Power Awning

[{tpc}]

Ok so I think this is the right place to ask this question, but I am unsure I completely understand how these things work. I suppose I should have asked more during the pdi, and maybe i did and I just forgot.

Anyways, the guy told us not to run it all the way out, just until the end flap piece was running straight up and down.

What happens if I do keep running the motor...will it stop at the end or mess something up?

How do the arms work exactly? It seems that when I run it out to where the guy said to they are in a bent position. He said you can angle one side and lock it down with the knob, for water run off. Made sense to me, but while it was out the other day a wind gust came and it bounced up a bit...so I brought it in. Am I doing something wrong here? Should the arms be fully extended? Can they be?

What about tie downs? A friend told me I should tie the ends down with ratcheting straps but it seems there is a debate to doing this?

My wife wants to hang lights from the end of it, and thats fine, but it seems counterintuitive to me to do so, if everytime we walk away I have to roll it up for fear of the wind. I can see it now...day 1, put out awning, put out lights....5 min later, take off lights, put in awning, 20 min later put out awning, put out lights...rinse and repeat. Doesn't sound like fun.

The unit we have is a 2014 Passport Ultra Lite 2300 bunkhouse.

[Festus2]

?

My wife wants to hang lights from the end of it, and thats fine, but it seems counterintuitive to me to do so,.

While it may be "counterintuitive" or even counter productive for you to do that, it may be in your best interests to do what your wife wants.......:D

[Kristi]

The wind is not your awning's friend, but on a calm evening the lights on the awning are nice. :)

As for your other questions, yes, the motor will stop at the end, but it is better if you stop before then. Also, you can use the black nobs on the arms to adjust the tilt awning for water runoff, just remember to loosen them before you try to bring your awning back in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_9QUgGynTs this video maybe helpful.

[{tpc}]

The wind is not your awning's friend, but on a calm evening the lights on the awning are nice. :)

As for your other questions, yes, the motor will stop at the end, but it is better if you stop before then. Also, you can use the black nobs on the arms to adjust the tilt awning for water runoff, just remember to loosen them before you try to bring your awning back in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_9QUgGynTs this video maybe helpful.

Thank you kristi, that was helpful! (tx) I did notice that the guy in the video only locked down the one knob after he tilted for run off on that side. Does it matter for the other side? Or should it stay loose?

Also, anything about tying them down? Or is it just a some do and some don't?

Oh and festus2, it is in my best interests, but its also in my best interests that it doesn't get busted the first trip out lol. ;)

[Kristi]

Not sure about tie downs, I've never used them.

[ThePressureIsOn]

There is no need to tilt your power awning. I believe that they all have an automatic dump feature, at least ours does...ask me how I know!:o When enough rain builds up on them, the weight will automatically tilt one side and dump the water.

[therink]

I have used tie downs for years on two different power awnings. I set the pitch, tighten the knows and tie down using rope on each end to 12" rebar spikes. Works well. The tension keeps the awning taught and quiet in light to moderate winds. If storm or heavy winds approach, I may roll it up.

[x96mnn]

I use tie downs and ratchet straps and have no issues. I use two dog spikes, the kind you twist into the ground, I use my weight distribution bar to turn the spikes all the way in. When I tighten the straps I just pull them snug, like the post before me no issues.

[Essness]

I've been using tie downs zince we bought this one. It lets me not worry about wind conditions while we're out on the trails.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_122243_0_cd0ca7f5e49745896a2dca21de18db48.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_122243_1_4ce81a3de42eac4fce9b023eef667527.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_122243_2_b9d2ae17df5adb9f34a5ccff9d4eeac1.jpg

the poles just fold up with the awning an clip in place for travel.

[{tpc}]

There is no need to tilt your power awning. I believe that they all have an automatic dump feature, at least ours does...ask me how I know! When enough rain builds up on them, the weight will automatically tilt one side and dump the water.

I think I understand this. The guy at the walkthrough I think suggested tilting one side so that you "know" which side the water will dump on.

I've been using tie downs zince we bought this one. It lets me not worry about wind conditions while we're ouf on the trails.

I like the pictures! I think my concern is due to the automatic dumping feature of the awning. On ours the supports on the bottom of the awning don't come straight out like those shown in the pics. They are "pre bent" if you will so that when the water builds up on one side or the other it dumps where it is the heaviest. Of course you can lock them into a position with the knobs but that doesn't make them straight or keep them from folding up to dump, it just allows you to angle one side down more.

[{tpc}]

Here is a picture so you can see what I am referring to. The awning can probably come out a little more, but not enough to straighten those arms I don't think.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=526&pictureid=2733

[canesfan]

I can't ever remember seeing an awning like that where the front is higher than the trailer. Personally that would bother me with wind, tied down or not. It looks like it's just asking to blow over the top. Or is that just an optical illusion from the angle the picture was taken?

