Awning on 2018 AI

[428303]

Can the awning be secured to the ground for long stay application?

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by 428303

Can the awning be secured to the ground for long stay application?

My 2013 model came with built in poles to attach to side of van or secure to ground. It is an older model that is not self-supporting. But it is not suitable for long stay applications as it would be susceptible to wind damage.

The new self-supporting awnings, like the one on your 2018 Interstate, have a seismic sensor that automatically retracts the awning when exposed to winds that shake the awnings. You will need to disable that feature if you want to secure it to the ground.

[428303]

Thanks! The other night, we can back to the awning with major pockets of collected water: too heavy to retract on auto. Removed the water weight and hit retract... all good. Just thought If we could disable auto retract, we could stake it to run water.

[BurntAsphalt]

I would not recommend deploying the older (or newer awnings) when unattended. They are designed to provide shade in relatively calm weather, not rain and wind. Like Boxster, we have the Fiamma awning with the poles. We were tailgating at a football game a few weeks ago and a sudden gust took the awning airborne. We were able to grab the posts and save it from getting damaged. If we hadn't been right there it would have flipped up and onto the top of the bus, causing all kinds of problems. I don't think awnings with the auto retract feature could have reacted quickly enough to prevent damage in a similar situation. I did notice that the other Class C and A RVs awnings were designed and built more substantially and had no issues with the wind and rain.

[Alex AVI]

Originally Posted by BurntAsphalt

I would not recommend deploying the older (or newer awnings) when unattended. They are designed to provide shade in relatively calm weather, not rain and wind. Like Boxster, we have the Fiamma awning with the poles. We were tailgating at a football game a few weeks ago and a sudden gust took the awning airborne. We were able to grab the posts and save it from getting damaged. If we hadn't been right there it would have flipped up and onto the top of the bus, causing all kinds of problems. I don't think awnings with the auto retract feature could have reacted quickly enough to prevent damage in a similar situation. I did notice that the other Class C and A RVs awnings were designed and built more substantially and had no issues with the wind and rain.

BURNTASPHALT - I used to think those Class A/C rv's with the huge Arnold Schwarzenegger supports were ugly & detract from the aesthetics of the rv. I still think that way . but now I realize those awnings are structurally the better units than mine. Everytime I am in camp, I retract mine when the slightest wind coz it just does not feel that robust (mine are armless, no side poles, only 3 folding supports that extend from top). And as the winds go stronger, those Class A/C still have theirs deployed and they just sit around under it without nary a worry.

[gmillerok1]

I attend a ten day event each year where the wind blows quite suddenly, and with a lot of force-and it can be brutal. I have in the past used tie-downs and stakes, with two opposing tie-downs on each corner, and one in the middle of the awning. It was sufficient to keep any damage from occurring. Mine is the older model, with the arms that can be staked in the ground.

If I had the arm-less model, I wouldn't even consider opening it up.

[428303]

Thanks, I agree. We will never leave it unattended in the future.

[Delores]

Same here. So far no problem with it retracting on its own with moderate wind or rain. I’m always asking for a shady site at campgrounds, just Incase awning does retract on its own. I’m thinking of trying to find a nice sturdy beach umbrella for next summer to store in back storage area for emergencies. As small as these class b’s are, being comfortable outside is a necessity. On another note, on my last camping trip there was a lot of pine straw that collected on awing before it retracted on its own. The minute you extend it to try to shake straw loose, it retracts. My trusted neighbor told me to extend it, then pull the fuse that controls it, clean out the straw, then replace fuse. Haven’t done it yet, but will try this weekend.

[Alex AVI]

Originally Posted by Delores

Same here. So far no problem with it retracting on its own with moderate wind or rain. I’m always asking for a shady site at campgrounds, just Incase awning does retract on its own. I’m thinking of trying to find a nice sturdy beach umbrella for next summer to store in back storage area for emergencies. As small as these class b’s are, being comfortable outside is a necessity. On another note, on my last camping trip there was a lot of pine straw that collected on awing before it retracted on its own. The minute you extend it to try to shake straw loose, it retracts. My trusted neighbor told me to extend it, then pull the fuse that controls it, clean out the straw, then replace fuse. Haven’t done it yet, but will try this weekend.

DELORES - we use these for the beach (we spend lots time at Orange County and Malibu). It is called Super Brella, 8 ft. diameter and folded is no bulkier than a golf umbrella and less than 55" long tip/tip. Not exactly a true patio/table umbrella due to the longer side wings. They are not detachable. But the side ports/windows have zippered openings.

[Delores]

Originally Posted by Alex AVI

DELORES - we use these for the beach (we spend lots time at Orange County and Malibu). It is called Super Brella, 8 ft. diameter and folded is no bulkier than a golf umbrella and less than 55" long tip/tip. Not exactly a true patio/table umbrella due to the longer side wings. They are not detachable. But the side ports/windows have zippered openings.

Nice. May look into.