the time I doubt it made much difference. But having said that you had excellent mileage for the conditions..

["007"]

Just asking did these Awnings have the metal wrap enclosure around them?
Was out in that area few years back with winds and no awning problems just the winds.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trower I believe the only positive lock on the tube is the center support. It is adjustable for tension up against the awning in the middle. I do not know any other way to lock it.

The center support is just that a support, not a lock.
A lot of people, me included, have installed an aftermarket positive locking system. Mine is a plated strap around the tube that I tighten down with the awning hook after rolling it up. Others have made one using the awning hook. Easy to do. There are other solutions that put a pin in the roller tube.

[trower]

I have a vehicle monitoring system that shows all the functions of the ecu and the trans was in sixth gear 99% of the time. I like economy because it stays in 6th to a lower rpm and because of this when it shifts it is smoother. I tried both modes when we crossed the Rockies last month and the shifing is so much nicer in economy mode and now I use it exclusively.
I am going to look for the pin in the awning end cap and if it's there I will definately use it. My awning does have the metal cover so that is why I thought the center support helped keet the awning from unrolling.
I am curious as to the aftermarket lock. Where can I get one?

[micd]

We put this one on.

Save Your RV Awning with an RV Awning Travel Lock!

You have to unroll your awning to tell them the make and number when you order. Ours was on the tube. Then they send you the right one. My husband installed it and thought it was pretty easy though it did involve a ladder and drilling some holes. However the holes are in the awning arm and the end of the tube so no danger of a leak in the roof due to any new holes there. We've both used it with the awning wand and found it very easy to lock and unlock.

I like the fact that not only are we securing our awning against damage but also it isn't going to fly out and cause someone else to have an accident.

Michelle

[allynne]

Trower,

I had a lock similar to the one discribed by Deen (Mr. D) on my 01 DSDP.

It worked pretty well, however I was hit by a very strong gust and the awning went over the coach. The lock was still attached to the inner arm which had pulled out of the lower arm which was left hanging.
In fact coach damage was greater as the inner arm with the locking mechanism damaged the radius on the opposite side of the coach.

Wound up cutting the awning off and leaving it near the Brazos in TX.

It's not fol proof.

Al Sawyer
05 MADP

[trower]

Thanx guys and dolls. I like the idea of a positive lock.