Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-16-2014, 12:03 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
Accident on the road - how to secure awning

We (I) had an accident yesterday where I clipped a tree with the front of the main awning bars. It broke the top connect to the awning off and ripped out the awning bar screws from the skin. Tore up the skin a bit too. I removed the bottom screws of the front bar and completely removed the front bars.

The awning is basically being held on by the connection to the trailer that goes along the entire length and by the rear bar (cranked tight) and the travel hook. It does not seem to move as I drive while watching the front in my mirror.


Here's the question: Will the awning stayed rolled up on my four hour trip home?


I am on the road with my family and would rather make it back to my dealer with the trailer but don't want to my one mistake to become two.



Any advice or experience with keeping a rolled up awning, rolled up, is most appreciated.


It is 2012 28' international. I will try to post a photo tomorrow.
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 03:26 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE , AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
A photo would really help, as it is difficult to envision the exact condition of your awning and remaining mounting hardware.

I would caution against driving with the awning inadequately secured, as highway-speed winds could cause your awning to deploy like a boat sail and rip away from the roof, which could severely damage your Airstream and any vehicle following closely.
Phoenix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 03:33 AM   #3
4 Rivet Member
 
withidl's Avatar
 
2002 31' Classic
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 442
Images: 1
Consider using lots of the fiberglass reinforced tape that can be purchased from Home Depot or any hardware store. Clean the aluminum skin to be taped to remove the oily road film to assure good adhesion. Tape the front so that it creates a streamlined "fairing" into the wind to keep the wind from lifting the front of the tape and awing. Keep your speed very low and monitor often by canting the passenger mirror upward to detect any peeling of the tape by the wind.

Hope this "off the cuff" response helps.
withidl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 06:25 AM   #4
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Duct tape to the rescue! Wrap the awning with duct tape. Put the tape sticky-side up so it sticks to itself but not to the awning, and wrap all the way around. There must be some points along the length of the awning where you can get the tape in between the awning and the trailer skin so the tape can make a complete loop around the awning.

If you can wrap the awning this way at two or three points, that should be enough to keep it from unrolling.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 07:23 AM   #5
4 Rivet Member
 
heslinhotel's Avatar
 
1989 29' Excella
1979 31' Sovereign
1999 25' Safari
Youngsville , North Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 344
Awning

A length of rope around entire trailer at the front of the awning. Tie a loop in rope and pass other end thru it to tighten and tie off rope with a couple of half hitches. Rope should be a minimum of 3/8 inch.
Should be safe to travel with although I would stop and check rope after a few miles and tighten as needed. Drive at 55 and enjoy not having to pass anyone.
heslinhotel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 10:57 AM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
Here are a few photos:

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1392572934.864058.jpg
Views:	270
Size:	669.5 KB
ID:	205705
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1392573033.026329.jpg
Views:	372
Size:	735.0 KB
ID:	205706
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1392573079.801535.jpg
Views:	210
Size:	727.4 KB
ID:	205707

Examining closer today in the daylight, the awning is in good shape except for the missing front arm. The skin is torn from the screws bring ripped out and put a nice four inch scratch by the door.

I was also thinking of buying a few big clamps and attach them.

Really grateful for your suggestions so far.
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 11:38 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Melody Ranch's Avatar
 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View , Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
Images: 78
Send a message via Skype™ to Melody Ranch
First of all, Don't throw a rope around the trailer. You will ruin the clear coat by chaffing. If you have a Z lock on both ends to the tube, lock them down. Tension in the rear spring will keep the awning rolled enough for a safe trip home. I do not see one still on the front. Lock the rear one. That awning is not going to unfurl. You cannot fit a tap between the awning rail and the body...it is just to tight. Look at the Owners manual for the Zip Dee available on line for mechanical references. Be careful next time.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
Melody Ranch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 11:46 AM   #8
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
This is a new trailer, so you will not have a Z-Lock. I agree with not putting a rope around the trailer as it will scratch the clear coat. The travel latch in the rear should prevent the awning from spinning out and becoming a sail.

I would use some duct tape on the front to prevent air from trying to get into the awning going down the road. Taping the outer aluminum shield to the roller should do the trick. Have the passenger keep an eye on it going down the road.
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 11:47 AM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
There is only one Z lock or travel lock. It is on the rear portion.

Thanks.
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2014, 12:12 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
1981 31' Excella II
New Market , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
A zip ties or tie down strap on the end of the awning and then attaching that to something on the roof. All that is needed is to keep the wind from getting under the awning and causing it to deploy. Looks like you got away easy as far as damage. I would put a larger patch over the damaged area and then attach new brackets to that.

Perry
perryg114 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2014, 12:01 AM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
Accident on the road - how to secure awning

Many thanks for your support and ideas. I used duct tape on the leading edge to prevent wind getting in the front. The rear arm with the spring tension and the travel lock kept it rolled up easy. And yes, enjoyed a 55 mph uneventful ride.

We made it home safe with our rig and awning secured. Thx to you all.

The kids and all of us had a great central California coastal vacation at the beach. Highly recommended.

Now I'm just grateful for not damaging the trailer more as it was not hit directly except for the awning front bars and torn mounts. It could of been much worse.

Thanks again for your support.
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2014, 08:05 PM   #12
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
I had the repair done. We patched the skin with the same airstream aluminum and used Olympic rivets. Have a look.

Attachment 209362
Attachment 209363
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2014, 11:12 PM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1397193135.688040.jpg
Views:	218
Size:	704.5 KB
ID:	209387
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1397193150.802986.jpg
Views:	236
Size:	721.6 KB
ID:	209388
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 06:06 AM   #14
Overland Adventurer
 
AtomicNo13's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride , Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
Looks good. Could have been much worse!
We met a couple 2 years ago with a similar oops after an awning was left open during a storm. They returned to find the whole side ripped open. There were literally insulation batts on the ground. Huge damage!
AtomicNo13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2014, 08:57 PM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
Vitaminsea's Avatar
 
2012 28' International
Alameda , California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13 View Post
Looks good. Could have been much worse!
We met a couple 2 years ago with a similar oops after an awning was left open during a storm. They returned to find the whole side ripped open. There were literally insulation batts on the ground. Huge damage!

@atomicNo13 thanks, yes it could of been much worse. Happy with the results. I can only imagine a true rip out of the skin and insulation spilling out.
Vitaminsea is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need help with road trip from Oregon through ID, MT, WY, & Banff Canada Chad-sarah On The Road... 14 11-17-2011 10:22 AM
Using your awning sbcohn On The Road... 29 06-14-2011 05:14 PM
Totally bummed!!! Need help. My awning blew off and broke :( AIRMONTY Awnings 13 05-13-2011 07:57 AM
Awning Fabric JuJu Fogle Awnings 2 04-27-2011 01:23 PM
2006 classic 31 door scraping awning Flying Gypsies Awnings 11 04-19-2011 07:11 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:13 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.