[{tpc}]

I can't ever remember seeing an awning like that where the front is higher than the trailer. Personally that would bother me with wind, tied down or not. It looks like it's just asking to blow over the top. Or is that just an optical illusion from the angle the picture was taken?

Yes I think it is, because in that photo I'm standing below the trailer.

[{tpc}]

Here is another pic, as apparantly noone has taken pics with the awning out lol. This one appears to be out a little further than mine but the valance seems longer, but it could be the angle again.

http://www.leachrv.com/used_bikes/15960%200042.JPG

[Javi]

This what that awing should look like.

[{tpc}]

This what that awing should look like.

I am unsure on what you are trying to say, or point out? The picture doesn't show much.

Are you saying its not fully extended on the pic of mine? What about the other one that I pulled from a different website?

[Essness]

Here is a picture so you can see what I am referring to. The awning can probably come out a little more, but not enough to straighten those arms I don't think.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=526&pictureid=2733

I think you're close enough, roll it the rest of the way out and it will be fine.
look at mine where the flap is.

[therink]

I would roll it out all the way to bring the outside roller down to where it should be. You won't hurt the motor. Just make sure you tap the switch for the final bit and don't torque it to its full extension. One problem with own profile trailers is that the door rubs the awning when the awning is pitched down like it should be. Once you have it somewhat pitched with the knobs tight, I would tie it down. Without a lot of pitch, the awning is more susceptible to wind damage.

[Javi]

I am unsure on what you are trying to say, or point out? The picture doesn't show much.

Are you saying its not fully extended on the pic of mine? What about the other one that I pulled from a different website?

Yes I'm saying that you are not fully extended by a good bit. Take a look at the arm in my photo. double click on the fingernail and it will enlarge so you can see better. The arm should be straight not bent at a 45 degree angle.

I'll see if I can find another photo that shows the arm fully extended.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/f01.justanswer.com/JACUSTOMER3tsavu49/2011-03-11_192749_dsc01672.jpg

[2014Fuzion300]

In our case, if you keep pressing the switch, the awning will rollback the other way.

[UsTwo]

Are there black knobs on the underside of the awning arms.?? If so,, Did you tighten them down... this will help on windy days to keep the awning from floping around.. I also use rachet straps or a rachet rope, hooked on both ends from Lowes, that i use.. i use also..
i only dip one end when i looks like rain.. and when we leave i always make sure to tie the awning down..if we are going to be gone far from the camper.. if you haven't seen what big winds do to an awning, it is scary :eek::eek:

[{tpc}]

Ok well thanks everyone for the help. :) I have much learning to do. I do have the knobs but haven't played with them much. I am sure I didn't have it rolled all the way out, as the tech told me not to do so. I'm not really 100% sure why he said that but he did. I'm sure I'll inch it out until I feel like it isn't going to fall off or something lol.

Next week is the first trip, so I report back any findings lol.

[JRTJH]

Ok well thanks everyone for the help. :) I have much learning to do. I do have the knobs but haven't played with them much. I am sure I didn't have it rolled all the way out, as the tech told me not to do so. I'm not really 100% sure why he said that but he did. I'm sure I'll inch it out until I feel like it isn't going to fall off or something lol.

Next week is the first trip, so I report back any findings lol.

He probably told you not to roll it all the way out because the valance would be too high and the awning fabric would actually create a "dip" behind the awning roller that could catch water. When you roll it all the way out, you need to then roll it in just enough to get the awning fabric to be over the awning roller tube, not behind it.

When you roll it all the way out, you'll see that the fabric isn't "over the tube" but is rather "behind the tube"

There's a step (I think a caution) in the owner's manual about making sure the awning fabric is "over the tube".

[UsTwo]

^^^^ Yea what these last three folks said.... your awning is NOT out all the way..roll it out till it stops... and then tighten those black knobs on the underneath side of the arms...

[{tpc}]

Ok so this weekend I played with it a little. It was windy, so it only stayed out for the first night, then I didn't want to risk it. I bought this awning tie down setup from camco (hooks from end of roller to the bottom of one of the poles so nothing tied to ground) but never got around to putting it on, but I don't think it will work with this type of setup anyways. (I was just hoping to avoid a rope to trip over lol)

Either way, with it fully extended to the point where the valence is where it should be, black knobs tightened and everything, those white arms are still not straight. Even over extended they are not straight out. Close though and better than they were but not straight.

The awning doesn't stick out above the roof of the trailer but it doesn't lean down much either. Kinda more just straight out. If I pull the arms down into less of a straight position and tighten the black knobs I can get it to tilt a little, but thats about it. I can also use the knobs to create tilt to one side or the other for water run off.

