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Topic: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support? (Read 358 times) previous topic - next topic
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Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Living in the Pacific NW is frequently synonymous with  rapidly changing weather that seasonally includes some type of precipitation. I was curious whether it is safe to use the awning in an extended position of just 2-3' which is not enough to insert the center support brace?  Sometimes it is nice to have a small outside area to keep chairs dry, use the outdoor propane stove etc. during rainy periods that can include start/stop rain many times in one day. Another reason this attractive  is that it reduces exposure to falling pine needles and sap from forest canopy that is typical of campground and boondocking areas that I frequent which reduces cleaning maintenance. I've tried this a couple times recently and water appears to run off easily and does not appear to puddle anywhere. The awning also seems pretty secure in this 2-3' range. I do monitor for wind just as if the awning was fully extended.   Anyone have thoughts about, and/or experience using the awning in this way?
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Reply #1 –
I've used our awning fully extended w/out the center support lots of times. Never noticed any issues.
2001 MB
Re: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Reply #2 –
If you leave the awning extended at all, no guarantees if there are gale force winds. However, we frequently will extend it with the arms tightened at minimum length (the uphill one a smidge longer), and reel it in until just a bit of outward slope, for runoff. Never had a problem leaving it this way while going for day trips in the toad or hikes. When back at the rig, will crank it out just to where it clears the cabin door to open.

The thing to note is that when using it this way, the winds must be calm to extend it enough to fold the arms in to reel it in for travel... According to Fiamma, their awning is NOT designed to repel rain - just sun...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
However, we frequently will extend it with the arms tightened at minimum length (the uphill one a smidge longer), and reel it in until just a bit of outward slope, for runoff. Never had a problem leaving it this way while going for day trips in the toad or hikes. When back at the rig, will crank it out just to where it clears the cabin door to open.

We have done the same for many years, when camped in the same place for more than a day.
Cranking the awing in as far as it will go, with the arms still connected, reduces the sail area to a minimal amount and the awning does not seem to be badly effected by high winds. We always crank it in when leaving the campsite, fully expended Fiammas are fragile things in big wind gusts.
Our 18 year-old Fiamma still is intact, with the original fabric. The two expendable shock absorbers have been replaced as well as one hinge pin. It gets used often, camping and while at home.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Reply #4 –
To be strong the awing needs to form a triangle.

The side of the motorhome is one side of the triangle, the two supports that extend from the motorhome wall to the outer corners of the awning is the second side of the triangle and the telescoping support attached under and in the middle of the awning fabric is the third. Absent that last piece and in a wind the awning is free to blow up and toward the motorhome, can form a "sail" back over the roof leading to all kinds of damage.

If you want a minimal awning extension for the reasons others have stated, then leave the middle support tightened at its minimum length. I think that is actually the strongest setup. You still have a rigid triangle and the least amount of exposed awning.

I have thought about fabricating a shorter version of the center support but so far laziness has prevailed.

I will never forget being at the 50th anniversary caravan in Cheyenne, WY where a caravan club member had extended his awning without the center support and watching that awning catch a gust of wind, fold up and back over the motorhome and tear everything to shreds. Lesson learned.

And never trust the wind in the west.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
 
Re: Can awning be safely used extended to shorter lengths without center support?
Reply #5 –
Fine if you are kinda monitoring, reel it in if you are leaving for long periods...
Pete
1994 RB