Opened awning while driving I-75

[topdownman]

That just keeps the arm from pulling away from the motorhome and will NOT stop the awning from billowing. This is a common mistake. This is the same thing as wrapping the arm with Velcro or zip ties. You get the right wind, and the wind will overcome the awning lock on the tube itself and away we go.

Originally Posted by 98FPA

I use what is called a lock pin or lynch pin. You can buy them at any hardware store. Here is a link showing them:
Lynch Pins - Wire Lock Pins - Quick Release Pins - Innovative Components
I've used these for over 20 years without problem. Easy to remove etc., they come in various widths so measure your awning arms. I just put it above the awning lock on the arm.

[MSHappyCampers]

I bought a 1/4" x 3' plated steel rod at Lowes and a piece of clear plastic tubing to cover it with. I put a 4" bend in the top to insert into the hole in the end of the awning tube. I strap the rod to the awning support in two places with flat bungee cords.

This is what my DIY awning lock looks like!









I've got to replace the bungees as I made this last year and they are rotten now!

[Pepper2]

Anyone have pictures for us less gifted MacGyver's?
Wow, that was quick!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Pepper2

Anyone have pictures for us less gifted MacGyver's?
Wow, that was quick!

We aim to please!

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I bought a 1/4" x 3' plated steel rod at Lowes and a piece of clear plastic tubing to cover it with. I put a 4" bend in the top to insert into the hole in the end of the awning tube. I strap the rod to the awning support in two places with flat bungee cords.

This is what my DIY awning lock looks like!



I've got to replace the bungees as I made this last year and they are rotten now!

Nice job!
I have been using Heavy Velcro wraps on my uprights as many others are using. I'm going to make one of your rods. For what it is worth the Velcro wraps I use are Shimano fishing rod wraps to keep several rods tied together and not bounce around. Very heavy duty, last for years in the elements at Wal-Mart and other sporting goods. Bungee cords don't seem to like the sunlight.

[Clay L]

This one is cheap and requires no holes to be drilled. You can get the parts at any hardware store.
You can see the instructions HERE I have used one for several years. It would take one heck of a side wind to overcome it.


EDIT: I just checked the site and the pictures aren't showing up for me. Are you seeing them?

[woodfoot]

Never had that problem with an ELECTRIC awning.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Brockx

Nice job!
I have been using Heavy Velcro wraps on my uprights as many others are using. I'm going to make one of your rods. For what it is worth the Velcro wraps I use are Shimano fishing rod wraps to keep several rods tied together and not bounce around. Very heavy duty, last for years in the elements at Wal-Mart and other sporting goods. Bungee cords don't seem to like the sunlight.

I'll look for those this afternoon! Thanks for the tip!

[spritz]

I never new this could happen. Ours has, 4 type of clamps from the factory that you tighten after putting the awning back up to prevent this from happening. I thought they were common. Learned 2 things today so far, this and a OP post about clips he uses. Looking at the web site they have a complete section of knobs for everything, including the knobs lost over the last 32 years for the fridge in the MH. Ever need a knob check
tb

[Thebaldeagle]

I have seen several do this over time including one of the newer electric awnings, so yes, can happen to an electric! I took and drilled a hole in the en- cap of the awning and used a 1" ratchet strap to hold mine. The picture shows it straight down but I normally have it looped 3x around the tube on the awning in a modified clove hitch type knot so it stays in place. My son helped break camp last time and rejoined it and I've been too lazy to switch it! As you unroll the awning the strap rolls up on the tube out if the way. Cheap and efficient!

[brobox]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

From my experience, anyway, that is usually used for storm damage from people being lazy and leaving the awning out when it takes <5 minutes to store it.

It also covers road damage to awnings. I have known several that it has happened to and it was covered. Awnings do come unfurled as the OP mentioned.

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by RVnewbe

Ok, so we're driving down I-75 on a windy day and our awning partially pops open. We pull over on the side of the road, climb on top of our MH and wire tie it together. My question to you, more veteran RVers is, what would have been a safer move?

Which awning door or main? My carefree door awning shot all the way out going down the freeway a poor motor gear design.

[Clay L]

I posted a link above to a homemade awning lock that works well but then noticed that the pictures are not showing up on the link - at least not on my computer.
If you are interested you can download a Word .doc fie containing the article with pictures HERE

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Brockx

Nice job!
I have been using Heavy Velcro wraps on my uprights as many others are using. I'm going to make one of your rods. For what it is worth the Velcro wraps I use are Shimano fishing rod wraps to keep several rods tied together and not bounce around. Very heavy duty, last for years in the elements at Wal-Mart and other sporting goods. Bungee cords don't seem to like the sunlight.

I looked at Wal-Mart today but didn't find those you mentioned, but I did find some in the boating section with the ropes, etc. They are Attwood Rope Wraps, 1" x 12", and they fit perfectly around the awning supports!