We are contemplating getting a set of these for our 25ft Jayco Sterling awning. Half of us is concerned about high winds and the possibility of damage to the van not to mention being blown away if there is a gale. Anybody out here with these fitted? And any advice regarding their reliability?
We used them on our 25 ft stirling. We put three on and they really did help. Now we have the fifth wheeler with dif awening set up we no longer need them. They are easy to fit by yourself as well.
We have the Rafters on our Dometic annexe which is quite long as our van is 22'. We do tend to take the legs out of their cradles and pin them to the ground as well as using ropes to tie the ends down. We are in Esperance and the sea breeze comes in most days but we have never needed to take the annexe in. We were at a place west of Esperance for about 5 weeks where the winds were strong and constant. Unfortunately they ended up tearing the annexe flap so this annexe is looking worn - it is 5 years old though. Still never took it in.
When erecting the annexe it is important that it is extended correctly.
Fully extend the annexe and lift the ends to your desired height. Retract the annexe slightly so the main canvas is 90 degrees to the van. Some people make the mistake of pulling the annexe all the way out which doesn't allow for water to drain off. The rope track for your screen or wall should also be at the opposing 90 degree to the van position.
Adjust the annexe rafters to the correct position (hint: mark this spot with a texta for easier reference next time).
Set your annexe to "Roll Up". This puts tension on the annexe. Place your rafters and tighten.If you ever feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to bring it in. Your peace of mind would override the ability of the annexe. We are comfortable with ours now but did bring it in all the time when we first got it but when it blows and rains the area outside the van gets wet and dirty and then you bring that water and dirt inside and then SWMBO cracks it. UUrrrgggghhhh.
Mostb leges for these annexes allow of 2 pins. Pin them at different angles as that makes it harder to pull out. Use 2 ropes per end if necessary. Our annexe also has a centre pole which we have used and this works really well for stability.
Another thing. If you don't have the side rafters or can't be stuffed putting them up, get "Deflappers" for the edges. DOn't get the big ones as they bend at the ends and only hold from the centre. They are hopeless. We ended up with 4, 2 each end, of the small ones and they hold well We haven't had a problem with them. Stops nearly all awning flap.
If your annex is setup properly, wind should not be an issue. If you do not set up the annex, try throwing a rope over the awning and secure it to the ground. This will stop the wind from wanting to lift the awning.
We have due flappers and curved supports and got caight out in a beauty of a storm up at Bedford weir and everything held up well except me,I had head under covers hahahah
Di
We have the curved awning support on our awning, as well as antiflappers for each end. If we have the full annex up, unless a cyclone is predicted, we are comfortable that we won't lose any sleep.
BUT, if we only have the awning out, we rarely use the awning support and anitflaps, and each evening, we drop the awning, and we all sleep well...... Regardless of whether you use the support and anti flaps or not. ALWAYS tie down your awning!
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DUNMOWIN is no longer on the road and still DUNMOWIN!
Hi. We have a 26ft Spaceland Deluxe and have a full annex.We fit the de flapper arms FIRST then add 4 curved rafters.This solves most windy areas but if HIGH winds are forecast we throw a couple of ropes over the roof just to be on the safe side.Cheaper than a new roof.
