Patio awning tore off last night..

**Second Chance** · 11-27-2021, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Overtaxed

... No dead racoon though as evidence.

The racoon would have survived since your awning broke its fall.

Rob

**Overtaxed** · 11-27-2021, 12:32 PM

Well, this experience is almost worth it for the comedy that has become this thread.

No, to the question, nothing seems bent at all. When I put a socket in to retract manually, it went in smoothly. What I can't tell is if there's anything bent on the rail, still need to get a closer look at that, but the awning itself, nothing appears bent.

**Overtaxed** · 11-27-2021, 01:38 PM

Here's some pictures. Can anyone tell me if the black piece still up on the RV is the track?

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20211127_150313.jpg
Views: 80
Size: 97.5 KB
ID: 37903

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20211127_150304.jpg
Views: 79
Size: 80.5 KB
ID: 37904

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20211127_150323.jpg
Views: 58
Size: 97.3 KB
ID: 37905

**Second Chance** · 11-27-2021, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Overtaxed

Here's some pictures. Can anyone tell me if the black piece still up on the RV is the track?

Yes - that black strip has a groove in it into which the awning fabric with rope or plastic slides.

Rob

**IBEW Sparky** · 11-27-2021, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Overtaxed

Here's some pictures. Can anyone tell me if the black piece still up on the RV is the track?

It certainly looks like it. It's possible that the track has too large of a slot for that awning spline. It should slide in fairly snug. If it appears to slide in too easily maybe try carefully squeezing it closed just a tiny bit the first 12 inches. If it seems to be tighter but will still slide squeeze another 12 inches and keep working your way across the entire slot. I replaced an awning on my previous TT and had to use a little silicone spray in the track to get it fully installed.

**trailrydr** · 11-28-2021, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by IBEW Sparky

....had to use a little silicone spray in the track to get it fully installed.

Used it as well when we installed our slide toppers.... works great for those tight rails!

**FF708camper** · 12-01-2021, 03:12 PM

I have been strapping my awnings down for 18 years and never had an issue. We spend a lot of time under them when the weather is not nice, and it helps keep things dry.

**Bags4266** · 12-01-2021, 03:30 PM

My new 2600rb after 5 month trip it happened to me same scenario 4am BANG. The strut gave out stripping the gears and shearing the arm. 1800 in damage, Mobil tech took care of it under warranty. There was an over 2 month wait at a warranty shop, GD gave the ok for a Mobil tech to do it he came in and ordered parts job complete in 8 days, all of which was waiting for parts.

**lorend** · 12-01-2021, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by FF708camper

I have been strapping my awnings down for 18 years and never had an issue. We spend a lot of time under them when the weather is not nice, and it helps keep things dry.

What method do you use for strapping your awning down. We have seen some where they put large screws in the ground with a rachet strap attached. Seems like a lot of places have said no to that method. Always looking for new ideas and this forum is loaded with people who think outside the box for a better way to do something.

**fez111** · 12-01-2021, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by lorend

What method do you use for strapping your awning down. We have seen some where they put large screws in the ground with a rachet strap attached. Seems like a lot of places have said no to that method. Always looking for new ideas and this forum is loaded with people who think outside the box for a better way to do something.

*****Our solution below*****

Having lost three (count'em, 3) awnings on two different RV's. The first one was my fault with an overnight downpour.. I pled ignorance. The second was a freak storm that came early while at breakfast, and the third was a too near tornado in Florida when we waited about 2 minutes too long to roll it up! Picture...I'm pushing the "retract" button while the awning is billowing on top of the roof!

We did the spiral anchors and ratchet straps thing connected to eye-bolts in the upper arm, but after spending over an hour to get one anchor into the county-mix gravel under the sod at the Coldwater, Michigan rally this year. we decided that was way too much trouble.

OUR SOLUTION was to buy 20 feet of 3/8 inch bungee cord, 4 1/4 inch "S" hooks, and two 10 foot lengths of 1/2 inch electrical conduit, which we cut in half. We put the straight piece of pipe into the flared end of the other half and threaded the bungee cord through the assembled pieces. We tied an "S" hook at one end and pulled about two feet of 'preload' before tying another "S" hook at the other end. On our Solitude, the top "S" hooks connects to the previously-installed eye-bolts at the top of the arms. The bottom "S" hooks attach to the original front and back folding steps (that we don't use anymore) by stretching the bungee through the conduit. When it is time to roll up the awning both units are easily removed. For travel, the two connected conduit pieces are separated and folded in half which take up almost no room in the basement. The hold-down tension is adjusted by tightening or loosening the bungees.

Total cost...about $20.