Community Forums

Ann n Gene · 02-26-2014, 08:34 PM

Agree with all the doubters here, you can not depend on the wind sensors. I am always nervous and always keep the remote in my pocket. Always retract even if only leaving for a few minutes, that's why they furnish a remote.

DSL417 · 02-27-2014, 05:05 AM

I also learned the hard way when I was relaxing outside in the Big Bend area last year and had instantaneous gusts to 20 MPH. Now I keep my window awning hook out with me when I have the awning out. If the wind suddenly fires up, I can hook the leading edge with the awning hook and hold it from flapping while the awning takes the 30 seconds to retract. Saved my bacon twice since then. I think the motion sensor can work well when adjusted properly, but it still takes 30 seconds for the awnings to retract and that is long enough to send it "sailing". Someone mentioned that they saw one flapping 3' up and down...can't believe it didn't break an arm. Wow. And if you are reading this with SOB and integrated awnings, this applies to you guys as well.

hogdriver · 02-27-2014, 10:35 PM

At the Tampa owners meeting the rep from Entegra mentioned there is a Carefree awning similar to the Girard. Does anyone know of somebody with this type awning? Are they better at either handling the wind or sensing and retracting? Any feedback? Tiffin uses the Carefree Paramount awning on their Allegro Bus, Newmar uses the Girard on their Mountain Airs and King Airs.

DSL417 · 02-28-2014, 07:00 AM

JMHO, but folks I've talked to all say the same thing...until they are tied down, all awnings offer potential problems in the wind, and even if tied down, during strong winds they should be taken in.

If I remember the conversation, just because Girard had the name and the cost was no reason to keep if Carefree could build the same integrated awnings.