awnings billowing and unfurling

[thump1214]

I read a posting by "Dirk" (Dirk Harrington?)in 2007 on this forum about his awning unfurling. A stream followed with Ronnie Bledsoe and "Java Jelly" (Scott Crompton?) responding. are any of you still on the forum? Has anybody else had this probelm? Thump

[Triker56]

It is not if, your awning will unfurl but when.

Preventive maintenance by putting a lock on the roller may save you $$$$ down the road.

[Clay L]

A lot of people have had the problem.
Back in about 2002 or so A&E changed their ratchet mechanism to fix the problem and while it helped a lot it didn't eliminate it. A strong enough side wind can still break the ratchet mechanism and let the awning unfurl.
I base that statement on seeing a couple of motor homes that were later than 2005 with awnings that were destroyed. This was in Wyoming a few years ago.

I am using a lock you can make yourself to prevent it.
You can see it HERE .

[Old Bounder]

I've built and use the same lock that Clay refers to for about six years now and it works fine.

[skigramp]

I use a modified version of Clay's lock ... instead of a chain ... I bought a 3 foot 1/4" rod at my hardware store. I used my torch and heated the rod and bent a small hook in one end ... and a loop in the other end.

I attached half of the screen door spring to the loop end of the rod.

This allows me to tie down my awning while standing on the ground ... the hook goes into the loop on the awning end ... the spring fastens into the bottom of the awning arem ... I have two of these ... one for the front of the awning and one for the back.

I have been using this tie down for about 5 years ... no unfurls ... and I have travelled across Wyoming, flats of Colorado and New Mexico, and I-8 in CA several times where I have experienced some very strong gusts ...

These locks work

[sdennislee]

Mine billowed out while driving across I 90 at 60 mph. Winds were gusting at 50 mph. The fifth wheel in front of us almost went over seconds later my main awning was blowing in the breeze. CareFree electric awning. In for repairs now.

[garym114]

Use the awning rod in the roller. Use a rubber EPDM elastic strap, hooks on both ends.
Hold the rod behind the awning arm and hook the tarp strap. Bring the tarp strap around the front edge of the awning arm, then stretch it down and hook to the back hole at the bottom of the arm.
The rod will not shake out and the awning will not unfurl I use the 21 inch elastic strap.

[AndrewC]

I always block mine on the post when we travel much safer
Andrew