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Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 01-02-2010, 05:33 PM

I got my Loess Hills Awning lock for Christmas and installed it today. I had to call for some help in following the directions, but after that it was about a 40 minute job.
Hope I don't need to try it out, but it is in place just in case.

Half Dimes · 01-02-2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninos

I like the lock that Wayne M posted but looks like you have to use a latter to get up there, is that right?

From the product's website:
"It can be engaged or disengaged in a few seconds, using your normal awning wand."

Tom N · 01-03-2010, 06:51 AM

Here's a free awning lock. It's your awning pull rod!

-Tom

Izzyblueye · 01-03-2010, 07:06 AM

I use today and have for nearly 10 years the same system Tom N shows in his photo. They work and nothing could be easier or cheaper, do it from the ground. I lost two awnings before I came up with this simple lock.

Refuse1 · 01-03-2010, 07:54 AM

What does the bottom of the rod attach to? It's tough to tell from the photos.

Izzyblueye · 01-03-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Refuse1

What does the bottom of the rod attach to? It's tough to tell from the photos.

I tie mine to the anchor foot plate of the awning, (where the arm is fastened to the coach or 5th at the bottom pivot point). I use a coil spring attached to the eye at the end of the awning rod, to allow some movement. However, that may not be completely necessary.
You can run the rod through plastic tubing to keep from scruffing your awning arm or just a piece where they might touch and a velcro wrap to keep the rod secure to the vertical arm in the wind.

Rick Long · 01-03-2010, 12:13 PM

What the heck is going on!!! Why are we putting up with this??
It seems this has been a problem from the very first awning and yet the manufactures do NOTHING about it!! They should not be allowed to sell them without a lock... they are a hazard!!

Taking a deep breath (hard to do for me).. OK.. I'll step off of my soap box and be good for the rest of the day.

gripper · 01-03-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43'

Santa brought me the awning lock mentioned above. It does require the use of an 8' ladder. also requires a drill motor, center punch, phillips screwdriver, drill bits 7/32", 1/8", 3/8" drill bit, fine tipped marker, and wreches that fit the supplied nuts. This is the requirement for mine which is for the A&E weather Pro awning with the TSWD adapter.
I will be installing within the next week and will post when that is complete.

Santa also brought me the above "Awning Lock". I installed it over the holidays. Installation is as easy as Ronnie says. I havent been camping, since I installed it, but I know it will work.

Gripper

Izzyblueye · 01-03-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Long

What the heck is going on!!! Why are we putting up with this??
It seems this has been a problem from the very first awning and yet the manufactures do NOTHING about it!! They should not be allowed to sell them without a lock... they are a hazard!!

Taking a deep breath (hard to do for me).. OK.. I'll step off of my soap box and be good for the rest of the day.

The awning manufacturers feel they have a pall and ratchet system that is supposed to prevent this unfurling. Of course we all know it doesn't, but think of number of awnings they sell every year from these mishaps. Insurance companies do not even come out to look at the rig any more. Just order a new one and have it installed, send us the bill or we will pay you from an estimate. Who is going to shoot that golden goose?

Nuge · 01-04-2010, 08:08 AM

Our old MH has locks on the arms to prevent them from opening and a very strong spring; somewhat difficult to get started opening. While we don't intend to spend a LOT of time on the road our awning has seemed quite stable so far, but we've yet to travel in any heavy winds.

Izzyblueye · 01-04-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuge

Our old MH has locks on the arms to prevent them from opening and a very strong spring; somewhat difficult to get started opening. While we don't intend to spend a LOT of time on the road our awning has seemed quite stable so far, but we've yet to travel in any heavy winds.

Unfortunately it isn't the arms that cause the unfurling or the awning to come away from the coach. Air gets up under and between the layers of vinyl or what ever and this strips the gear and the whole thing then violently tears away from the coach. The rod fix keeps the awning roller from turning there by keeping the entire system tight.