Rollout Awnning Wind/Rain Strength
Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 13:12
ThreadID:
79923
Views:
3196
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
2
This Thread has been Archived
Grass Parrot
Iam looking at 18-19ft awning on my van. Have read many and varying reports about different brnads and the effects of wind and rain has on a rollout awning. Can I get
feedback on the awing in windy and rainy conditions for the following brands as I'm looking for the one that will handle these conditions the best and can have zip on sides attached at a later date.
Carefree
Aussie Traveller Sunburst
Dometic 8500
Dometic 9000
Aussie Traveller Coolabah
Any others that may be suitable
Thanks.
Reply By: keviny6 - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 13:43
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 13:43
have a look at fiamma awnings --just installed one on on my pop top . have yet to try it out but have 2 deflappers each end and centre ceiling bracket as
well . intend to roll up each night though to be on safe side
mine is the fiamma bag awning which is very easy to erect --legs fold and slide into roller.
AnswerID:
423335
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 13:50
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 13:50
We had a Dometic 8500 which was good Now have a Carefree and its very lightly built and cheapish.
As long as you keep the legs attached to the van they are relatively strong.
Detach the legs and you can be looking for trouble.
In either case tie them down with ropes at each end and use angle iron pegs NOT ROUND ONES.
At Sunset Beach Park
Geraldton one day 4 vans got their awnings blown over the vans because A the legs werent attached and B they were using round pegs or none at all..
A set of Aussie Traveller end de flappers while expensive keep the ends taut and trim Same make rafters stop the awning from falpping as
well.
Well worth the money
AnswerID:
423337
Follow Up By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 15:43
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 15:43
I agree, and when it rains drop one end down a few notches to help drain the awning.
FollowupID:
693773
Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 16:21
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 16:21
One minor point is the Dometics have both sailtracks stictched and if you dont roll it out far enough can drain back into annexe if you have one.
Did with us till I figured it out Awning wasnt new though.
FollowupID:
693777
Reply By: racinrob - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 21:10
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 21:10
All awnings will blow-out if hit by serious wind, pegged down or not.
The insurer who covers most of the motorhome/campervans in the CMCA says that awnings are his biggest claim by far. His advice, roll it up overnight or if you're leaving your 'van during the day.
Rob.
AnswerID:
423370
Reply By: Curlynan - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 21:56
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 21:56
We have a 23' awning on our 25' van (this was on the van when we bought it.... if we ever replace it we will not have one as long). We always keep the legs attached and also rope & peg it down. In saying that, if we are ever leaving the van for a while we will always roll it up as no matter how cautious you are, cos if a big wind comes in I'd hate to lose the thing. Also if it rains we drop one end a little lower than the other to allow a better run off. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that most awning racks/runners allow for zip on sides/ annexes. They are a great asset though...... we have a Carefree but I'm sure it's best to
shop around and ask other owners as
well.
Mish
AnswerID:
423375
Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 22:56
Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010 at 22:56
If you are looking for something robust then the only way to go is Aussie Traveller Coolabah. A few friends and I have one. We sit under ours watching those with the quick roll out ones stow theirs every time strong winds come up.
PeterD
AnswerID:
423382
Reply By: Ray - Thursday, Jul 08, 2010 at 07:06
Thursday, Jul 08, 2010 at 07:06
I have seen so many awnings blow out. I use an annex roof. Four poles, six guy ropes and six strong pegs. It has caused no trouble at all. It takes a bit of time to erect but it is worth it. I should have said that it has a "C" section rope guide on the caravan but I do not use the annex walls.
AnswerID:
423389
Reply By: Member Boroma 604 - Thursday, Jul 08, 2010 at 09:50
Thursday, Jul 08, 2010 at 09:50
Gooday,
Have had Carefree, Dometic and now Aussie Traveller, would replace with Aussie Traveller again if I had to get another one for sure.
No connection with them but feel they are superior to others. Inspect and see for yourself.
Cheers,
Boroma 604.
AnswerID:
423394