Awning

Rain weather

 
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lapsed
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Awning

 ·  Posted: 02.05.2024  ·  #1
Is there a hard and fast rule about using your awning in wet weather ? Such as ....don't !

Or is it a judgement thing ?

Thanks in advance, as they say.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 02.05.2024  ·  #2
The only thing I'm cautious about is high winds. Back in 2010 a severe gust badly damaged mine to such an extent it needed to be replaced.
I've no issue about using it out in rain, no matter how heavy providing the centre rafter is in place to stop a large pool forming, I also leave one side a little lower to aid drainage.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 02.05.2024  ·  #3
Quote by baguette

The only thing I'm cautious about is high winds. Back in 2010 a severe gust badly damaged mine to such an extent it needed to be replaced.
I've no issue about using it out in rain, no matter how heavy providing the centre rafter is in place to stop a large pool forming, I also leave one side a little lower to aid drainage.


That sounds like common sense. Thanks.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 02.05.2024  ·  #4
Like others have stated, wind is the big enemy. We don’t really use an awning in Ireland since we rarely are on campsites. France etc, can have remarkably sudden vicious gusts of wind. The number of posts I have read on forums about awnings being blown over the top of the van causing damage to van as well as awning. I don’t think that I would have a lot of faith in tie down straps. Others may disagree, but we do not leave our awning unattended and wind it in at the first sign of breeze, and of course overnight.

Not quite the answer to your question, but worth commenting on.

With regard to rain, I would again wind the awning away ASAP. The important thing is to extend the awning at the earliest opportunity to enable drying. Again a frequent question on forums is how to remove mould. Obviously drying the awning at the earliest opportunity is easier than trying to remove any mould caused by an awning being wet for long periods when retracted.

Davy
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 03.05.2024  ·  #5
As long as the wond is not too high, I usually use our awning. As has been said, one side lower to allow water to drain, good tie down straps and good supports in place. I find using my slide in awning front also stops wind getting under it. That doesn't mean to say there have been times I've had to put it away....
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 07.05.2024  ·  #6
I have had my Van now since 2019 and we have only used the awning on our van twice and both time it was raining and we needed the awning out to keep the BBQ dry. We have never had enough sun to put our the awning.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 07.05.2024  ·  #7
We use our awning quite a lot, especially to keep the sun out of the van when in France, Switzerland and Italy. Only time we had a problem with wind was when I forget to peg the awning down and it started to lift up. As long as I put two big pegs on the foot of each leg (which have holes to take two) then never had a problem. Touch wood.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 07.05.2024  ·  #8
Quote by bobbyluk

We use our awning quite a lot, especially to keep the sun out of the van when in France, Switzerland and Italy. Only time we had a problem with wind was when I forget to peg the awning down and it started to lift up. As long as I put two big pegs on the foot of each leg (which have holes to take two) then never had a problem. Touch wood.


Our experience was the opposite.
A heavy wind shear with hail put a downwards pressure on our awning. One of the knuckles at the top of a leg snapped. The result was a badly twisted awning which had to be replaced.
All the pegging done in the world wouldn't have helped in the circumstances
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 08.05.2024  ·  #9
After having an awning take off over the top many years ago, I am very cautious and always use a tie down kit never leave it out overnight or when the van is unattended. Sometimes it has to be stowed wet but as long as it has been dried within a few days never had any problems.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2024  ·  #10
 


I got these over the winter but I haven't used it yet. I reckon it will be handy when we are going to Spain i the Summer, if we are using the awning on a hard standing and have no way of pegging the legs into the ground
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2024  ·  #11
In Spain at the minute and the van next to me is using them.
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on Awning

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2024  ·  #12
How are they used, where did you source them.?
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2024  ·  #13
Graft Awning holder (2 Pieces) | Holder for awning feet | Awning foot holder for a camper, motorhome or caravan | Suitable for THULE, FIAMMA and DOMETIC awning feet | Accessories for awnings https://amzn.eu/d/2a6XPXc


Spotted these on Amazon , the images are good to explain how they are used. Just ordered some myself , got fed up with the dog wrapping himself around the poles. But not sure how sturdy they in a breeze or strong wind.
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2024  ·  #14
If I can’t peg down the awning I clip the legs in these
 
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Re: Awning

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2024  ·  #15
Quote by sprinter

How are they used, where did you source them.?


As Colin said got them on amazon. They suction on the side of your van and the feet of the FIAMMA awning clip into them.
I wouldn't leave them up all night as I don't know how they would react in a gust of wind. But they should be fine if using them while you are sitting around and still a we bit sober if you know what I mean.
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