Awning Unfurlled

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by Dunner

When rolling it up, I don't think you can't change your mind and unroll it again without flipping the latch.

Try that. On mine you could change your mind without flipping the lever. That's my point. The lever's "lock" mechanism is acting as a one way ratchet, preventing the awning from rolling up only. If it were not for the springs, the awning would be free to unroll on it's own under it's own weight.... when in the "locked" position. When unlocked, it's free to turn either way.

The fact you can remove the preload on that lock to make it easier to release should tell you what I'm saying might be true - unless there's something there to prevent the roller from continuing to unroll beyond the point where the lock is unloaded. I've had them apart on several occasions (freeing up frozen mechanisms), and recall nothing of the sort.

It was really hard for me to visulaize/get my head wrapped around this (like I said, didn't see/recognize this issue for 24 years professionally, plus the time since then!), so I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time! -Al

[Dunner]

It's only 6:35AM here and I don't want to bother my neighbor just yet. If I ever tried it, it was so long ago, I don't remember and didn't try it yesterday. Later... maybe...

[Dunner]

I Googled "awning locks" and got a few more ideas. I may go with a rod in the roller hole and bolted or hose clamped to the vertical arm. Whatever is easier. I tend to over-engineer stuff.

[Dunner]

I think you're wrong or the one you tried it on is broke. With it in the closed and locked position, mine will not extend. I did try that yesterday. That's what the lock is for. Locks it open and locks it closed. It should ratchet open and ratchet closed.

[Dunner]

Originally Posted by ahicks

When unlocked, it's free to turn either way.

-Al

I know you know better than that. How could you unroll it half way, stop to take a breath and then continue. In the unlocked position, you can stop anywhere up until the canvas is all the way un-rolled.

[Dogpatch]

My awning is a Carefree of Colorado.

Mine won't move in a different direction till I move the lever either to open or close.

There is no "change your mind" adjustment midway unless lever is changed.

[Dunner]

I think they are all that way except the window awnings. They have no lever. FMAC says the window awnings don't usually need a lock because they have a smaller area for the wind to catch. Lots of good awning info here.

Wind forces and your awning

Just a WAG, but I'm wondering if some people that have awnings that unfurl think they are locking the roller by flipping the lever after it is rolled up, when actually, they are unlocking it.

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by Dunner

I think they are all that way except the window awnings. They have no lever. FMAC says the window awnings don't usually need a lock because they have a smaller area for the wind to catch. Lots of good awning info here.

Wind forces and your awning

Just a WAG, but I'm wondering if some people that have awnings that unfurl think they are locking the roller by flipping the lever after it is rolled up, when actually, they are unlocking it.

You may have a point there. I make sure I look to see the latch remains the way I turned it when I put the awning up.

I already mentioned I use Velcro straps on the arms as an added security.

[Dunner]

The Velcro® straps do nothing to keep the roller from un-rolling. They just keep the arms up close to the MH. I have the mechanical locks on my arms. They seem quite secure and positive.

[Cougarkid]

Yes, the Colorado awning on the old RV locks in place. Lever in the front arm. It WILL NOT unroll on its own.

My A&E awning does NOT lock closed.

You can bolt the arms to the RV and wind can still unroll it. Only the internal spring keeps it rolled up.

Maybe it is being stated wrong?

The awning material gets pulled out by the wind. The arms stay in place, but the roller turns.

You have awning cloth hanging out from the top of the RV. Enough wind and it will rip the arms off of the RV .

Is that a better explanation?

[Dogpatch]

I had an A&E on my Winnebago and never had that problem.

There are several aftermarket awning locks to pick from. Here are some links.
Save Your RV Awning with an RV Awning Travel Lock!

RV Awning Clamps Tie Downs Straps Latches Awning Maintenance Unfurling Damage

You can google and find many more products.

Hope this helps.

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by Dunner

The Velcro® straps do nothing to keep the roller from un-rolling. They just keep the arms up close to the MH. I have the mechanical locks on my arms. They seem quite secure and positive.

I'll decide LOL

I like my false sense of security! It's just an added precaution to a problem I haven't had yet.

What mechanical locks are you using Dunner?

[Dunner]

Originally Posted by Cougarkid

Yes, the Colorado awning on the old RV locks in place. Lever in the front arm. It WILL NOT unroll on its own.

My A&E awning does NOT lock closed.

Cougar, your A&E is broke. If it doesn't lock closed, what keeps it from re-winding when you have it all the way un-rolled?

Patch, pics to follow.

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by Cougarkid

Yes, the Colorado awning on the old RV locks in place. Lever in the front arm. It WILL NOT unroll on its own.

My A&E awning does NOT lock closed.

You can bolt the arms to the RV and wind can still unroll it. Only the internal spring keeps it rolled up.

Maybe it is being stated wrong?

The awning material gets pulled out by the wind. The arms stay in place, but the roller turns.

You have awning cloth hanging out from the top of the RV. Enough wind and it will rip the arms off of the RV .

Is that a better explanation?

The old Carefree awnings had 4 cogs located around the perimeter of the gray plastic roller end caps. Those and the fact the awning was wedged tightly against the side of the trailer by the awning arm design, were what kept those from unrolling.