retracted awning always filling with water

[dahagen]

Depending upon level of RV, my awning can get lots of water in it from the air conditioner. I have to open it every once in a while to drain it and keep it from mildewing.

[Alexha]

Unfortunately the track in the roller into which the bead at the edge of the awning is inserted acts as a rainwater channel leading directly to the center of a sagging roller when the awning is in the retracted position. If the uncovered end of the roller, usually about 6" at each end , ends up facing skyward, it makes a great rain catcher that can funnel a lot of water into the wound-up awning which stays captured in there until the awning is unrolled. To prove it to myself a couple of years ago, I put some wide electrical tape over the exposed track ends when we laid up our RV for a nine-month period outside in a damp costal area. The stored awning rolled out after storage bone dry with no mildew to indicate the presence of any water. Last year I forgot to tape the tracks at layup, and I was greeted after outside storage with a shower of water and about a foot of ugly mildew on the awning at the wall. Maybe those zip-on awning boots I have seen advertised might be a good idea after all.

[bchep]

Groove up in awning roller is the most cogent and logical explanation I've received yet. You backed up your theory with empirical findings....BRAVO!!

Now all I need to do is find some of those boots you mentioned. Any leads that you can offer?

[AquaMan]

Look up the term "capillary action", and you will see where the water comes from. It's a powerful force.

[johnruff]

My power awning collects quantities or water also when rolled up during a rain. My old-school awnings never did and if this one breakes again it will be replaced with an old school awning.

[doc73]

My old school awning also got water in it when rolled up.

[Wolverine 1945]

Sounds like maybe the auto ones do not roll as tight,,, as the manual's did ???

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

Look up the term "capillary action", and you will see where the water comes from. It's a powerful force.

Finally! Somebody who knows what he's talking about! I have tried to explain this to so many people, but have always been told I am wrong. I am not wrong -- it's just that people don't have a clue about capillary action.

As a plumber, I rely on capillary action on almost a daily basis. It's what makes solder "defy gravity" to fill the gap between a fitting and pipe.

Bruce

[doc73]

Originally Posted by nomad297

Finally! Somebody who knows what he's talking about! I have tried to explain this to so many people, but have always been told I am wrong. I am not wrong -- it's just that people don't have a clue about capillary action.

As a plumber, I rely on capillary action on almost a daily basis. It's what makes solder "defy gravity" to fill the gap between a fitting and pipe.

Bruce

SO THAT IS WHY THAT HAPPENS!!! I have always wondered!

[Wolverine 1945]

I worked for plumber many years ago,,, the first thing he taught me was,,,
That S*!t does not flow up hill !!!

[doc73]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I worked for plumber many years ago,,, the first thing he taught me was,,,
That S*!t does not flow up hill !!!

And NEVER..... NEVER!!!! Bite your finger nails..

[aceinspp]

I also get water in my awning and it even rolls up into the protective covering. Later RJD

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by doc73

And NEVER..... NEVER!!!! Bite your finger nails..

RIGHT ON Doc !!!

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I worked for plumber many years ago,,, the first thing he taught me was,,,
That S*!t does not flow up hill !!!

One of the first things I learned/worked out is to never eat the last bite of a sandwich.

Bruce

[Dwilcox]

It may be p!$$ and $h!t to you, but it it bread and butter to me. Also a plumber that understands capillary action.