Community Forums

Jewelsinmo · 10-18-2011, 09:32 AM

We are wintering in the Fl Keys this year (Jolly Roger RV Park) and I am considering a screen room that attaches to the awning. Does anyone have experience with how well this will work there? I am concerned with wind, and don' want to damage the awning. We have two dogs and I was hoping that this would provide added room and a space for the dogs to hang out while still being controlled. I am also wondering about space. Have never been to this park and am hoping that I will have room for such a thing if we go with it!

Any insight or thoughts are very much appreciated!

Jewelsinmo · 10-19-2011, 05:50 AM

Guess I should mention (given the large response to the "poop" thread) that I DO pick up after my Shephard and Laso faithfully!

nosticks · 10-19-2011, 06:49 AM

Since no one has answered you thus far, I have camped in the keys this summer at two of their state parks, one in Key Largo and one in Marathon. I drove around to look at other parks and do no recall the specifics on the Jolly Roger. As an overall statement, the parks in the keys are very space limited, some sites so close that extending slides and awnings becomes a challenge. If you have not already done so, check them out on rv park reviews at RV Park Reviews :: Marathon, Florida ( FL ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews just scroll down to Jolly roger.

As to the screen room, other than sometimes blustery winter wind, it sounds like a good idea.

**CLIFFTALL** · 10-19-2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewelsinmo

We are wintering in the Fl Keys this year (Jolly Roger RV Park) and I am considering a screen room that attaches to the awning. Does anyone have experience with how well this will work there? I am concerned with wind, and don' want to damage the awning. We have two dogs and I was hoping that this would provide added room and a space for the dogs to hang out while still being controlled. I am also wondering about space. Have never been to this park and am hoping that I will have room for such a thing if we go with it!

Any insight or thoughts are very much appreciated!

I saw one completely destroyed this summer in upstate N.Y. in 35-40 mph winds. They're real nice to have but require some looking after to avoid a loss.

edj · 10-19-2011, 08:07 AM

I am assuming the screen room you are considering attached to the awning. If so, it will take a while to remove in order to roll the awning up when the thunderstorms approach or there are strong sea winds. When things are attached to the awning that make it a hassle to roll it up, that is when you consider taking a chance. That is when you find your awning ripped and flapping on top of the RV.

You do not need the screen room in FL in the Winter. There are few biting bugs to keep out.

Jewelsinmo · 10-19-2011, 08:15 AM

Thanks so much for your replies. I have looked at the reviews extensively, but they are all over the place. Some say space, some not so much. I am going to call them for their opinion. Guess I should have gone that route in the first place?

Thanks again!

Jewelsinmo · 10-19-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edj

I am assuming the screen room you are considering attached to the awning. If so, it will take a while to remove in order to roll the awning up when the thunderstorms approach or there are strong sea winds. When things are attached to the awning that make it a hassle to roll it up, that is when you consider taking a chance. That is when you find your awning ripped and flapping on top of the RV.

You do not need the screen room in FL in the Winter. There are few biting bugs to keep out.

I wasn't considering it for bug protection, but for dog space. Thanks!

GaryKD · 10-19-2011, 09:21 AM

Hi Jewelsinmo,
You have the right idea to call the CG and ask. Some CGs do not allow screen rooms. For me, I'd arrive, get settled and see what others have done. You may find screen rooms work or do not work via other guests. One can always make the purchase and have it delivered to the CG.

Retired and Happy · 10-19-2011, 09:30 AM

We have used a screen room at Disney World for many years. We believe it helps protect the awning from storms by adding weight to the roller tube. We have never had to bring our awning in there but do take the precaution of lowering the rear corner of the awning during setup. Ours is a Carefree that has solid privacy panels that can be rolled up or down and can be setup to be inside or outside of the screen. Inside for ease of lowering at night, outside for helping to keep blowing rain from dripping inside.

HD4Mark · 10-19-2011, 09:41 AM

We winter right down the road at Knight's Key and the state parks when we can get in. One problem with anything that can blow away in the Keys is the fact that there isn't much to stop the wind. We found that on our site there is always enough breeze that a screen room isn't necessary though. It depends on how much mangrove growth is around. The no seeums like to hide out in them.

If I remember when we looked at Jolly Roger the sites weren't huge but not tiny either. Make sure stop in the Wreck, almost next door for a meal. One of our favorites.

Edit: BTW we saw a few of those pop up shade things get destroyed one day last winter when a storm kicked up. Stuff past by like tumble weeds.

mikron · 10-19-2011, 09:55 AM

We had a full screen room that attached to the roller. Used the screw type anchor to tie the awing down and weighted bags made to fit the bottom of the screen room. But bottom line wind is wind and if it blows hard nothing will hold. A free standing screen room would work for the dogs and you can take down fast and store under the rig.

bstireman · 10-19-2011, 10:07 AM

We spent the winter of '08/'09 at Jolly Roger. I remember some screen rooms. It can be very windy out of the north. We were on the seawall and I don't think a screen room would have worked there but a few rows back it always seemed a lot less windy. We stayed at Sunshine Key resort last year and are going back again this year. Lots of screen rooms there.

edj · 10-19-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewelsinmo

I wasn't considering it for bug protection, but for dog space. Thanks!

Before you decide to buy an awning screen room for the purpose of keeping dog(s) in them, you better look closely at the type you want that is set up on a trailer. The ones I have seen have lots of small gaps and loose areas along the ground under the trailer and along the wall of the trailer. Any dog who wanted to get out, would quickly work their nose in these openings and be gone. If you want to keep a dog in the screen room when you are not right there, put a leash on it.

Jewelsinmo · 10-19-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edj

Before you decide to buy an awning screen room for the purpose of keeping dog(s) in them, you better look closely at the type you want that is set up on a trailer. The ones I have seen have lots of small gaps and loose areas along the ground under the trailer and along the wall of the trailer. Any dog who wanted to get out, would quickly work their nose in these openings and be gone. If you want to keep a dog in the screen room when you are not right there, put a leash on it.

No, I don't ever leave them unattended. I am thinking of us being out there with them. Maybe I should say that they never leave ME unattended! They are within 6 ft of me at all times, and no problems with venturing out.

Again, thank you all for the thoughts and advice. All goo, to say the least! Did call the CG and screen rooms are fine and was told ample room on the site we have!

Now the question is, which screen room? We have a 2004 Itasca Suncruiser. Anyone tried or have a GREAT one, or any preferences? Thanks!