Diagonal pole people: advice needed

[b.bodemer]

My Scotty had a 7' x 7' awning that I used diagonal poles to puff it up. This allowed for no sagging or problems opening the door.

My cargo trailer awning is 8' long x 7' deep. Below is as close to a set up as I can get but it puffs up but then falls back down. Is this because it's more of a rectangle vs. a square or do I need to keep fooling with the lengths? I do have two different sets of poles, one lighter and one heavier if that helps. Any advice appreciated.

http://cttraveltrailer.blogspot.com/201 ... et-up.html

Barb

[toolman]

Bev,

After reading your post several times and studying your picture I'm having a hard time figuring out what your question is.

Is it "puffing up" becasue of wind? Or, is it going up and down every time you open the door?

If it is the wind causing the problem then it needs to be attached to the "X" poles. I have a store bought one that has Velcro.

If it is the door, then you need to raise it up to clear the door when it is fully opened.

If it is another problem then you will need to clarify the problem for me.

Jerry

[Miriam C.]

I understood but might not do you any good. You might have the poles too short! Might try making a way to tie both poles together and be attached to the awning in the center...

[b.bodemer]

I do have a center tie.

If the two poles are short then the center does not go up, or it stays up briefly. If the poles are too long it's hard to get them to meet at the center.

I just thought maybe it was too long of a awning length to use this method.

[doug hodder]

Barb....longer poles will keep it from drooping. I had a similar problem with my Nomad...put in longer poles and it works fine now. It will still drop, but it takes a really good wind to do it. You're pretty close to square, so that isn't an issue. Yup...they are harder to get to center when longer, but once tensioned it's fine. I also use some electrical tape on the ends of the poles to give it some padding, kinda like a big Q-tip. That way it won't tend to tear out the corners. I'm not sure just how large of an awning in a canvas type material can be supported in this manner...maybe 8x8 is it....Doug

[b.bodemer]

Think I'll keep trying. I thought I was long enough, even too long and had trouble getting them to meet in the middle.

It took a while to get the Scotty just right too. This link shows the improvement with the diagonal poles in place.
http://barbsserroscottymakeover.shutter ... /newawning

Thanks for the advice.
Barb