Awning Issue

[Jeff K]

Well I think GD made a small error when designing the awning on the Solitude. This is just my opinion! I'm sure Solitude owners have already noticed that the awning barely covers the front . The first time we really noticed it was when the sun was beating in from the side that's not covered very well. That's nothing compared to when it rains, what a mess! There's no way to keep the rain off the steps which become very slippery. I know the way the slide is designed a longer awning probably isn't possible but it's a bummer that everything around your front door gets soaked and totally filthy. Has anyone experienced the pouring rain yet? Everything else is still awesome!!!

[Renee]

I think that's an issue with all fifth wheelers that have a slide close to the entrance door regardless of the manufacturer. Our friends have a new Columbus 295RL, and they experience the same problem. Usually it's a non-issue, because with the pouring rain here in Louisiana we usually have nasty winds therefore we pull our awnings in so not to experience damage.

We mostly use the awning for shade.

[huntr70]

Yep, it happens.

The only way you could do it differently is to move the door somewhere else, or make a shorter door side slide to give the awning somewhere else to mount.

[Jeff K]

You both are right. It was just a little frustrating at the time. I certainly wouldn't want to give up the great space that slide offers.

[LostinCanada]

I have seen a few of the manufacturers are making a awning on the door side slide available, this would still leave a gap, but would be better than not having one, IMO.

[el Rojo]

[quote author=Jeff K link=topic=68.msg335#msg335 date=1379892929]
Well I think GD made a small error when designing the awning on the Solitude. This is just my opinion! I'm sure Solitude owners have already noticed that the awning barely covers the front . The first time we really noticed it was when the sun was beating in from the side that's not covered very well. That's nothing compared to when it rains, what a mess! There's no way to keep the rain off the steps which become very slippery. I know the way the slide is designed a longer awning probably isn't possible but it's a bummer that everything around your front door gets soaked and totally filthy. Has anyone experienced the pouring rain yet? Everything else is still awesome!!!
[/quote]

As far as the steps are concerned, I put anti skid material on the steps. It looks and feels like sand paper with an adhesive backing. I think they were $6 each at camping world.

[lowfly]

You are correct. It's a great trailer but the awning is bad AND it doesn't extend out far enough.

[huntr70]

[quote author=lowfly link=topic=68.msg867#msg867 date=1385836109]
You are correct. It's a great trailer but the awning is bad AND it doesn't extend out far enough.
[/quote]

They are all 8 foot awnings.....

On a 5th wheel, they angle more, and may seem smaller, but they are all the same.

Measure it...

[Dave and Monica]

[quote author=huntr70 link=topic=68.msg873#msg873 date=1385860150]
They are all 8 foot awnings.....

On a 5th wheel, they angle more, and may seem smaller, but they are all the same.

Measure it...
[/quote]

Solera awnings (LCI) do make a short arm awning that requires a shorter width fabric which I believe is 6 ft. I know that our 337 RLS has the short arms (61") and what looks to be about 6 ft wide.

Here's something from the Solera Awnings owner's manual...

AWNING FABRIC
271904 - SPECIFY BLACK OR WHITE AND LENGTH OF AWNING. ALSO SPECIFY IF AWNING IS FLAT/PITCHED OR SHORT, AS SHORT ARM AWNINGS WILL HAVE A SHORTER FABRIC WIDTH.

Dave

[huntr70]

I would still measure it.

Most 5th wheels have short arms, as they are up over the overhang.

I would be surprised if yours is only 6ft. I have seen every model that GD makes (sell them for a living), and have yet to see one with a short awning fabric.

That said, I have yet to have the 337 come in, so maybe it is limited to that model...