My friend has a manual awning type and if he wants he can adjust and tilt all the way to the ground or damn near that. I don't think there is anyway I could do that. Maybe if I really pulled the arms down, but the shock on the other side has a different theory on that lol. I just don't feel comfortable locking it down in such a position. I mean it would take quite a bit to get it down far enough where the top of the door would even think about coming close to the awning.

[Nailz]

My awning looks very similar to yours when extended. I have too have read/heard that you should not extend the awning fully, not because it would damage the awning, but to ensure the awning material is partially wrapped around the roller. The direction I have read/heard is to extend the awning until the valance is perpendicular to the ground. This allows the water to freely run off the awning. If the awning is fully extended the awning material is behind the roller resulting in a dam of sorts. It made sense to me, so it's what I do.

I have also started using the Valterra Happy hook awning tie down kit (modified) to secure the awning. I replaced the rope included with the Happy hook and installed Quickie ratchet straps instead. I find this makes setup, takedown and tension adjustment easier. I use the anchors included in the kit in soft soil/sand, otherwise I improvise. Even in light winds my awning tends to bounce on the arms without tie downs. I do retract the awning anytime I know high winds or a strong storm is forecast.

Pictures included. Hope this helps. Curtis

[Nailz]

I've been using tie downs zince we bought this one. It lets me not worry about wind conditions while we're out on the trails.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126392_0_4ce81a3de42eac4fce9b023eef667527.jpg


the poles just fold up with the awning an clip in place for travel.

That's still a great looking setup. I was in the market for a 27FS when I purchased the camper I have now.

It looks as though you have to do the same thing I do, which is raise the front of the camper to load the toys via the ramp. I still find that to be a pain.

Happy camping!

Curtis

[Essness]

That's still a great looking setup. I was in the market for a 27FS when I purchased the camper I have now.

It looks as though you have to do the same thing I do, which is raise the front of the camper to load the toys via the ramp. I still find that to be a pain.

Happy camping!

Curtis

Thanks Curtis,
That's actually what I need to do to make it level on my driveway. I load a heavily modified golf cart with 13 inches of ground clearance so, no issues with that.

[BirchyBoy]

That Vantage camper in the video Kristi posted is SEXY!

I'm going to pickup a couple of those tethers for my awning so the wife will have less to worry about when I leave the camper for work.

[berg]

For you guys using the tie down setups on the awnings, about how long does it take you to unstrap it all so you can roll the awning in? Same with pulling down the lights if you have them up?

Reason I ask is last summer we had a wicked nasty storm roll over the hill on us and we went from a gentle breeze to 40+mph and bigger gusts with rain and thunder/lightning in literally seconds. About the time we looked up and said "uh oh" it was too late.

My neighbors awning took flight up over his 5er and landed in the middle of the camp loop on the other side of the road. My awning pulled loose from one side (rental MH) and just folded back against the body of the rig and folded over the roof. I really didn't care about the awning because I was down at the water rescuing my boat from getting tossed up on the shore. I think 8-9 other rigs in our loop sustained awning damage of some sort and I know several of them had stakes holding them down. We also lost a tent and a few chairs.

That was one experience I'd rather avoid in the future.

If you see something like this coming your way, sound the alarm...

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126435_0_aea8e0019dfaaf33bc1d9b238d392e65.jpg

Anyway, I vowed to never have anything on my new TT setup that would keep me from getting it rolled up tight ASAFP. My awning lights will probably be held on with a clothes pin setup of some sort so that I can literally rip them down in a flash if needed. Any ext cords will be tidied up with velcro strips only so they can come off quickly too.

The thought of tie downs makes me nervous.

[{tpc}]

Thanks all for the info. I may look into the valterra setup. I really need to just get out camping more so I have more time to play with these things. :)

[Essness]

I've been using tie downs zince we bought this one. It lets me not worry about wind conditions while we're out on the trails.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126508_0_cd0ca7f5e49745896a2dca21de18db48.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126508_1_4ce81a3de42eac4fce9b023eef667527.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126508_2_b9d2ae17df5adb9f34a5ccff9d4eeac1.jpg

the poles just fold up with the awning an clip in place for travel.

For you guys using the tie down setups on the awnings, about how long does it take you to unstrap it all so you can roll the awning in? Same with pulling down the lights if you have them up?

Reason I ask is last summer we had a wicked nasty storm roll over the hill on us and we went from a gentle breeze to 40+mph and bigger gusts with rain and thunder/lightning in literally seconds. About the time we looked up and said "uh oh" it was too late.

My neighbors awning took flight up over his 5er and landed in the middle of the camp loop on the other side of the road. My awning pulled loose from one side (rental MH) and just folded back against the body of the rig and folded over the roof. I really didn't care about the awning because I was down at the water rescuing my boat from getting tossed up on the shore. I think 8-9 other rigs in our loop sustained awning damage of some sort and I know several of them had stakes holding them down. We also lost a tent and a few chairs.

