378 Awning Tied Down or Not?

[360true]

We are stationary for the winter and the Florida ocean breezes are delightful, however....

Our awning billows and flaps, often dipping and then banging. I have used a couple of straps to secure the ends, which seems to help. I have it compressed about half way to still permit the auto dumping of rain.

But I noticed that the awning material now rubs on the big slide cover roller. Should I be concerned that the awning will wear now prematurely at those points?

Thoughts?

[TURBS]

This may be a possibility.

[DarrenK]

I'm gonna follow this thread...I usually don't tie down the awning, just pull it in when it's windy

[TURBS]

[bob caldwell]

As an added enhansment to install'n the awning poles, I've done a set of de-flapper poles on the same concept....they stay attached to the awning support hardware

[Boso]

Anything rubbing on it will ware a hole thru it either take it in when windy or secure it and to me that would be the middle as well as the sides would need to be secure

[Iggy]

360true

I wouldn't waste my time trying to tie down the stupid misplaced awning on a 378TS. If you tie it down it will rub on the slide topped and make a hole. Better of putting it out and in manually.

[OldCoot]

Where in FL are you? I am in Davenport, FL and have the bracket kits with me and you can get poles at Lowes/Home Depot. As for the awning rubbing on the slide out, you can raise the awning with the poles or just protect the awning by putting foam pipe insulation or a pool noodle on it. Most folks don't like having to run their awnings in and out at the slightest breeze. We put ours out last Mon afternoon and the wind has blown every day since. Even trying out the new Claws which seem to be working in this sand with grass.

[Lostdog]

We full time and we stay at one place (workamping) for 3 or 4 months at a time. Our awning is out, pulled all the way down and tied to the ground via a ShadePro screen. Yes it is over the slide and yes there is a just a little stretched area at the end of the slide topper but no holes. Been doing this for over three years now. We will continue to work it this way because we like utilizing the ShadePro screen. I caution the utilization of poles to help support the awning UNLESS you have the awning all the way down to shed the water in a major storm. I know first hand...thank goodness for insurance... but have never had a problem with any kind of storm utilizing the awning without poles and just securing it with the ShadePro.

[bob caldwell]

Need a hint...Where's Davenport?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Need a hint...Where's Davenport?

About 5 minutes from me.........

[bob caldwell]

Oh, should I have included a state? Try'n to spot on map where OCE is....if Quartzsite is to cold....well, you know...

[Nomore9-5]

I Magivered a set of support poles using 1" and 11/4" EMT one inside the other. I used floor flanges to connect pipes to concrete pad and as supports for ends of awning along with straps .Flanges are connected to pipe ends with EMT connectors. I drilled holes in pipes and use metal pins with cotter pins to keep assemblies at desired height. The assemblies secure everything and help prevent the awning being bent since they lessen downward pressure with just using straps. Insofar as having rollers wear through awning material I put 1" foam between fabric and roller end.

[bob caldwell]

Now add a little shrink wrap on the smaller pole and it'll take up the extra clearance....just need 1" length pieces

[A32Deuce]

Well lostdog, I did what you do and lost an awning. Not I'm going to be using the poles.

[A32Deuce]

Now I'm going to use the poles!(hate spell check)

[bob caldwell]

32.... When that happens, after you post, just hit the edit button and then make your changes

[A32Deuce]

Thanks BC. Still learning how this forum works.

[Lostdog]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Now I'm going to use the poles!(hate spell check)

What I was trying to say is if you keep the awning straight out, horizontal or however you wish to describe it you can have cast iron poles and the awning hardware will self destruct in any kind of significant rain. There must be a slope to the awning and that is where the "rub" comes in with the awning coming over the slide topper. I use maximum slope and tie down with the ShadePro and have been doing so for over three years with no problems, in southeastern thunderstorms.

[Jim in Halifax]

I have OLDCOOT's setup without the vertical support poles....Leave it up in FL..Gulf coast, Sarasota for 3 months......You need lots of slope for tie downs to be effective Our sun screen has lots of "elastic" tie downs to pet anchors along the edge