What if the power awning fabric rips, how do the arms stay up?

[Curly2001]

I have searched through some of the discussions here and have not found this question but if it has been asked. I apologize in advance.
On my old trailer I had a Dometic manual awning that had ripped in the sun here in Arizona and while traveling on the road, started to rip across the top and the arms started to fall down. I was able to zip the the arms back up against the trailer until we got home. There were slots where the arms were mounted on the trailer so i could run the zip tie through them and around the arms.
New trailer has a Dometic power awning. There are no slots in the mounting arms that are used to mount it to the trailer. Has anyone had an issue of the fabric tearing and the arms come down? I don't the they would stay up once the fabric tears. On the manual awning I had to cut the fabric off the roll so it wouldn't flap against the trailer. I do think there was a manual lock on one side but I don't think it would keep both arms up.
Thanks,
Curly

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by Curly2001

I have searched through some of the discussions here and have not found this question but if it has been asked. I apologize in advance.
On my old trailer I had a Dometic manual awning that had ripped in the sun here in Arizona and while traveling on the road, started to rip across the top and the arms started to fall down. I was able to zip the the arms back up against the trailer until we got home. There were slots where the arms were mounted on the trailer so i could run the zip tie through them and around the arms.
New trailer has a Dometic power awning. There are no slots in the mounting arms that are used to mount it to the trailer. Has anyone had an issue of the fabric tearing and the arms come down? I don't the they would stay up once the fabric tears. On the manual awning I had to cut the fabric off the roll so it wouldn't flap against the trailer. I do think there was a manual lock on one side but I don't think it would keep both arms up.
Thanks,
Curly

I've never had a problem slipping a zip tie behind the bracket that mounts to the trailer . some are tighter then others but there is always a spot some where if you pull out of the bracket .

[Curly2001]

The newer awning brackets are mounted flush along the side of the trailer with no holes for zip ties. Will see what Dometic says about the issue. There needs to be some sort of lock to keep the framework next to the trailer.
Curly

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by Curly2001

The newer awning brackets are mounted flush along the side of the trailer with no holes for zip ties. Will see what Dometic says about the issue. There needs to be some sort of lock to keep the framework next to the trailer.
Curly

I know there mounted flush to the sides but you can get a zip tie under them and secure the awning . ask me how i know have done at least a 1/2 dozen that way

[Curly2001]

I feel better now that it can be done. They need to make some sort of lock that will keep the arm up there.
Thanks,
Curly

[kayo]

Fix the tear, thus no problem. I have used Gorilla Tape as well as Flex Tape to repair a tear at the point where the awning fits into the roller. Been holding up for over a yearr now, and a lot cheaper than a new awning.

[A32Deuce]

The outside walls are not totally flat so you should be able to slide one behind the arm. If not, just back off a turn or two on the hold screws, slide behind and retighten, but not over tighten. Thats what I did.

[satdog01]

As stated above zip ties! Found some 18 inch ties at HD and have bailed a couple of folks out so they go get home! High winds mean awnings in, especially when camping on hill above a lake,

[Mrpsyko]

In an emergency you could always run a self tapping screw through the sides of both arms while holding them against the trailer. That is if you have a drill and screws in you toolbox.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Mrpsyko

In an emergency you could always run a self tapping screw through the sides of both arms while holding them against the trailer. That is if you have a drill and screws in you toolbox.

Ouch! Definitely a last ditch, emergency action.
Most folks I know travel with zip ties in their RV. Easy fix for a problem that will most likely never happen.
I have zip tied my awning arms several times when worried about billowing while going down the road in windy conditions. Also did it when my awning motor failed and I had to roll it in by hand. Always found room between the awning rail and the RV side.