What should I know about awnings

BigRedLancer · 02-10-2006, 02:49 PM

This coach has the first awning I have owned and I only used it once on a calm day. What should I know/do about wind, rain, etc.?

BigRedLancer · 02-10-2006, 02:49 PM

This coach has the first awning I have owned and I only used it once on a calm day. What should I know/do about wind, rain, etc.?

Steve&Dora · 02-10-2006, 03:17 PM

You want to bring it in when it is raining and especially when windy. ALso you may want to look into a awning lock. As they can unroll if traveling in a very windy situation. Note they will unroll even with the arms tied in position.

**RV Wizard** · 02-11-2006, 03:12 AM

A little more information on the make and model would help to get good suggestions. If it is a manual awning you can leave it up although pitched down on one end quit a bit in rain. Tie downs can be used for a little wind. If you have automatic electric with wind and rain sensors it should be watched to be sure the system is working correctly to close up on it's own. Let us know what you have and we will offer some more help.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 02-11-2006, 08:08 AM

Keep one end a bit lower than the other to facilitate water runoff and even a heavy rain won't bother it. Keep an eye on it th first ffew rain storms, to make sure it is draining OK. Once you learn the necessary angle, you can relax. Some coaches have the awning mounted higher (more pitch) than others and these will drain easily by themselves. Others may be at a shallow ange and need some help.

Watch the winds - when it begins to gust up - or a potentially gusty thundersquall threatens - its best to furl the awning. A gust underneath it can ruin your day, flipping that huge sail up over your roof and bending the mechanism or tearing out brackets.

Automatic awnings with wind and/or rain sensors try to manage this for you. Someof them actually work, though they are very conservative in what they consider to be "windy".

Rich & Zara · 02-11-2006, 10:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve&Dora:
You want to bring it in when it is raining and especially when windy. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Why bring it in when it is raining?

In my opinion, that is one reason to keep the awning out. Now the wind poses a different story.

Rich

Steve&Dora · 02-11-2006, 10:46 AM

It came out wrong I meant raining and windy, especially when windy. I agree if just a light rain then leave it out.
Sometimes the fingers get ahead of the brain..

BigRedLancer · 02-11-2006, 12:55 PM

My awning is manually operated with no sensors and it came with clips in the center of the support arms that are supposed to keep them in place while driving.

Steve&Dora · 02-11-2006, 02:59 PM

The clips will hold the poles in place. However that will not necessarily stop it from unrolling in a big wind while driving. Granted it takes a big wind, but when you consider a windy day added to the 50+mph your driving. You will put a lot of stress on it.

adj · 02-12-2006, 01:54 AM

I have been full timing for 11 years and have never had any problems with an awning unrolling while driving. Have I just been fortunate by not driving on windy days? I think not. There have been numerous times when I have pulled the rig over and waited out a gusty period.