Community Forums

wanderso · 08-29-2012, 07:32 PM

I have a Class C RV that has no slides. I've wondered about adding a patio awning to the driver's side as well.

Benefits seem to be as follows:

*Ability to open an awning on the driver's side if there is not adequate room on on the opposite side in certain locations.
*Ability to have shade on both sides of the RV when desired and added 'play area' if it rains for the kids, parking of bicycles, etc.
*reduced sun on the two sides of the RV during hot weather days.

Drawbacks:
*Weight
*Another awning that could unfurl in wind on the highway
*Ugly?
*More to worry about if it is windy in the campsite.

The fridge is on the driver's side. Any concerns/issues with the chimney? (I anticipate not because there are many motorhomes with a fridge on the same side as the awning.

Thoughts?? I have seen some RVs with two, but it is rare.

Mr_D · 08-29-2012, 07:36 PM

I was called on to give a depositon in a wrongful death suit over just that mounting. The awning came unfurled on a two lane road and went into the drivers window of an oncoming Type A MH.
The oncoming unit was a car trailer and they had an A&E manual awning installed on the drivers side. On the A&E manual awnings there is only one lock holding it against the rig. When installed on the passenger side it's at the front of the awning, when on the other side it's at the back. Meaning that there's nothing to keep the now, front end, from unfurling in the wind. Which is exactly what happened, and causing an unfortunate accident and death.

Francesca · 08-29-2012, 07:53 PM

Yikes!

Sounds like Mr. D.'s advice is to install an additional awning lock if you decide to go for it!

Your logic seems sound for considering the extra awning...Also:
A friend of ours has awnings on both sides of his "C" and one of his favorite benefits has been the extra protection from the heat of the sun on that side of the rig that you mention. It really does make a big difference!

OldChief7155 · 08-30-2012, 11:40 AM

An additional lock as suggested and as long as your driver's side awning doesn't trespass on your neighbor's property, shouldn't be a problem.

MarkofSJC · 09-05-2012, 04:31 PM

I would go for awnings on both sides in a heart beat! Many of the paint issues have been from fiberglass exposed for very long periods to sun ~ and the driver's side is usually the most obvious place to see it!

That and the ability to "make your shade" anywhere would bring down cooling costs substantially in hot climes.

Mark