Awning Lock

turtleandtoad wrote:

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.

I respectfully disagree. At least with the A&E awning, the ONLY thing holding the awning in is the spring. The lock on the arm doesn't stop the awning from unrolling. I admit, if the spring is new, it's usually strong enough to hold the awning in. But NOT ALWAYS. Once wind catches under the awning, there's a LOT of air pressure pulling on the awning and that spring.

I admit having the awning billow and possibly ripped off is a very rare incident. Unfortunately, I know 2 people who have lost their awning in the winds while driving. This includes my Dad.

I agree with Larry.
I have the A&E and the cam lever gave away during a gusty trip when we were on the Interstate. It just snapped the inner mechanism. I have seen plenty of awnings along side the road and on RV's that have "billowed" and torn off. We were next to one guy who just bought the RV new a week ago and a strong wind caught it and tore it off.
I have not had any more problems since I installed the lock that Larry has the plans for.
At about $20.00 for two of them it is cheap insurance.
Frank

I use two industrial strength big ole' velcro straps. I put one around each awning arm assembly, just above the black knob. (So they can't slide down while motoring)Unless the awning supports that are attached to the trailer rips off, these velcro straps keep the fold out arms from moving. (of course I've tried to unfurl the awning w/ these in place & proved it to myself). Shouldn't this prevent "billowing also" ?

I always wondered about that too until a friend, who I know to be very meticulous about his RV and gear, had his unroll while driving. I agree with Larry - it could happen to anyone.

The fix that "jsummers" notes would keep the arms from dropping, but will not deal with the unfurling issue. The original fix noted would deal with that, however, I didn't want to go through all that process, so I went with this item, available at Camping World and other places:

Awning clamp

It was about $35 wherever I found it and easy to install. Cheap insurance.

Joe