Okay, so we got our new 2304S Ultra Lite a couple of weeks ago and camped in it a couple of days before bringing it home - tried everything on both electric and propane and all's well! Feel like we're in a cabin with all that slide-out room! We've put on our MaxxAir vent covers, dog/baby safety screen on screen door, baby proof cover over the awning and slide-out buttons, hung our coat rack, etc. so we're about done with all the add on stuff! Has anyone had a problem with their automatic awning in windy conditions (when closed and traveling)? We're thinking a safety strap/clasp might be a good idea as we had one on the Airstream Bambi after seeing awnings along highways during our travels over the U.S.!!!!! Anyone out there have a suggestion or has Forest River given a recommendation or is it unnecessary?
Thanks!
Jeff & Mary
I used the larger cable ties for the travel between BC and So Cal. There is one particularly bad stretch for wind on I-5 just north of Sacramento. I think itr holds the record for the most awnings stripped from their coach ,owners. I nearly lost mine, it unfurled part way. I stopped at a pull off and there were the remains of three new awnings and several older ones blown into the ditch. While I was fixing mine a family in a new Class C came in. Their awning had been ripped off and the aluminum support structure was mangled and hanging from the side of the coach. They had no tools so I had to help them completely remove the supports. Virtually nothing was salvagable. It is a very wise plan to have some buckled nylon straps you can attach while travelling through known windy areas like the area between Woodlands and Sacramento. I'm sure there are other notorious awning graveyards but I have not noticed them. The biggest hassel with the large cable ties is climbing up on the roof to mount them and to cut them off. I keep thinking of buying some sturdy buckeld nylon straps that you could wrap aroud a few times then cinch them up. They would be reusable but just as difficult to attach. I guess its no big deal if you carry an extension ladder and I see many folks who do. Thats my $0.02 for what its worth. Oh yes, I have seen ads for awning locks but never saw them installed.
Regards,
Lloyd
I've had my Flagstaff V lite with a 22 foot long power awning 3 years, and never had any problems with the awning while traveling the highway. The electric motor in the front keeps it tucked in pretty good on mine. But, then again, I don't use the slide locks either! Randy
Thanks, but I think you're strapping the arms only - we've seen awnings ripped off because they unravel w/o losing the arms! We aren't thrilled about drilling holes in the rig to attach the safety straps to keep the awning from unrolling but might have to! Yes, I-5 is one of the stretches we're referring to! Also, S and N Dakota as well as between Winnemucca and Elko, NV and Benecia, CA!
safety strap for auto awning?
Reese dual cam sway control,
Linear Mode
