Jim the roll out awnings can be extended to any distance you like then locked in place with the ratchet, but still use tie downs in case it gets windy during the night.

Alan

From our experience...it takes reasonably heavy and blowy rain before it comes in windows anyway. There doesn't seem to be any ingress at all with the front window right open under stone cover. And you will probably find that there is adequate ventilation with the poptop windows open about 2 inches anyway.

HTH.

 

Cheers  Keith

Back to the original question, there are a few different types of awning. Our kids have a flimsy little electric awning, and I wouldn't leave it out in any sort of breeze. But ropes would make it a bit more secure. I just don't trust it.
Our Carefree awning, which is pretty common, is tougher than most would believe. I was recently caught in a storm, the wind so strong I wasn't game to ease the ropes to get the awning in. It flapped and rattled, but held on for hours until there was a bit of a lull and I reduced it to just cover the door. Is yours a Carefree? If it is you can roll it all the way out, then pull out the stays, then roll it back until the stays are at their shortest. Still need ropes, but will give you shelter for your door and windows with very little flapping or noise. Get back to us if you've got any more questions.

KevinC wrote:

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 If it is you can roll it all the way out, then pull out the stays, then roll it back until the stays are at their shortest. Still need ropes, but will give you shelter for your door and windows with very little flapping or noise.

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 2014 we had 3 mths near Warrnambool - the awning was in/out in/out all the time - sometimes in the middle of the night - grrr

Last year same place we did as the previous poster suggested, roll out till the sliding arms can be raised to the awning roller and locked in place but don't tighten the screw, then let the awning retract until the roller is near the screw and anchor with the usual ropes. Also attach de-flappers in usual manner. Need to raise one end to allow door to open. Never once in the 3 mths did we need to roll it in.

  Hi Glen             They were on the van when we bought it s/hand ,the brand of the awnings is the same as the big one carefree Colorado, they are so handy when  have the sun coming from that side, a great little invention.

Lance C

-- Edited by Olley46 on Sunday 24th of January 2016 08:40:57 PM