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...

 

[Dave and Monica]

I just measured the awning on our 337 and it's definitely only 6 ft wide and deploys straight out...I think Solera use the term 'flat' as opposed to 'pitched'. As the 293 and 303 place the awning arms in the chin area also, they are the same as that location only allows the 61" arm. A 303 I looked at was the same awning width.

LCI doesn't provide too much info on their web site but do show that they have awning arms in 3 lengths. The 61" arm is for a 6 ft 'flat' awning like on the Reflection. I'm speculating here that the 66 1/8" arm would be for a 8 ft wide, 'flat' awning and the 69" arm would be for a 8 ft wide, 'pitched' awning.

Are the awnings on the Solitude and Momentum 8 ft...'flat' or 'pitched'?

Here's a link to the Solera awning section of LCI's site... http://www.lci1.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=405&Itemid=337

Dave

 

[huntr70]

The Solitude and Momentum use a Carefree awning....

 

[huntr70]

I have an email in to Micah Staley, who is the designer on the Reflection line.

We'll find out what is supposed to be on there....

 

[huntr70]

Here is the answer from the guy that builds them....

"The LCI awning on the 337 it is 8', but yes it is only a 6' fabric on the other floorplans. The problem on the mid profile is that there isn't enough sidewall to fit the taller awning arm, so I am working on developing the 8' with a shorter arm with LCI that should be done before the first of the year.
Micah Staley
Grand Design RV"

 

[Dave and Monica]

Thanks for the info. Perhaps he's referring to current production as there's no denying that the 337 in my driveway has a 6 ft wide awning on it with a 61" awning arm...the shortest that LCI makes. I'll contact him directly myself as far as changing it out for a 8 ft wide.

Edit: Ours is a 09/13 build which I think was one of the earliest units.

Dave

 

[Gary]

My solitude has an 8' awning and my steps I carpeted on day one
Be careful if you make this mod thick carpet will not allow them to fold
Properly and you will have to force them closed
Also I have scene the large side awnings on the slide outs on a friends drv fw
It helps with sun shade tremendously. What I want are slide toppers
Will be making that purchase soon

 

[bluegrass]

Everytime we unroll the awning and the wind blows the awning rolls up on itself. Is there any way to lock the awning down in the out position besides using an awning strap. Any suggestions would be grately appreciated.An almost happy solitude owner.

 

[Tl1000r]

Are the new 337's coming with 6 or 8 ft?

My order went in last week and I would prefer a 8ft

 

[Dave and Monica]

[quote author=bluegrass link=topic=68.msg1578#msg1578 date=1389644404]
Everytime we unroll the awning and the wind blows the awning rolls up on itself. Is there any way to lock the awning down in the out position besides using an awning strap. Any suggestions would be grately appreciated.An almost happy solitude owner.
[/quote]

Are you saying that the awning retracts on it's own...does it have a wind sensor as some do to automatically retract the awning to prevent damage.

Dave

 

[Dave and Monica]

[quote author=Tl1000r link=topic=68.msg1580#msg1580 date=1389646572]
Are the new 337's coming with 6 or 8 ft?

My order went in last week and I would prefer a 8ft
[/quote]

They been putting a 8 ft wide, pitched awning on the 337's for a while. Mine was the 337 prototype and came with the 6 ft wide, flat awning unfortunately.

Congrats on your order...

Dave