Mark n Cheryl
Rochester NY
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We have a Four Winds 30 ft class C/B+ that has a 20 ft long awning. I have heard a few stories of awnings unraveling when the rig is being driven. Some have said that adding extra restraints to the arms like a tie wrap will prevent the arms from opening but the awning could still unravel. I assume this would happen if the ratchet/roll-up device failed. Either way I am not interested in finding out. I saw camping world has a awning clamp. It wraps around the awning when stowed. It also suggests 2 for the length of my awning. I have a slide out in the front that will prevent me from putting one in the front. So I would only be able to put one at the center. A few questions: (1) should I be worried and should I put a secondary safety device like this on (2) has anyone used this particular awning clamp and are you happy with it or do you have other suggestions (3) if this looks like a good safety device and it makes sense, what do you think about the fact that I can only fit one - or one on the centerline and one at the back (even though one in the front would be desired). Please comment. Thanks for your thoughts.
Mark
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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I'm going to lurk here as I had same questions, with one additional if OP doesn't mind;
How likely is it to have a problem like that? I can't protect against everything, so is it worth it?
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Art D
Louisiana
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I have seen a few awnings wind damaged while set out in a CG, but never have personally known of one that has blown out while traveling (6 years RVing). However, I do use a velcro strap around each arm when closed and traveling. Why? It makes me feel more secure.
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WmRAnderson1
PA
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I have never heard of that happening while travelling. You should be sure to clamp the awning arms in (there is a clip on each arm, usually) In addition to that I would tighten the tension knob when in the closed position. That will help keep the awning in if by some crazy chance that the roll up/down lever is switched or the device fails. Personnaly, I wouldn't stress about the issue.
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fisher60
Plant City, Florida
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If the tube unrolls due to internal spring or latch failure, the awning will unfurl. If you don't see it and slow down immediately, good-bye awning. It will rip it completely off the side wall and possibly take some sidewall with it. Search the 'General RV Forum' for awning disasters. There you should many horror stories.
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btilfan
springfield NE
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Check the class A board. Lots of discussions on this topic. Seems many people have had the awnings unfurl even though the arms were secure. I put one of those clamps your talking about on mine. better safe than... well you know the rest.
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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It's a realistic concern. There are commercial and homegrown restraints. One easy effective way it to use your pulldown rod. The tip's usually bent more than 90*, so put the tip into the end of one of the channels at the rear cap. Then spring the handle end behind the arm and bungee in place. The roller tube now cannot rotate. But not all awnings have slots through the end cap, or the slot may fall where you can't get to it.
God Bless, jd
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sbishop
Eagle Rock, CA
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Mark n Cheryl,
While I have not had it happen to my awning I have seen it happen to two RVs within five minutes of each other. There are many stories about awnings unfurling with winds coming from the side of the rig and I think that I may have to add a keeper of some sort or another before this falls trips although there are many more rigs that have never had a problem than those that have.
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johnbhicks
Cherry Pocket, Fla.
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I bought an Awninglock rather than rigging up something. Pretty cheap insurance.
http://awninglock.com/index.shtml
-C&J-
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Mark n Cheryl
Rochester NY
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Thanks everyone, looks like many different views as expected. I am leaning to adding a safety just because its not that expensive compared to the cost of replacing an awning or the trouble that it might cause - and iot looks like it does happen althoughj infrequent.
johnbhicks,
I looked at your link and likes the device you have used. It looks better than the one camping world has and I dont have to drill holes in the roof or side of the RV to install. How was it to install and how has it worked (I m,ean how is it to engage and disengage). In reading the site they tell you to drill the engagement hole 1/8 inch off so that its easier to engage given the variability in the roll-up. Was this or has this been an issue. Other than this concern, I like it. If you have had a good experience then I think I am ready to get one.
Thanks much!
Mark
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