Awnings and Wind

[Peter and Julie]

Have to be pretty drunk not to notice wind on the awning Just wind it in or press the retract button
A real cheapo way of holding your awning down is a couple of ratchet straps( like what you get to secure loads on wagons) over the top of the awning bar and peg in. We bought the ridiculously expensive storm strap from Fiama. Mugged again!

 

[Ditcha]

Did you make those or buy them? They look really good and effective.

Made them at work Paul

 

[Mike Rivers]

Spent the back end of last year’s summer hol cleaning the awning. Surprising how much mildew collected. That comes with winding in the awning whilst damp. Whilst it’s there to be used I’m a great believer in not inviting trouble so the only times we find we leave the awning out are when we’re on the continent and even then with a watchful eye for strong breezes!!

 

[Orion]

We must have been mega lucky then for all the years we were using our camping setup!

Never had an issue even in some pretty high winds and downpours. Admittedly it’s a bit smaller than some MoHo setups with an ARB 2.5x2.5m plus awning room/bedroom on one side and a 2.5x2.0m plus 2.5m extension over the kitchen/lounge. Always pegged well down and angled at night or if the weather looked dodgy.

 

[Hawkstone]

I wonder how much heavier the GH ones are than the standard Motorhome ones?

Quite a lot heavier. They are often used in international motorsport events. We see a lot at the motocross grand prix circuits. Amazing piece of kit but mahoosive and heavy. That said, I have even seen them destroyed in some freak weather conditions, despite being professionally erected and with full sides. I expect the price reflects the quality too.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Carpmart]

Quite a lot heavier. They are often used in international motorsport events. We see a lot at the motocross grand prix circuits. Amazing piece of kit but mahoosive and heavy. That said, I have even seen them destroyed in some freak weather conditions, despite being professionally erected and with full sides. I expect the price reflects the quality too.

As an owner, I can confirm you are correct on all points. I think I’d be happy leaving mine ‘up’ in all but the worst wind…

 

[wp1234]

So I was thinking about getting an awning tie down kit,do they quick release,so you can wind it in quickly if it gets too windy

It’s what I use …the Fiamma storm kit is super quick to release.

 

[carolyn]

As is the Thule one should yours be a Thule one, the attachments are different, they are not interchangeable.

 

[Tonks]

Yes the Fiamma kit comes with 2 small metal brackets that hook Into slot on outer cover and 2 webbing straps and large ground pegs and springs.

Just a note: There are two different types of Fiamma storm straps. One type has the brackets which hook into the outer casting, and the other (which I have) has one long strap which runs across the awning arms between the metal and the canopy. This also has the very substantial ground pegs and the spring.

 

[teddybear]

Following this thread has reminded me that I intended to get some base plates. Does anyone know if they are intchangeable as we have a dometic awning and have not seen any for that brand advertised

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonyidle]

Following this thread has reminded me that I intended to get some base plates. Does anyone know if they are intchangeable as we have a dometic awning and have not seen any for that brand advertised

Dometic is Thule is Omnistor.

 

[Howard B]

View attachment 640778

Have one of the Magic Rafter Pros but will be swapping for the version which tensions the arms ( Magic rafter).

 

[tonyidle]

Have one of the Magic Rafter Pros but will be swapping for the version which tensions the arms ( Magic rafter).

Don't understand. That IS the version that tensions the arms (Magic Rafter Pro as in the pic).

 

[Howard B]

Don't understand. That IS the version that tensions the arms (Magic Rafter Pro as in the pic).

It wouldnt say it tensions them. This is the one I am going to get. https://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-Accessories-for-Zip-F45-F65/Fiamma-Magic-Rafter

 

[poppycamper]

Not sure "tensions" is correct terminology. Yes it stops the main bars from folding in/out so I would say "supports" would be more appropriate.!!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Howard B]

Not sure "tensions" is correct terminology. Yes it stops the main bars from folding in/out so I would say "supports" would be more appropriate.!!

Looks like its aplying tension to me

 

[poppycamper]

Looks like its aplying tension to me

If you are prepared to force (tension) the elbow joints in main supports against their max open positions with potential to over stress and cause damage then yes... "Tension".
However if, like me, you don't force elbows too there max position and use rafter to hold them in position...even if awning is only partial deployed then "Support".

 

[Howard B]

Fiamma lists all the poles under the collective of tensioners https://www.fiamma.it/en/tensioners-2018994390.html
I do know when something is over tensioned/ forced, so not worried, thanks for the concern. .

