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Half Dimes · 08-10-2008, 03:14 PM

We've all been told to make sure to not leave awnings open and unattended but most of us don't always do it. We had a dramatic reminder of that this afternoon at a campground in Mt. Airy, NC.

While visiting with another iRV2 couple under clear blue skies and a light breeze, a dust devil appeared out of nowhere, lifting one of those metal and canvas freestanding canopies about 50 feet into the air, depositing and destroying it about 300 feet from where it had been standing. The dust devil proceeded further into the campground ripping the awning and its hardware off the side of one unoccupied trailer. A couple in another trailer was able to save their awning by physically holding on to it. The dust devil then moved on toppling several potted plants. All this in the space of about 15 seconds on a clear calm afternoon.

I had gotten a little complacent about closing my awning when going someplace for an hour or two. Not any more.

Half Dimes · 08-10-2008, 03:14 PM

We've all been told to make sure to not leave awnings open and unattended but most of us don't always do it. We had a dramatic reminder of that this afternoon at a campground in Mt. Airy, NC.

While visiting with another iRV2 couple under clear blue skies and a light breeze, a dust devil appeared out of nowhere, lifting one of those metal and canvas freestanding canopies about 50 feet into the air, depositing and destroying it about 300 feet from where it had been standing. The dust devil proceeded further into the campground ripping the awning and its hardware off the side of one unoccupied trailer. A couple in another trailer was able to save their awning by physically holding on to it. The dust devil then moved on toppling several potted plants. All this in the space of about 15 seconds on a clear calm afternoon.

I had gotten a little complacent about closing my awning when going someplace for an hour or two. Not any more.

MCDDY · 08-10-2008, 04:14 PM

Half Dimes
Living in Florida you are aware of the summer thunderstorms as we are here on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. These things come up and can have 60/70mph winds in short bursts. Miss Sue and I call em "Awning Getters". We've been caught twice by these and we were home/at the RV. Once in Panama City and another in Gulf Shores. We ended up holding on to the roller and were lifted off of the ground. We never go very far without rolling the big one up. Awning Getters
Worst we've seen though was las summer @ Creede,Co. In the afternoon rainstorms would build over the mountains and then here would come a "microburst" as they call it there. 40+mph winds, from most any direction for maybe 2 minutes then calm. Awning Getters
My favorite though was in Deming NM. We pulled in one afternoon, rolled out the awning and were going to grill some steaks. After a while the owner of the park came over. Asked if we planned to leave the awning out. "Yes I guess so as it was very calm" He asked "Look around the park, do you see any awnings out?" None. I rolled mine up. Every evening the wind comes up and blows about 30+mph for about 1/2hr. Awning Getter.
Dave

Kissimmee Kids · 08-10-2008, 04:22 PM

Dave, remind me to setup at least 100 feet from you the next campout. i really don't need to experience some of these adventures that you keep having.

Kablewizard · 08-10-2008, 04:31 PM

Don't pick on Dave,

it wasn't him ....This time.

Nell · 08-10-2008, 05:41 PM

We went to Myrtle Beach a few years ago and the day we pulled into Pirateland there was the awning repair services. Seems that there was a storm the evening before and took out quite a few awnings. There were a couple folded right over the top flapping in the breeze. We normally use the awning anchors to handle the basic sea breezes that you get daily. But when we see on radar/noaa radio there's rough weather coming in, up the awning goes. Saw what it can do and it's not pretty.

Nell

MCDDY · 08-11-2008, 02:54 AM

Kissimmee Kids
These experiences have taken place over the years since 1976 & 7RVs so actually our batting average is pretty good. Nothing will ever happen though if your RV stays parked in it's storage building.
Dave

Frankie · 08-11-2008, 04:12 AM

A couple months ago the wind picked up fast and hard at the beach spot I had up here in Ma. I disconnected the left side then the right,the wind grabbed the awning and just about lifted me off the ground.No damage , but I was ready to let it go before I killed myself. Now I dont take any chances,awning goes up before I leave for the day.