Awning Lock

Sometime in the past I had seen information concerning the making of an awning lock to prevent awning blowouts....if I am correct, I think Larry may have had this info detailed on a posting....if so, I would love to see it again so that I might make this lock....Thanks...Marty Hill

Yep - it's on my personal website. Here's the direct link.

I made a pair of them from Larry's plans and they work GREAT.
Here are a couple tips that you may want to consider.
1. Instead of threading chain thru the clear tubing get some 1/8" wire rope and some crimp ferrules, stops and thimbles. These are very inexpensive and are MUCH easier to thread thru the tubing than the chain. You can use a blunt end chissle and hammer to crimp the ferrules and stops. Make sure to use the thimble to reinforce the loop. (Do the crimping after threading it thru the tubing.
2. Use small bungies to wrap around the awning arm and tubing when driving to stop the noise.
The total cost for both locks was less than $20.00
Good Luck
Frank

So, interesting problem here. I've never had an awning, but the new unit I'm picking up Tuesday does have one.

So, is this 'unrolling problem' happen alot, or is it a specific awning mfgr?

And, does this happen frequently when driving along the highways?

Seems pretty dangerous to me, both to the awning itself, and to the potential for it ripping off and hitting someone else.

Thanks for the info folks. Cheap insurance....Marty

If the awning is made by one of the reputable manufacturer, is installed correctly, is in working order (this includes the roller lock and the storage latches), and is closed properly, you should never have an "awning blow-out". I've been through Cat 1 winds and have never had one.

I've helped numerouns RV'ers re-secure their awnings after a blow-out and every one of them either had an existing problem, or had stowed the awning incorrectly.