Another Awning Question

[phoenixbound]

Another question on awnings. I am seeing some folks have awnings with support struts attached to the trailer, while others have awnings that have no additional struts and are only supported by the swing out arms when deployed. The one I am looking at does not have struts. Any thoughts about which one would be better? I think they would both be subject to damage in high wind and I would not use it if there is a risk of high wind. Always good to hear from those that "have been there".Thank you.

This is the one I am looking at:

http://www.alekoproducts.com/ALEKO-12x0 ... d31-ap.htm

[flboy]

Another question on awnings. I am seeing some folks have awnings with support struts attached to the trailer, while others have awnings that have no additional struts and are only supported by the swing out arms when deployed. The one I am looking at does not have struts. Any thoughts about which one would be better? I think they would both be subject to damage in high wind and I would not use it if there is a risk of high wind. Always good to hear from those that "have been there".Thank you.

This is the one I am looking at:

http://www.alekoproducts.com/ALEKO-12x0 ... d31-ap.htm

That is a house awning typically to crank out when you decide to sit out under it for shade purposes. It could work with some creative installation like McDave has done. My only concern with those given the large surface area and no arm support is having the wind grab it up or down on a windy day. Definetly retract it if you are not there or if storms may pop up in the night or maybe come up with some vertical pole support and tie downs if it is a real windy day and you want to deploy it.

I installed an Aleko RV awning and had no troubles. I am not understaning the mounting issues folks are having unless the have a door that goes to ceiling without room for awning above.

The awning rail and tarp channel just needs to grab the steel frame up top and the arms in two places at the bottom. It needs no support other than that, so wall studs positions do not matter.

Here is a pic of my Aleko install which I did by myself solo (recommend getting a helper though).

Those straps you see going to ground with tension springs in the first pic along with the awnings arms themselves will keep that awning secured in most thunderstorms and some serious wind gusts (first hand experience). I always worry about a storm kicking up while I am away riding and my awnings being torn up or not being able to deploy it because it is a windy day with good gusts. Had that happen with a bag awning on my last CTC. I hate having to take it in each time I leave camp.

[walkrdg]

Hello, phoenixbound.

My wife and I full-timed for five years in a 5th wheel. Since you asked for an opinion... my preference would definitely be for an awning having the lower struts. We saw too many people having awning and wind problems to not have that support. I spent a summer working maintenance at an RV park in California, when an extra nasty wind storm came up, and two of us spent about an hour hanging on to a guest's awning that he had gone off and left out. We couldn't retract it. If we had let go, he'd have lost the awning and it would have ripped up the side of his RV, and possibly damaged his roof as well, as the awning left the area.

It's kind of a pain to take in the awning, sometimes... but do it!
Dave

[McDave]

Hey phoenix,
You are correct about both types being subject to wind damage. Both owners manuals will tell you to retract the awning during windy conditions. There are support legs available for the model you reference that can be anchored just as Don has shown his. I have had my awning 2yrs now and have had zero issues. It travels well and there is no risk of accidental deployment due to the fact it uses a gearbox to extend and retract. It takes less than 1 minute to open or close and if you can turn the crank you can handle this awning solo. They are very light, about 40 lbs for 10 x 8. The replacement fabric is less than 100.00. and you can get a motor drive and auto retract that senses the weather and retracts awning if you are away. There are some issues to be aware of such as clearance for the door to swing, and mounting if you have the rounded corners at the roof/wall. I took the chance on this type of awning because the price was 146.00 shipped, and if I was unable to use it on trailer there are 3 decks at the house to use it. But overall I have been very pleased with awning. Here is a installation manual. https://secure.img1.wfrcdn.com/docresou ... 274736.pdf
You can get an idea how it works and mounts etc.
The trend now is towards "cassette" awnings for high end RV's. You will notice they are the same type of awning. That should tell you something.
http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/mirage/
https://www.girardrv.com/products/gg750-cassette-awning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBHpSHfxnhY
Here is the 10 x 8 on my 6 x 12 trailer.
At Sturgis last year


Driveway test 2016




McDave

[flboy]

My brother has the cassette awnings on his bus RV and they use those because the big motorhome guys want to push a button to have them deploy.

