Community Forums

NewmarLvr523 · 12-27-2020, 09:27 PM

I’ve had my 2015 Newmar Mountain Aire now for nearly a year. I have been using the Girard Nova Awnings continually while traveling the West Coast. In Montana last June I hit a few rain storms and used my awnings without issues. I then heard from a few fellow RVs that they do not use their Girard in the rain. Looking for help and direction on this issue.
Thanks, Jack
Ventura County, CA

ptw · 12-28-2020, 04:39 AM

I think people are concerned about the wind rather than rain. During a storm a gust of wind can easily damage the awning. The self retract is sometimes not quick enough to prevent damage in the event of a sudden gust.

ThunderRidge · 12-28-2020, 06:23 AM

If you are referring to the Girard Nova II main patio awnings then IMO I would definitely be very careful using them in anything other than a light rain. On the very end of each awning there are two small holes that allow the water to drain. They can get plugged quickly by some very small object and then the water will stop draining. When that happens the bottom portion of the awning will quickly fill with water and the weight of the water may break an awning arm. This is not something you want to happen as it makes awning retraction almost impossible.

Additionally, sudden wind gusts will put the awning right over the top of your roof. I personally witnessed this on the Dutch Star in the adjoining site as a light breeze turned almost instantly to a gust as the storm front approached. The motion sensors will not react quickly enough to help the awnings retract before damage occurs. Just watch your awnings when they retract and imagine the pucker factor in quick gusty winds while that slow retraction cycle completes.

They are beautiful awnings. I rarely ever use them as it takes very little to damage them.

Dutch Star Don · 12-28-2020, 02:46 PM

I've had three DP's, two with other brands of awnings. I always thought the Girard awnings were the cat's meow. Now that my 2019 DS has them, I find them very fragile compared to my other awnings. The slide toppers are nicely made and sturdy.

Like another said, a light rain would be fine, but any puddling could stretch the material and the cord system that supports it. Lastly, since they're cloth, you could end up with mildew issues if you have to put them away wet.

arlawbob · 12-29-2020, 04:15 AM

Excellent advise from all the posters. When I was a newbie, i was told they are awnings not umbrellas.

BillJinOR · 12-29-2020, 05:20 AM

When we first had the coach and were in Florida I had the Gerard fill with water. I had run to the store and had a summer afternoon “Florida” rainstorm pass while I was gone. Came back to find the awning like a bowl holding a lot of water! Used a broom to push up and drain. No damage as it came back up just fine. Maybe they made the older Gerard (03 ) better or more likely I got lucky , who knows.
I no longer leave it out with tropical pop up downpour rainstorms possible , regular rain has been no issues it drains just fine. The Gerard wind retract is adjustable and I set mine to come in at a lower wind speed before it gets crazy.
I’m from the nw where we don’t get the frequent downpours just “heavy rain” and use it all the time in the rain! Otherwise we wouldn’t be outside in the nw winter [emoji4]

IC2 · 12-29-2020, 05:31 AM

Good grief! These are supposed to be 'superior' awning not a puny common AE/Dometic or Carefree like most have on our RVs. Putting them in during a light rainstorm negates 50% of their usefulness as either a sun or rain protection device. Pay 6 or more figures for a nice, top end RV and you're afraid to sit under an awning in a slight rain and light wind just doesn't figure. Oh and yes, in a gusty wind or while away, for sure, pull in any brand awning

Dutch Star Don · 12-29-2020, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

Good grief! These are supposed to be 'superior' awning not a puny common AE/Dometic or Carefree like most have on our RVs. Putting them in during a light rainstorm negates 50% of their usefulness as either a sun or rain protection device. Pay 6 or more figures for a nice, top end RV and you're afraid to sit under an awning in a slight rain and light wind just doesn't figure. Oh and yes, in a gusty wind or while away, for sure, pull in any brand awning

I'm guessing you have a vinyl awning with support arms....an entirely different animal. Just because we have nice coaches, doesn't mean we purposely abuse them.

IC2 · 12-30-2020, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I'm guessing you have a vinyl awning with support arms....an entirely different animal. Just because we have nice coaches, doesn't mean we purposely abuse them.

What does that snark have to do with what I said? Or are you just telling me that our 5er is a piece of crap compared to your "nice coach".

**CLIFFTALL** · 12-30-2020, 05:01 AM

Let’s please knock off the personal remarks. Our #1 Community Rule is “ be nice “
Thanks

Contender · 01-07-2021, 07:05 PM

We regularly use our awning in rain, not windy, and not heavy rain, for brief periods to let the dog out or bring in groceries. Never had a problem. Always retract when finished. then extend the following day to dry completely.
We also open all awnings routinely after rain to let them dry even though not used in the rain. Simple process.

Winepress · 01-07-2021, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

Good grief! These are supposed to be 'superior' awning not a puny common AE/Dometic or Carefree like most have on our RVs. Putting them in during a light rainstorm negates 50% of their usefulness as either a sun or rain protection device. Pay 6 or more figures for a nice, top end RV and you're afraid to sit under an awning in a slight rain and light wind just doesn't figure. Oh and yes, in a gusty wind or while away, for sure, pull in any brand awning

I’ve spent a bit of time at the Girard factory. The arms will take quite a bit of movement. I do not hesitate to have my awnings open in the rain. Wind is another story, for all awnings.