Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: floridarandy on August 26, 2019, 07:31:36 pm

Title: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: floridarandy on August 26, 2019, 07:31:36 pm
We never leave our big awning up when expecting any kind of significant rain due to wind that often accompanies rain events.  We do leave our window swings out, tho, to allow window ventilation.

I'm curious if anyone has had a wind issue with their window awnings and at what wind velocity these might also be closed.

Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: John and Stacey on August 26, 2019, 07:38:43 pm
The window awnings can handle a pretty strong wind.  The good news is you can close the awnings from inside the coach.  Just open the window and unhook the strap and close awning.  Keeps you a little drier.
John
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: floridarandy on August 26, 2019, 07:46:00 pm
John, what a terrific idea.  Thanks
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Rich Bowman on August 26, 2019, 08:08:49 pm
I can tell you from experience that the wind can be a problem on the slideout awning. 

Rich
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Jim Frerichs on August 26, 2019, 08:51:56 pm
Rich,.

I agree, in strong winds, the slide-out awning an blow upwards on one end. So when parked for a while I will tie the arm ends to the coach or to the ground.
Shortening the middle strap wouldn't quite do it.
Jim

2002 U320 42'
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: bbeane on August 26, 2019, 09:02:05 pm
We use our window awnings all the time. They take a lot of wind, and as has been said they are easy to get in without going out.
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Ted & Karen on August 26, 2019, 09:57:10 pm
Great question- I leave my window awnings out until the winds get 25 mph or better or gusts that powerful. 
Maybe I am too conservative, but these are the original awnings I am still using........................ ^.^d
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Carol & Scott on August 26, 2019, 10:39:11 pm
We usually leave our awnings out.  Upon saying that we have lost a few straps.  Trina @ MOT can make new ones.  :D
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on August 26, 2019, 11:07:30 pm
Smaller window awnings are out most of the time.  Big awning comes in is it is windy or gusty or we are gone.  Slide awning now has two extra lines from the ends of the awning down to attachment points at the midline trim strip a couple feet each way from the slide. Otherwise your slide awning will flip up.
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Super8mm on August 27, 2019, 12:06:51 am
We usually leave our awnings out.  Upon saying that we have lost a few straps.  Trina @ MOT can make new ones.  :D
The ones that Trina makes do you just stitch them on your self or do you have to take the coach to her?
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Carol & Scott on August 27, 2019, 08:52:17 am
Have given her the length.  She makes.  We install.

We carry 8 to 10 Zip Dee rivets with us at all times and at least one new replacement strap.  The Zip Dee rivets have a larger head than what I have found at the big box stores.

Drill out the old rivets, place the new strap and fix the new rivets.  I usually use 4 rivets per strap.

Works with two people.  Carol holds the awning open and I do the work.

You can also get replacement straps from Zip Dee.  :)
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: Super8mm on August 27, 2019, 09:02:32 am
Have given her the length.  She makes.  We install.

You can also get replacement straps from Zip Dee.  :)
Thanks, I will count how many I need later this week.  Last week when I was closing my main awning the strap broke, glad it was only about 18" from close.  :o
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: kb0zke on August 27, 2019, 09:31:14 pm
1993 with no slides, so no slide toppers.

The small awnings are usually out at the campground. If strong winds are in the weather discussion I'll take them in before going to bed. Twice I've had a wind gust catch the larger living room awning and one side was partially rolled up. Both times it happened we were gone and weren't expecting such strong winds. All I had to do was put in the awning (which looked pretty odd at that point) and then put it back out. Straightened everything out.

The patio awning is out ONLY if I'm home AND awake AND no rain is forecast. If any one of the three conditions is not met the awning stays rolled up. The only exception to that rule is when we're campground hosts on duty but not actually in the booth and Jo Ann is gone. If I need to help someone for a few minutes, and the awning is out, I'll leave it out.
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: folivier on August 27, 2019, 10:19:29 pm
Made me look!  Never thought of closing the window awnings from inside.  Just tried and it's easy.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Window Awnings and Wind
Post by: ohsonew on August 28, 2019, 08:31:51 am
Have always left the small awnings out without a problem. Did forget and left the big awning out one night and a storm came through. I won't forget the awning overnight anymore. It left my billfold $1500 lighter. Lesson learned.

Larry