 

[Hawkstone]

As an owner, I can confirm you are correct on all points. I think I’d be happy leaving mine ‘up’ in all but the worst wind…

They will survive pretty much the weather can throw at it.

 

[tonyidle]

It wouldnt say it tensions them. This is the one I am going to get. https://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-Accessories-for-Zip-F45-F65/Fiamma-Magic-Rafter

That does the same job but doesn't support the outer edges of the fabric of lift the fabric to increase tension.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[poppycamper]

Fiamma lists all the poles under the collective of tensioners https://www.fiamma.it/en/tensioners-2018994390.html
I do know when something is over tensioned/ forced, so not worried, thanks for the concern. .

Happy to be of service..
However the link you posted for tensioners is the rafters that go from van to leading edge of awning only and not all poles in Fiamma range as you stated.. The ones you described in your earlier post do not appear nor are mentioned. So I stand by my previous..
Supporter not Tensioner.

 

[Bucket]

All good advice I remember being in Germany at a site next to the Rhine in bright sunshine and a thunderstorm came up the valley and there were approx 8-10 vans had their awnings either ripped off or badly damaged? We were very lucky and just managed to wind ours in before the tempest arrived

Funnily enough, Germany was where our first awning was damaged beyond repair. It was early days in our motorhoming life and we'd left in out while on a walk.
Expensive lesson never to be forgotten...

 

[Michael Rennison]

Tend not to leave ours out a night but that's due to the noise, it's a Thule omnister. Do they all rattle when there's a breeze?

They do and it's a "Sun Canopy" as I found to my cost in Ille D'Oleron - left it out and in the middle of the night wind ripped it off, smashing the legs.

 

[IRHP]

They do and it's a "Sun Canopy" as I found to my cost in Ille D'Oleron - left it out and in the middle of the night wind ripped it off, smashing the legs.

Looks expensive. Was it pinned down at the base of the legs and did you have storm straps?

 

[Michael Rennison]

Looks expensive. Was it pinned down at the base of the legs and did you have storm straps?

New "Sun Canopy " needed. Pegged but no storm straps and a lesson learned. I've since purchased the Thule ones that fit and use them every time it goes up.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Len]

We ‘lost’ ours several years ago, it was pegged down but not well enough.
A very calm day and we came back to find the field had had a mini whirlwind thru it and our awning a tangled mess that other campers had tied up to prevent any more damage!
The wind had lifted tents that were pegged down.
Now the awning has a tie down ratchet strap each end and if it gets too excited it comes in, I have a string thru the centre latch and hold it down as Manic winds it in!

A friend of mine has resolved no

 

[Len]

We ‘lost’ ours several years ago, it was pegged down but not well enough.
A very calm day and we came back to find the field had had a mini whirlwind thru it and our awning a tangled mess that other campers had tied up to prevent any more damage!
The wind had lifted tents that were pegged down.
Now the awning has a tie down ratchet strap each end and if it gets too excited it comes in, I have a string thru the centre latch and hold it down as Manic winds it in!

A friend of mine has resolved the issue of noise from the flapping of the fabric of his caravan awning by encasing all the poles in pipe insulation and he says it is great.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Glad I’ve not got one now, having thought about fitting one previously, but bought a Quest Screen House 4 pro instead.
And the only wind its encountered so far has been self generated after a few beers .

 

[POH]

We love ours and nearly let all the horror stories put us off having one on our current van, in fact we did and had it retro fitted by Hillside awnings near us the day before the 1st lockdown . So glad we did. We love it. It’s a Thule Omnistor. I know everyone has seen these horror stories but think of the millions of successful trips when they’ve been absolutely fine. It’s like so many things, depends how much of a worrier you are. If you’re going to spend you’re whole time worrying it’s going to blow over the van and not use it then save your £1000. If you’re going to enjoy that lovely shade, get one.

We’ve even bought two rain blocker end bits after a wet and windy trip to Norden Farm which help with stability. We’ve got the hang of them now. We do both need to stand on steps as we’re not tall enough. Handy in U.K. weather but we certainly didn’t need them in France.

I have the Thule 5200 as well could you please put some pictures of the rain caps on here as I would like to get some.Thanks

 

[carolyn]

I have the Thule 5200 as well could you please put some pictures of the rain caps on here as I would like to get some.Thanks

This is the only photo I’ve got of the first time we put them up, we’ve got much much better at it now so don’t get the “wrinkles”!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}