A Question About Awnings.

DMaxer · Guru

RE: A Question About Awnings.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I thought you must have been OK BigD cos I was standing outside here in Nth East VIC waiting for you to float by. I was going to rescue you.

The Xmas drink will have to wait longer sorry.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

DMaxer · Guru

I think I will put last night into the same category as my first trip down Brown Mountain and the time when the cable between the tug and van that works the blinkers, brakes and all broke going up the Tenterfield Ranges causing the van brakes to lock up. Oh, those golden memories!

oldbloke · Guru

Wind direction is important. Its mainly wind blowing directly into the awning that is most risky.

I often just put it out about half way. Reduces sale area but still provides some cover.

DMaxer · Guru

I agree Oldbloke. My van was facing in a northerly direction with the wind out of the south and south east so mainly blowing over and around the awning. It was the direction of the wind that made me confident it would be ok. As well, a couple in a big bus pulled up not far away and that also acted as a wind break.

jeepnudger · Senior Member

I know this comment is well after query being answered, however, the recommendations are all over the place, i have summarised and setout making it by point to help new guys to this site.

1. use 2ropes on each end of awning roller with a rubber strap around awning roller to connect ropes.

2. fit antiflap bars that hold the side of awning tight (dont buy those silly peg type antiflap attachments that only hold awning in 2places)

3. fit privacy screens on both ends (slide privacy screen into track in antiflap bar) and fit privacy screen along length of awning ( there is a track in awning to slide screen along) These privacy screens attached to awning and pegged to ground strengthen the awning and reduce wind getting under awning.

4. buy a strap (min 3cm wide and length of awning) that will go over the centre of awning (length wise [parallel to van length]) attach rope at each end to hold this strap tight stopping the awning from being lifted up by a wind gust getting under awning.

A. as suggested ensure you have decent length pegs to fix ropes to.

B. worst thing about doing this is it takes a lot of time, BUT, you have peace of mind in the middle of nite.

C. must drop awning on one end to ensure water runs off and hopefully away from your site.

D. fit a curved rod midway along underside of awning as this also helps to keep awning from sagging.

Tony Bev · Guru

DMaxer wrote:
Just had the heavy rain and wind start up this morning in north eastern NSW. The awning has held firm, the water has run off the far end that was lowered slightly, all the great advice working well. Makes one feel like standing outside under the awning belting out a few verses of "You'll Never Walk Alone"! Thanks again.

If you are going to belt out a few verses of "You'll Never Walk Alone"

May I suggest that this is the latest version, and was Number 1 (in England), very recently

I dips my lid to you Captain Tom

DMaxer · Guru

Sadly Gerry Marsden passed away overnight. It was he and his band The Pacemakers that had a huge hit with this song in the sixties. I think it originated from the musical Carousel.

Tony Bev · Guru

Thanks for that info DMaxer

RIP Gerry Marsden

We came from the same geographical area of the world, and I listened to his music as a teenager

He was from a suburb, of the city of Liverpool, England

I came from the bush, or the green belt area, 8 miles from the city centre