[overlander64]

Greetings 59Toaster!

There are a number of factors that play into the size of the "automatic roll-up awnings". One of the most important is the bulk and related weight of the awning when retracted - - as the size the of the roll increases the awning arms would also be forced further into the wind currents around the trailer when being towed - - and the length of the awning arms when extended also plays a role in the maximum size of the awning. The awning also tends to be a large sail if left open during windy conditions - - and even the standard sized awning can rock the trailer in a gust of wind (not only can the awning rock the trailer - - this mostion can also loosen the awning rail creating another potential leak location) - - any larger and the effect could be even greater. It has been my experience that most awnings are not intended to be left deployed during rain storms - - they collect rain and even when one arm is lowered to facilitate run-off there is a significant danger of damage to the awning by a combination of the weight of water from a heavy downpour as well as the potential for damage from winds that often accompany a rain storm. In fact, the SunBrella fabric is not entirely water proof - - water does tend to drip through once the fabric is drenched. Typical spacing of campsites, especially for a coach used at rallys also has some influence on awning size - - at a WBCCI rally, the coaches are often parked spaced such that a standard awning can be fully opened on each coach.

There is one thing to bear in mind when considering one of the "bag-type awnings". If you intend to polish your coach, the movement of the bag while traveling down the road will abrade the finish - - and if you have the coach Plasticoated the coating will quickly be damaged by a combination of abrasion and trapped moisture. On many of the Vintage coaches, when a pole-type awning was used with the trailer, you would find two storage tubes mounted to the underbelly - - one for the poles and one for the awning fabric - - this offered a solution that avoided potential damage to the finish yet kept the awning with the trailer at all times.

Good luck with your decision process! There certainly isn't a lack of methods to approach the situation.

Kevin