The traditional manual design does not lend itself to remote control. These days on the high end, it seems it is a race to see how many buttons and electric motors they can use.. along with all those slide outs. They are sweet, I might add.

In those cases where cassette types are used, they almost all, without exception, have wind sensors to crank them back in if wind gusts of 20 miles an hour occur.

Nothing wrong with that.. just cannot use if windy. Arms with tie downs are just better suited for higher winds. It is all about what is important to the user and what you want. Folks just need to be aware of the pros and cons and make the best decision for thier situation and budget.

But if you are going to use a cassette type and then outfit it with arms and tie downs for windy environment... what then is the point?

I'd have to agree the cassette type are easier to deploy with a turn crank or button, but once you know how to do it, the traditional type only takes me a minute or so to deploy solo. Not a deal breaker for sure and can be used with very high winds (with tie downs) which is most summer afternoons when the rain comes in Florida. Keeps me out of the rain ( can be tilted down off horizontal also) as well as provides shade with the sun at lower points on the horizon. :-)

Phoenix, Regardless of what type you decide on for yourself, I would not be afraid to use Aleko brand. I took a chance on a deal and had no reviews or etc. on Amazon. It has been a great awning for the 2 years I have had it and the fit and finish still looks new. Aleko is new on the RV awning scene and started out for commercial buildings and houses. I have not had to call, but McDave can tell you thier Customer Service is also first class.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
4500lbs

[phoenixbound]

If I buy a 12' x 8' RV Awning is the total length required to mount it more than 12'? I have about 12' and maybe an inch total length to work with. Thinking I may have to get a 10' x 8'. Also does it come with the awning rail or did you buy it and cut to size. I am very close to ordering and trying to get it right. Thanks.

[flboy]

If I buy a 12' x 8' RV Awning is the total length required to mount it more than 12'? I have about 12' and maybe an inch total length to work with. Thinking I may have to get a 10' x 8'. Also does it come with the awning rail or did you buy it and cut to size. I am very close to ordering and trying to get it right. Thanks.

I'd call to ask just to be sure. I do not recall if that is the total width or the canvas? Maybe someone else knows, but you want to make sure on that one.

[flboy]

If you cannot get an answer let me know and I will try to measure mine. It was a 13ft. Awning.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[ris]

I bought a 9' awning and the guy told me it would be about 9'6". It is supposed to come in Tuesday. Hope to have it on by Friday and then I can answer the length question for sure. They also said I would need the long arms. Because of the length from top to bottom. On my trailer that top to bottom is about 82". I was told it will come with all the hardware to install and use the awning.

Richard

[Padilen]

From doing mine, it's the size of fabric. And then you add at least 6" for the tube ends and side brackets. But each manufacturer maybe different.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[McDave]

Just measured,
10' x 8' = 120" total retracted. Fabric looks to be 9'6". Aleko

McDave

[Hader]

We are working on ours this week. It will be home-built using 3/4" PVC and 1/2" EMT, U-bolts, flag brackets & store-bought tarp. Will post photos by next weekend.

[McDave]

I have seen a very nice DIY awning on this forum. I'll try to find it for you. May have some insights. I did keep this link for awning supplies.
https://www.creativeshelters.com/

McDave

[Padilen]

Ok I was wrong. I remembered buying 11' fabric. To go on the used tube. But 11' fabric is actually 10' & 2"to 3" ! Details are easy to forget in a couple of years

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[phoenixbound]

I went to the Aleko website and asked for a copy of the install instructions for a RV Awning. They sent me a doc with the instructions. It also had a table that shows the required available length for each awning. Very helpful. I will be getting a 10' x 8' awning for my 6' x 12' CTC. I had 12' and about an inch of length and they need at 3" extra. Now I know.

Aleko awning measurement table.JPG (26.8 KiB) Viewed 4124 times