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Old 05-10-2019, 08:18 AM   #1
penra
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Question Awning arms are an accident waiting to happen

Awning arm 'elbows' on the big slide are just low enough to give me a facelift, I'm 5'5" so I fear that anyone walking close will crack their head open. What was the thinking with this? I put bubble wrap around them and an orange strap but even with that I hit my head on it. Any ideas to prevent lawsuits or medical expenses?
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:31 AM   #2
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Hang a 24" Japanese paper lantern off each elbow ????

Some things (like maybe the fifth wheel pinbox) are hazards that you just learn to live with after that first "encounter"...
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:40 AM   #3
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John’s suggestion of hanging items from them is about the best you can do. The more visible you can make them the better off you’ll be. With the invention of the electric awning it introduced additional risks. Even with the old style manual awnings I hit my head multiple times.
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:47 AM   #4
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I've clocked myself a couple times on the awning bracket after digging in the pass through compartment for something. Apparently, I am incapable of learning from experience. Have the same trouble with the cupboard door above the dishwasher at home.

[EDIT] Also, welcome to the forum!
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:47 AM   #5
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I, along with many others, put those "pool noodles" (https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Find-flex...ateway&sr=8-4) on the arms. You slit them end-to end, and they fit right over the metal arms. Since they come in various neon colors, they are easy to see and even if you do walk into one, it doesn't hurt as bad as bone on metal does. You can cut them to fit the length you want.
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Old 05-10-2019, 09:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DocP View Post
I, along with many others, put those "pool noodles" (https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Find-flex...ateway&sr=8-4) on the arms. You slit them end-to end, and they fit right over the metal arms. Since they come in various neon colors, they are easy to see and even if you do walk into one, it doesn't hurt as bad as bone on metal does. You can cut them to fit the length you want.
^^^^This is exactly what we have done.
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Old 05-10-2019, 09:05 AM   #7
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Unfortunately, learning to adapt to your environment is on you. These are some good suggestions. There is always something to bump your head on around a towable...especially a 5th wheel. We've all done it and hopefully done something to prevent it from happening again...or at least minimizing the pain potential.

On my 5er I put foam pipe insulation (like pool noodles) on my head-height slide outs. I'm just careful around the pin box but still manage to bump my head under the nose.

Live and learn...hopefully

Welcome to the forum...a lot of good info and advice here.
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Old 05-10-2019, 09:10 AM   #8
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I'm taller than the top of the slideout inside my camper, and I can't tell you how many times I have whacked my head against it when I'm going to sit down at the dinette. I'm thinking about covering myself with pool noodles...
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Old 05-10-2019, 09:12 AM   #9
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Now, that's a solution, and maybe a new trend in camping fashion.

Please send pics
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Old 05-10-2019, 09:12 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DocP View Post
I'm thinking about covering myself with pool noodles...
Now there's the solution!
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Old 05-10-2019, 10:30 AM   #11
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Old 05-10-2019, 04:09 PM   #12
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Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogue View Post
The bubble wrap suit, while appealing in function could present issues as so many people like to pop those things!
I like the pool noodle idea though, I'll start wrapping those around my head, I mean awning arms. Thanks all!
I peruse these forums regularly for tips and great advice!
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:20 PM   #13
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Tacky looking but we hang our beach towels from the arms. Can’t miss those!
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Old 05-11-2019, 02:09 AM   #14
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take a chill pill.. as we use to say. stop worrying about what you can't control. nobody is going to sue you...and even if they do that's why you have insurance.
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Old 05-11-2019, 08:40 AM   #15
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take a chill pill.. as we use to say. stop worrying about what you can't control. nobody is going to sue you...and even if they do that's why you have insurance.
Insurance won't help any in this case. They have already stated they knew there is a risk of hitting the arms. If they don't do anything to remedy the situation they are negligent and hence liable if someone gets injured. Gotta love lawyers. Or at least that is a theory used on this forum for other topics.
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Old 05-11-2019, 04:10 PM   #16
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By far the very most hazardous part of rving is the low down sneaky TRAILER HITCH! Just laying in wait to rear its ugly head and make you roll around on the ground clutching your shin or knee and trying not to cry like a big baby to loudly��
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Old 05-11-2019, 05:29 PM   #17
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Interesting...our RV’s awning slides arms are actually pretty far off the ground, even when extended. I stand 5’10” and I can walk under the extended arms with about five or six inches of clearance. There is also plenty of clearance when the arms are in the extended ‘down’ position (to provide shade when the sun is low in the sky, or to allow rain water to drain off without pooling on the awning).

Our RV might be a nine year old unit, but I am still impressed with how well many of it’s design features are implemented.
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Old 05-14-2019, 01:57 AM   #18
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Try putting yellow Caution do not enter tape all the way around the rv.
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Old 05-14-2019, 07:24 AM   #19
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Not sure which rv you have or the overall roof height, but with awnings on a short sided trailer means "low clearance".
Just curious what would you suggest the manufacturers do so you don't have to duck & still have an awning?
Personally I don't want them painted safety yellow/orange or have warning labels stuck all over them.
My suggestion is pay attention & DUCK!
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Old 05-14-2019, 07:37 AM   #20
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Even on the old manual awnings you would have to duck if you set up the awning and left the leg attached to the trailer. The advantage of the manual awning is that you can detach the leg and set it vertically. People still manage to walk into it, though...

The nice thing about the electic awning is eliminating the leg. Fully extended on a 5er head clearance usually isn't an issue. On a TT it is...just a fact of life.

Pool noodles or bubble wrap are still viable options...
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