I have just replaced an Omnistor 6900 roof mounted awning damaged in high winds with a Fiamma F65.
Has anybody got any suggestions to saveguard my brand new awning from wind damage (not gale forced) I have perused web sites to see if there is anything available so that I may put deflapers in place without any luck.
I thought that I may be able to put deflapers onto the fabric and tie it down to the ground, but worried that this may stretch the fabric and cause further problems.
Most makers say to take them down in strong winds or heavy rain (light rain, tilt them down on one side to prevent pooling if you don't have rafters).
I always use rope tie downs with springs, the double ones that have two ropes, attache to both ends of awning, don't pull too tightly though when fitting, just enough to take any strain from the wind. I have tried deflappers and like you said, they stretch the fabric and mine slipped off in winds. I think there are some that may be ok, but not the ones I had (can't remember the brand I had).
I always rolled mine in if it looked like rain or high winds, but particularly if going out for the day, things can change very quickly.
My awning is Aussie Traveller and has full length clamps on both ends. Allways put tiedown ropes on ends. This together with rafters it's very stable. But like Vic said if high winds are forecast ,take it down.
The attached photo shows my awning set up. If you can get the Aussie Traveller full-length Anti-Flap Kit, curved rafters (1, 2 or 3 dependent on awning length), good quality guy ropes with the 'springs and also strong tent pegs it can be made very stable, strong and safe.
[edit: I have had this awning set up for four years now with no problems (hope Murphy ain't readin' this]
I rarely roll the awning up in 'adverse' weather and set-up like this it has withstood some strong winds.
It always annoys me a bit as the main reason I want the awning out is for protection from rain but usually with rain comes wind. It is a real Catch 22 with these roll-out awnings.
The only time I roll the awning up is if I am in an exposed position and the wind direction is coming directly toward the van on the awning side.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Thursday 28th of March 2013 01:43:09 PM
Giving advice on how to correctly set up Aussie traveller fittings to a person that is using a Fiamma 65 awning is like giving advice to a Mercedes owner how to fit a Holden engine?
Don't mean to be disrespectful, and I think your set up is great.
Thanks guys rolled in my awning a few hours ago, the wind has just picked up at a greater rate so clad it's secured. We are currently staying at Moruya, great spot top park. Cheers Ben
Just had a look at the Famia F65 awning on the net. Look pretty smick & probably pretty easy to deploy.
I have one of those traditional types.
I never detach the legs from the side of the Van so always retain the strength of the triangle to support the awning. Always attach at least one guy rope to each end of the tube & two when at beach side locations (double pegged of course and with spring shock absorbers on each rope).
I can't stand the noise of the awning flapping & clunking during the night so I almost always take it down overnight.
If I am staying put for more than two days I fit the anex walls & the problem is solved.
I NEVER leave the van with the awning out with no tie downs. Never use the antiflapping arms on the awning arms either .. they are useless.
Got a mate who makes a good living out of awning repairs .. usually after strong winds ...
Just went through a blue alert cyclone warning and didnt pull my awning or walls down. It had the walls fitted. We have had our awning only up in 50 plus km winds and have seen plenty folded around us. I use deflappers on the sides, 3 a side. I have had the best results from a little one that we sourced off a guy selling in cps (I call them nipple clamps with a stretchy strap). I also fit a half round clip on the ends (helps keep tension and helps with deflap). Thay is how my awning is set all the time, wind or no wind, walls or no walls. If strong winds our forcast I then have 3 ropes on each corner to cover a 180 degree radius. I also run 2 ropes across the top of the awning and looped around the end suport rods and down to the ground at 45 degrees. I also fit a centre pole and tie that at 45 degrees. It seems a lot of rope and tie points but can be done in about 15 minutes. All my tie down points have srings fitted as you will pull your pegs without them. Its just how I do it, never lost an awning or annex, maybe I will one day but I remain confident in my ability and my insurance cheers blaze
Again thanks for all your information. We are still very new to cararavaning and plan to be on the road for at least a year, we are keen to absorb as much information as possible to make our journey easier.
I never detach the legs from the side of the Van so always retain the strength of the triangle to support the awning. Always attach at least one guy rope to each end of the tube & two when at beach side locations (double pegged of course and with spring shock absorbers on each rope).
Mine is a Fiamma F45, basically the same principal as the F65 only a different roof mounting. I agree with you Cupie, attach the legs to the van, don't put them straight down onto the ground. The triangle formed certainly is stronger. Then I do the same as Duh suggests, "I always use rope tie downs with springs, the double ones that have two ropes, attache to both ends of awning". But when the wind blows up you have to make your own judgment as to whether you leave the awning up or wind it in. I prefer to act on the safe side and wind it in....
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We have the F45 and the fiamma Al ends that are used as deflappers ie full length on each end. They are also used for sides of an annex + shade covers over annex windows. Each end is in 2 peices that slot together but being AL not as strong as a steel setup. not cheap.
Hi Ben, I had a Fiamma awning with my last vehicle. I used an Awning Hold Down Strip kit. It is a strap that goes over the top of the fabric and pegged down at each side.
Hello, I did have an F45 unfortunately a mini tornado touched down and ripped it off and into pieces. No I did not tie the item down as I was only in that particular place for two hours.
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