Storm and Zipdee awning

[badkat]

We are in Cottonwood CG, ID and are very lucky so far with the heat. A storm comes thru to cool us off in the evening sometimes....but of course we put our awning out to shade the trailer. It is out and here comes the rain storm . This is a shade awning not a rain awning...that's a question. How much wind is OK?

BadKat

[aftermath]

Originally Posted by badkat

We are in Cottonwood CG, ID and are very lucky so far with the heat. A storm comes thru to cool us off in the evening sometimes....but of course we put our awning out to shade the trailer. It is out and here comes the rain storm . This is a shade awning not a rain awning...that's a question. How much wind is OK?

BadKat

Are you asking if the Zip Dee is designed for rain? Well, I am not sure about your particular year but the Zip Dee is great in the rain. Just make sure that one end is lower than the other so it will shed the water and not cause a big puddle that could cause some damage. This awning works for rain and sun but you have to be careful in the wind. We always stow ours in high wind situation and whenever we leave the campground. How much wind? Well, that is a tough question. Sort of like "how long is this string?" Slight breezes are OK but when it gets into a steady "wind" we always put ours away.

[dkottum]

Rain usually comes with wind doesn't it? Wind and RV awnings don't do well together. Also if the awning is up in heavy rain is is known to fill up like an upside down umbrella, bringing the rather flimsy support arms down with it.

I'd put it up, unless it's a gentle rain and we were right there. Then have one side down a notch or two to drain.

doug k

[cwf]

Stow if windy... I have left ours out on 20knot winds, but worried the whole time..

Leaving one end lower was easy..to keep water running off one end.. drop the end which is closest to the direction the wind is coming from...

[Big C]

all of the above. You can buy anchors but your awning costs way more than these. Make sure your insurance will cover 100% of replacement if you ever need it. We usually always park in a spot that offers the least wind resistance if possible.

[badkat]

Thanks for the help..but on to the next AS shop. Just broke the crank on tv antenna and the duotherm has a problem.

[dznf0g]

I have kept my awnings out in rain over many years. One was and A&E and now the Zip Dee. I had issues with puddling twice....both my bad. I forgot to tilt one side both times. Got lucky with the A&E...no damage. Had to replace the support arm on the Zip Dee.

With today's availability of real time weather on your smart phone, there is really no reason to roll it up for every little absence from the site. If you are leaving for the whole day.....you make the call.

I do use anchors if the general forecast is for 15 - 20 mph winds with gusts. If there are thunderstorms in the area, I roll it up if I'm not going to be there.

Not that big of a deal if you use your common sense. I don't treat the awning any differently than the patio umbrella/furniture at home, as far as when to move/cover etc.