Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Window Awnings During Rain (Read 1133 times) previous topic - next topic

Window Awnings During Rain

We've got a rain day tomorrow on a 2 day stop on our way home from NAC.  What's the collective wisdom regarding awnings?

1. Large awning ok up during rain if staying with the coach
2. With regard to big awning what value to anchoring the ends (ground auger and strapping.
2. Window awnings OK up if staying wit( the coach?  OK to leave coach with window awnings during rain?
3. OK to store wet or must be dry for travel days?

Thanks




Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #1 –
Our large awning ... out is OK in the rain, we frequently tie down the corners.  Taught line hitch.  Lowering the back corner relative to the front helps drain rain.  We roll it up if it gets windy or gusty.  Judgement call as to when.  We had some pretty windy and gusty days on the coast in Oregon and only rolled it up once. 

One time in Big Bend we were out rolling the big awning up at 3AM when gusts were 40 mph.  We check weather more carefully now.

Some of those big mats with a storage bag are really nice too. We have two 6x12 ones.  Pretty flexible for various arrangements.  Wait for a sale.
9x12 Reversible RV Patio Mat/Rug/Carpet Outdoor Brown Beige - ..

All of the rest of the awnings stay out in the rain.  It lets you keep windows open.  These are almost always out whether we are at the coch or not.  If a really serious storm is expected then roll them up.

If they are wet they get rolled up. At the next opportunity sails are unfurled for some drying time.

This is all part of getting to know your coach and your comfort levels.  Ease into it.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #2 –
Most of us have had that "awning story" where we were snuggled in bed ,had left the big awning out and a storm blew in. I think I made that mistake (after going out half nekkid in the middle of the night and rolling it up) once or twice before I got it.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #3 –

My window awnings seem to be ok, unless the weather gets really extreme. The big awning, seldom used, is NEVER left out at night, I've had to many trips out in my shorts.
One of the best vent options I ever found were these discontinued Maxxair window vents. Real (REAL) hard to find nowadays.

Amazon.com: Maxxair 00-455000 Window/Maxx Louvered Vent: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #4 –
I always stow the large awning if storm likely-- too much sail area to play with (too much first hand experience wrestling with real sails in those conditions). And, generally stow it at night as well as dew plus dirt makes them dirty quickly.

Here in League City, less than an hour ago, as the front came through, we went from calm to 45 MPH wind gusts in less than one minute's time.  Sure, that line of storms was visible on radar, so no "surprise".  But, if one has their large awning out in that, quite likely there would be bent or broken parts.

Can you store it wet for a couple of days-- yes.  Not ideal, but ..... Be sure to completely dry before long-term storage.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #5 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Most of us have had that "awning story" where we were snuggled in bed ,had left the big awning out and a storm blew in. I think I made that mistake (after going out half nekkid in the middle of the night and rolling it up) once or twice before I got it.  ^.^d

Jeff can't hear the clanking of the awnings, so that was always MY job.  Wonder how many people have managed to see me in my "almost altogether"?  You only leave that big awning open twice ... the second time is because you forgot how annoying it was to rescue it the first time!  The other awning that we would need to bring in suddenly was the long one over the slide.  There was enough slack that it would get to bouncing around.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
There was enough slack that it would get to bouncing around.

I can see you flopping around and it pulling you off your feet while you are out there trying to get it rolled up.. Everyone watching would be like What the ....?

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #7 –
Patio awning is out only if 1) we are present; 2) winds are less than 15 mph; and 3) the sun is shining. I usually put it out in the morning, and take it in at night, but if it is forecast to get windy by noon or we are planning on being gone I'll not bother. The window awnings, though are out almost all of the time. I pull them in if the winds get much over 20 mph. We don't have any slides, so toppers flapping in the breeze isn't an issue.

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #8 –
Awnings ... getting locked out ... Turbo Turd episodes ... I coulda sold tickets.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #9 –
Oh Carol, I'd buy tickets to your show any day.  🌻. Every day is special.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #10 –
We choose to put window awnings in during rain or wind.  We always put all awnings up when leaving coach.

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #11 –
Window awnings out most all the time, big awning never out unattended. Like others done the late nite dance to many times.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #12 –
We like having our window awnings out at night when in an RV park where there are overhead lights that can shine in our bedroom windows. We like our bedroom DARK!
A nice feature we have is the blinds can be lowered and then we can lower the top of the blinds. This allows the warmer stratified air to exit and yet we have privacy. Awnings on top and blinds on bottom. ^.^d
If the wind starts blowing I merely slide the screen open, reach out, and unhook the awning and then let it roll up gently. No need to go outside or get dressed or put on some clothes or get wet.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #13 –
Usually leave the big awning out when we are parked where we will be enjoying it. Only once did we get caught with a wind problem and the "claw" on the front  up-rod broke. Inspection shower that it had been cracked and so it just let loose. Of course it fell across the door so getting out was a real joy and then managing to get the thing rolled up without being able to lock that arm down was the icing on the cake. Still leave the awning out but do an inspection when putting it out. Probably get bit again but that's part of the adventure!
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #14 –
I found the little #10-32 stainless bolt that holds the patio awning axle shaft into the end casting wears down to the point where it just "disappears" and then things fall apart and you have a BIG problem.
We came up from Zapata to Crane's Mill Nat'l CG one year and when I unfurled the patio awning I saw the remains of the front #10-32 bolt fall out. I immediately stopped!!! Held my breath, then screamed for Mary to come hold things together while I found a replacement for the 3/16 diameter bolt. Only thing I could find was one of the spring steel clip pins used to hold the 1/2" pins on our tow hookup. I always carry spares of all keeper pins and tow pins. The pin was the perfect size. It popped over the axle shaft and has been up there now for four years.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #15 –
Andy,
I will add one thing to previous comments on Large awning.  If leaving it out during rain, be sure one end is left lower than the other, to keep rain from pooling and bending the tube.  My friend had that happen, and I also watched one bend during a rain at a rally.  I automatically leave one end low, that way I don't have to remember to lower one end.
Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #16 –
Love using the awnings in the rain!

Last trip was for two months and we had the window awnings out the entire time including lots of rain storms.  Only pulled them in three times for a couple hours when the winds were expected to gust up above 15-20 MPH.

Our large awning is a pain to setup so it clears the top of the door.  We don't deploy it.  The small window awnings work great and are quick and easy to stow if the winds pickup.

Chris
 

Re: Window Awnings During Rain

Reply #17 –
OK to leave window awnings out when expecting rain unless severe/winds above 15 MPH.  Their "sail area" is not enough to cause real problems.  And, as Norm said, you can stow them from INSIDE the coach if needed.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020