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How Do I Stop My RVs Awning From Blowing Open While Driving?
by Doug
(Fountain Valley, CA)
I have a Windsport 34B model and during two separate trips I had the same problem. During some strong crosswinds the living room slide out awning blew open and snapped the stop lever on the outside. I had to tie it down manually so I could keep driving. This has happened twice on separate trips.
Any suggestions to keep this from happening again? It is only the large living room slide out awning that has this problem. I see other motorhomes driving down the road with the same cross wind but yet not having any problems. Is there a cover plate or other mechanism that will prevent this from happening?
Answer: Greetings Doug thanks for asking your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.
Unfortunately a lot of people go through the same problem you are having with your awning. Awnings have built in brakes that are suppose to stop the awning from opening up while going down the road. These brakes do not always work or they get worn out over time. Once the air catches a corner of the awning with a weak brake; the awning fabric starts to billow up and catch the wind. Now the awning has basically turned into a giant sail and can exert enough pressure on the awning hardware to cause it to fail. If the problem is not caught in time the awning can rip itself and it's mounting hardware right off of the RV. This can cause severe damage to your RV and other vehicles on the road.
There are locks available to prevent the awning from opening up while going down the road. Pictured at the left is the Coil n' Wrap RV Awning Lock
According to FMCA, wind will always win out over the friction lock that awnings employ. The lock is comprised of two parts, the Lock Assembly and the Roller Tube Stop. This superior made Awning Lock is simple to install and simple to use. Using an awning lock will give you added peace of mind as you travel safely down the road.
The package comes complete with full instructions and all parts including two drill bits, a metal center punch, screws and the necessary parts to install the Awning Lock. You open and close the lock using your awning wand. There is a groove in the rod and a spring loaded plunger in the metal block. When the lock is closed the plunger drops into the groove preventing the lock from opening while you are traveling down the road. Only one lock is required for an awning. The lock fits Carefree and A&E awnings, with the exception of the A&E 2 Step.
I would also suggest you get some Camco RV Awning Straps
. The awning straps are used to secure the arms on the awnings while traveling. Even though the awning arms have locks on them, the straps act as a fail safe to prevent the arms from coming loose and damaging your RV.Hopefully once you start using these items you won't have to worry about about looking in your side view mirror and seeing your RV awning billowing in the wind. If any of our visitors have tips for you they can add them by clicking on the add a comment link located near the bottom of this page.
Happy RVing
RVing Al
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