That was one experience I'd rather avoid in the future.

If you see something like this coming your way, sound the alarm...

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_126508_3_aea8e0019dfaaf33bc1d9b238d392e65.jpg

Anyway, I vowed to never have anything on my new TT setup that would keep me from getting it rolled up tight ASAFP. My awning lights will probably be held on with a clothes pin setup of some sort so that I can literally rip them down in a flash if needed. Any ext cords will be tidied up with velcro strips only so they can come off quickly too.

The thought of tie downs makes me nervous.

The set up I work with is completely portable. Realease the straps, and hit the switch. The legs fold up with the awning and clip in place for mobility.

[Nailz]

The set up I work with is completely portable. Realease the straps, and hit the switch. The legs fold up with the awning and clip in place for mobility.

Same here. With the Valtera setup I just pull down on the awning like I am going to tilt it to one side or the other and remove the clip that secures the strap. Then I retract the awning. Hope that makes sense.

[bmach]

You do not need to tilt the awning to know which way it will dump. When you tighten the both knobs you prevent the dump feature from working. Do not tighten the knob on the side you want the awning to dump and you are all set to dump.

Enjoy

[Hoojs12840]

Here is a picture so you can see what I am referring to. The awning can probably come out a little more, but not enough to straighten those arms I don't think.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=526&pictureid=2733

I have a similar issue with my 2014 Cougar 330rbk. Except mine comes to low and my door hits the awning. My side arms do not lock straight either. I have it scheduled to be fixed in 2 weeks. Dealer said I have the wrong hardware installed from the factory.

Yours is certainly not the way it should be.

[rode2nowhere]

While it may be "counterintuitive" or even counter productive for you to do that, it may be in your best interests to do what your wife wants.......:D

x2 ......or you will pay...

[rode2nowhere]

just a note when retracting awning in a freak storm and rain downpour, make sure you are not under it when your wife is retracting it and is full of rain, ask me what happens....

[denverpilot]

just a note when retracting awning in a freak storm and rain downpour, make sure you are not under it when your wife is retracting it and is full of rain, ask me what happens....


Heh. Heh. I can see me doing that. Thanks for the chuckle.

[{tpc}]

I have a similar issue with my 2014 Cougar 330rbk. Except mine comes to low and my door hits the awning. My side arms do not lock straight either. I have it scheduled to be fixed in 2 weeks. Dealer said I have the wrong hardware installed from the factory.

Yours is certainly not the way it should be.

I don't know. Its so hard to tell really. I played with it a bit more this past weekend (until it got too windy) and I was able to use the knobs and angle it down quite a bit. It will still "auto dump" with the knobs tightened due to the design.

I really need to run into another 2300bh owner and see how theirs looks.

[Lee]

I've been using tie downs zince we bought this one. It lets me not worry about wind conditions while we're out on the trails.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_128024_0_cd0ca7f5e49745896a2dca21de18db48.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_128024_1_4ce81a3de42eac4fce9b023eef667527.jpg

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_128024_2_b9d2ae17df5adb9f34a5ccff9d4eeac1.jpg

the poles just fold up with the awning an clip in place for travel.

Not meaning to hi-jack this thread,.... but Essness do tell.... Where did you get that tie-down system?

I have looked all over the net but don't see the one that you have.

Thanks,
Lee

[zrxfishing]

I'm interested as we'll. That looks like a nice design!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Road-King]

PM sent to Lee and zrxfishing

[Essness]

My previous camper was a Forest River product. One of the guys on that forum stamps out the brackets that mount at the top of the awning to hold the poles and also gives you a loop for the tie down.
the poles are just 2 different diameter conduit with a pin for setting the height.

If I'm not violating any rules here, I will get more info posted in this thread?

[murphysranch]

I'd like to know as well. Thanks.

[Jameskirk]

Regarding your awning lights you may want to consider the LEDs that stick on. I have mine attached to my TT just under the awning when it is rolled up. This way I don't have to worry about taking down lights in a storm.


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[Tri Tip]

I see no need to tie the electric awning down. Stationary ones yes. They will dump water on their own and the struts are designed to give with the awning arms moving up and down in normal to extreme wind. I think anchoring them down defeats the design purpose. When your awning is open push very hard upward on the roll or pull down hard and abrupt. It'll take the tugs just fine. If the awning is tied down this prevents the awning from flexing up and down with the wind. Thus weakening, or in a heavy enough wind causing it to tear. The only time I've tighten the locking screws is in a heavy rain. Otherwise the awning will dump lift dump lift over and over. Locking one side down in the rain will simply cause the rain to run off.