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Topic: Slide awning blew open (Read 637 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide awning blew open

2002 U295
So yesterday while traveling northbound on I15 into Baker California we encountered a large gust of wind towards the left side of the coach and the living room slide awning blew out extended. We slowed down and it retracted. We pulled into Baker and hands on verified it was stowed in the parking lot. Upon re-entertaining the on-ramp it blew open again. Pulled over and strapped the front down and continued on without any more problems. Yes it was quite windy. Am thinking of installing a regular latch that is used on the other awnings. Downside would be that it will cause damage if the slide is opened with latch in the locked position. So the plan would be to only use during hi wind conditions. Need to figure out if the retract spring or springs are in good operational condition. If they are partially failed that would explain why it opened also. Anyone else have any easy ideas too secure would be helpful. Will contact Zipdee for there suggestions also if I don't come up with a good solution.
Scott

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #1 –
We have had that happen as well. Zipdee had no suggestions because almost anything will do damage if not released before opening the slide.  I put a ZipDee awning strap hook on the roof near the front and rear of the slide awning.  Use a good stud finder to find aluminum framing. I put a bungee cord around the hook and hook the ends of the bungee cord on the awning arm with the cord running over the awning cover.  I put an orange key tag on the key switch to remind me that it is bungeed up.  Works well.  We do this when moves in windy conditions are expected. It seem to be motly high crosswinds that are a problem.

I though about velcro but how much to hold it and still pull free if you forget is hard to figure.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #2 –
In reviewing the bungee cord idea I think that if the were installed and slide was opened they would just pull the hooks open. Nylon mount hooks would also fail before being torn out of the structure. I really don't think much more is needed, but some is. They would produce a effective prevention then fail if overloaded. Now if we can come up with a way to install from the ground with a pole. If the awning never moves the first 3% you'll never get the kite effect really pulling on it.

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #3 –
Awning spring tension OK?
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: Slide awning blew open

Reply #4 –
Haven't pulled apart yet but spring tension is #2 on the list. Got sidetracked with that job thing.

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #5 –
Normal bungee cords with steel hooks will not pull open.  I forgot one time and the slide moved about 4-5 inches and stopped.  It is enough force to bend the awning arms.  I would rather remember to take the bungee cords off than have the awning unfurl at highway speeds.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #6 –
Hey Roger,
Your verbiage is a little hard to read. Got any pictures of Hoe you installed hooks and bungee?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #7 –
Look at it this way: "You have not had your coach long enough UNLESS you have a 'awning story' ".  ^.^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: Slide awning blew open

Reply #8 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Look at it this way: "You have not had your coach long enough UNLESS you have a 'awning story' ".  ^.^d
Or 2.
John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #9 –
Glenn, hooks are on the roof, 3-4 inches above the edge of the awning attachment strip in 6-8 inches in from the end of the awning.  Bungee cords go around the hook, over the rolled up awning and hook to the awning arm.

Hooks are attached with SS screws into aluminum roof framing.  3M 4000 UV under the hook base and in the holes, then screws.

The Zipdee hooks are pretty cheap, easy to get, won't snag branches and are big enough to easily loop the bungee cord over.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Slide awning blew open

Reply #10 –
I had that happen put a couple more turns on the spring. Until then I put a zip tie under and around it by loosening two of the screws near the front push it thru and zip it up. You don't really have to loosen much to pull it out after cutting it.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon