Center Awning Support

[ncamilli]

Has anyone added a center awning support for their 351? I have noticed that the awning is beginning to sag a little in the middle when rolled up. This also causes the awning to sag in the middle when out as well. When I go in to have some warrenty work done next week, I plan to have them install a center awning support. This will support the awning when traveling by holding up some weight and will support the awning once extended by pushing it out. I figure a $200 (part and labor) investment is better than $1000+ for a new awning. These awnings are long and it seems like it would be a good idea.

[Ford Idaho]

The awning on my trailer is 15 feet do you think a center support is needed, I am not sure.

[rattleNsmoke]

I installed the center support on my old Jayco TT. They give detailed instructions and if you have a ladder, a punch, drill and drill bit, you can do the job in about 1/2 hour and 1/2 beer and have plenty of $$ left over for dinner with the wife. Oh yes, don't forget the silicone for the wood screw. It's perty easy and something the novice should be able to master.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

I installed the center support on my old Jayco TT. They give detailed instructions and if you have a ladder, a punch, drill and drill bit, you can do the job in about 1/2 hour and 1/2 beer and have plenty of $$ left over for dinner with the wife. Oh yes, don't forget the silicone for the wood screw. It's perty easy and something the novice should be able to master.

How long is the awning on the Jayco?

[rattleNsmoke]

If...I remember correctly, it was 18 ft. The awning was sagging in the middle prompting me to take action. I got the part from CW and from what I recall it was cheap....even better on sale with free shipping.
Here's our old TT. You can barely make out the position of the awning cradle(support) over the tall window near the door.

Colonial Airstream NJ - 1999 Jayco Eagle 304BH 30'6"

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

If...I remember correctly, it was 18 ft. The awning was sagging in the middle prompting me to take action. I got the part from CW and from what I recall it was cheap....even better on sale with free shipping.
Here's our old TT.
Colonial Airstream NJ - 1999 Jayco Eagle 304BH 30'6"

That would be a LONG awning.
I have not seen my sag but prevention is the cure.

[rattleNsmoke]

Hey, when the weather warms up or you have it inside, go for it.

[OldCoot]

You might want to try one of these to take the bow out and keep it out. MX57 (*Single unit) - MX57

[ncamilli]

I would not expect much problems with a 15ft awning sagging. Just keep an eye on it.

Here is the awning support I am considering...
Rafter VI™, Polar White (White Castings)

[5erDriver]

Hi
The awning on my 5th wheel is 21ft. I added the center support for the same reason and its recommended for awnings 16ft and longer. It literally took me 5 minutes to install and the support was about $35.
$200 sounds very steep. If you can use a drill and screw gun you can do it and save yourself some $$

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

You might want to try one of these to take the bow out and keep it out. MX57 (*Single unit) - MX57

Would you suggest running this the whole length of the awning? Or just get an 8' piece and sliding it into the middle?

I've got a 20' (or 21' or something) and I was thinking of a sunshade. I'm wondering if we should support the tube itself.

Thanks.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Would you suggest running this the whole length of the awning? Or just get an 8' piece and sliding it into the middle?

I've got a 20' (or 21' or something) and I was thinking of a sunshade. I'm wondering if we should support the tube itself.

Thanks.

I would try one first and see if it took the sag out. If it didn't, I would get the 2nd and pull the 1st one out and weld the two together and reinsert.

[Helmsey]

OK, let me ask a possibly silly question about installing one of these. It is something I would like to add to our new 5er and I'm usually good with installing things like this. I am a bit concerned about the drilling through the outside of my camper thing What is the process for sealing the screw holes? I'm sure I'm thinking too hard about this, but never done anything like this to a camper.

[5erDriver]

Originally Posted by Helmsey

OK, let me ask a possibly silly question about installing one of these. It is something I would like to add to our new 5er and I'm usually good with installing things like this. I am a bit concerned about the drilling through the outside of my camper thing What is the process for sealing the screw holes? I'm sure I'm thinking too hard about this, but never done anything like this to a camper.

When I mounted it I siliconed the screw threads a little before driving them and more importantly siliconed the back surface of the support before mounting it to create a seal. I just drilled a couple of small pilot holes first. The bracket itself sits up under the awning and is really out of the weather anyway.

[Helmsey]

Thanks for the info, sounds simple enough. I think this one will move up my list of things to do

[wa9b]

Can't say enough good things about the center rafter/support! Lost the awning on our 351 even though I had it "dipped" significantly. Easy installation. Be sure to mark/seal all holes you make for mounting. I've got pics of my install if interested.

[doodler]

I have a 351 with a 21' awning. bent the tube. cut a piece out and replaced with a 3' piece and installed a mx57. still have a sag though. thinking about a center support myself but still worry about the sag when rolled out.