Awnings

[ScottsJourney]

I have been reading a lot about awnings unfurling when driving. Can this happen to all awnings. Mine is enclosed in a metal case. Do I have to worry also?

[RJay]

Hi Scott,
I don't know if this will happen to all awnings but I would think it is less likely on powered awnings although I don't think it would take much to strip the gears in the awning tube. Having a metal weather protector on your awning won't make you immune either. It really depends on how strong of a wind hits the side of your coach and for how long. It's kind of like a perfect storm, where wind direction, intensity and duration come together at the worst moment.

[Paul R. Haller]

The metal enclosure offers no protection from unfurling while traveling. Mine unfurled while traveling and it completely ruined the fabric. I guess what caused mine to unfurl was that the little up/down lever got caught by a low hanging branch as I left the campground. After removing the awning tube and taking it apart did I see that there were no problems with the springs or the teeth in the ratchet mechanism. The lever must have caught on something.

On a side note though if you go on line there are many, many, awning fabric houses that sell on line or through E bay. I found another fabric that I like better then the original for 109$ for a 17 ft awning on Ebay with shipping included. Putting the fabric on is another chore but with enough people it too is pretty easy.

Camping world and other RV dealers offer a strap the prevents the tube from unrolling while on the road. It will be my next purchase.
-Paul R. Haller-

[danrodgers]

If the bars come away from the trailer, say goodbye awning. When we put ours up, we have a pair of velcro wraps that we put around the arms. This will not keep the awning locked against the side, but will prevent the arms from separating from each other which will let the wind whistle through. You still have to ensure that the tops of the arms are locked in.
Dan

[bldrbob]

While crossing a bridge my awning started to bellow even with the metal cover. I now put the end of the awning rod into the hole in the end of the tube and fasten it to the upright.
BOB

[Theberrys]

Here is a picture of our awning after installing a new awning and two clamps. RV Awning Clamp - Product - Camping World .
We lost ours in the wind in California wiyh just the metal awning guard. These clamps are a little pricy but less than a 21 ft awning.

Dick

[H. Miller]

Is it as easily "latched" as Camping World would have you believe?

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I have a device from Loess Hills Innovations Inc, check web site, called RV Awning Travel Lock that is easy to install and easier to use. Requires the use of your awning rod to engage and dis engage. They have units for electric and manual awnings. Mine is electric and attaches on the opposite end of the awning from the motor. I lost my awning a few years back when the motor shaft snapped allowing the awning to billow out ripping the rear strut off as I was going down the road at about 60 MPH.

[Gary - K7GLD]

IF you choose to use a safety/restraining strap, try to get up as high as possible on the support for maximum leverage restraint against unwanted opening.

[HD4Mark]

I use a couple of reusable giant wire ties I "acquired" (meaning free) around the arms and through the mounting at the top. Requires a step ladder but the price was right. If you can come up with some kind of small strap it would work the same. I used to use the leather strap from a ten speed bike pedal on the old MH. Anything is better than nothing for a little peace of mind.

[bdpreece]

Zip ties are quick and cheap insurance.

[skigramp]

Tieing the arms of your awning together does not prevent the awning from unfurling ... you can only prevent the awning from unfurling by not allowing awning tube itself from rotating ...

There are several products that will prevent that here are two for example ...

purchased 1

purchased 2

People have also used home made devices for preventing unfurling ...

home made 1

[Triker56]

It is not if, it will unfurl. But when it will unfurl.

[Texun1]

Mine came open on a 2 lane highway in New Mexico. No place to pull over and a side wind of 50 MPH. It was a nasty experince that I do not want to go thru again. I fixed mine with the lock that is in the second link in SKIgramp's post. Easy to install and locks/unlocks with your awning pulldown tool.