I have a 37' camper that has 21' A&E awning that I just replaced the canvas. And just two weeks ago we put it on a spot at a local campground. I noticed when I open the awning in the center of the canvas sags pretty bad that would not take much rain at all that would end in ugly result. I know lower one side but I have to have it way lower due to it sags so bad in the middle. I would like to buy one of them support poles that runs from roof to awning tube then down to the ground. But just don't have the extra 150.00 + right know to get one. So I am looking for a DIY project that will mount to camper and run out to the tube to keep canvas from sagging so bad.

. For my next TT, I'd buy (or make) horizontal BOW supports. A few TT's at my seasonal site have them and they are great. 3-5 bows + centre post with de-flappers and the awning could take massive amount of wind and rain abuse. For picture, surf: - Click Here -

Now that's a great setup. I need to do some engineering and see what it will take to build one. Thanks for the linkAre the bows fiberglass or pvc?

I forgot about the bows them would work great also. I sure wish I could find some good info on them. I need to figure a way to mount them. I wonder if I could just use 1" pvc and bow it or would it bow down or sideways instead of up. I would love some good pictures of them mounts at both sides and info from anybody that has made them.

Are you sure that your roller tube is providing enough tension. Are the springs worn out? Seems that they should keep the awning taut if they are working properly. We have had to replace ours as they do rust and wear out inside that roller tube. If their isn't enough tension, do a search and you should be able to find the procedure for increasing the tension.

hey badbowtie...i tried both pvc and fiberglass sail boat batten, and both did exactly what you said, they bowed down and sideways. i am not sure how they are made but i instead spent the $150.00 for the center support arm. i have had no problems with it. i have a seasonal site and my awning stays out all the time as i have an add a room. i got it two years ago after a massive rain storm collapsed the awning and i wasnt going to have that happen again. 2 years later and many heavy rainstorms and wind, and still no problems. totally recommend it.

awning support need help | Good Sam Community

spike99
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013
.

For my next TT, I'd buy (or make) horizontal BOW supports. A few TT's at my seasonal site have them and they are great. 3-5 bows + centre post with de-flappers and the awning could take massive amount of wind and rain abuse. For picture, surf: - Click Here -
64thunderbolt
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2013
Now that's a great setup. I need to do some engineering and see what it will take to build one. Thanks for the link

Are the bows fiberglass or pvc?
badbowtie
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013
I forgot about the bows them would work great also. I sure wish I could find some good info on them. I need to figure a way to mount them. I wonder if I could just use 1" pvc and bow it or would it bow down or sideways instead of up. I would love some good pictures of them mounts at both sides and info from anybody that has made them.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2013
Are you sure that your roller tube is providing enough tension. Are the springs worn out? Seems that they should keep the awning taut if they are working properly. We have had to replace ours as they do rust and wear out inside that roller tube. If their isn't enough tension, do a search and you should be able to find the procedure for increasing the tension.
cheezy26_81
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013
hey badbowtie...i tried both pvc and fiberglass sail boat batten, and both did exactly what you said, they bowed down and sideways. i am not sure how they are made but i instead spent the $150.00 for the center support arm. i have had no problems with it. i have a seasonal site and my awning stays out all the time as i have an add a room. i got it two years ago after a massive rain storm collapsed the awning and i wasnt going to have that happen again. 2 years later and many heavy rainstorms and wind, and still no problems. totally recommend it.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2013
The long awnings, 18+ feet, will tend to bow in the middle just from the tension of the awning material itself. The roller tube actually bends inward. The center awning support helps with this a lot by pushing the center of the tube back out. Ours is 21 feet and I use one on our awning when we are snowbirding but don't usually put it up when just camping for the weekend.
Tension rafter

Those curved rafters are really nice. Saw a couple of rigs at our winter campground that had them. Might have to think about those in the future.
Curved Rafter Supports
Barney
spike99
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013
64thunderbolt wrote:
Now that's a great setup. I need to do some engineering and see what it will take to build one. Thanks for the link. Are the bows fiberglass or pvc?

The bows are thin wall steel galvanized piping. Remember the old days when tents used galvanized poles? These adjustable awning pipes are the same light weigh metal material. The outside covering of pipes is foam. Almost the same stuff they put around water piping (in cold regions).

As a suggestion, visit a few trailer parks and take a "walk about" - looking for Trailers that use this BOW support setup. Ask the owner if they can remove a BOW pipe and show it to you. BOW pipes are adjustable and are also spring loaded. Thus, "one size fits all".

Hope this helps.
badbowtie
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
Okay I am back to the original plan of one of the awning supports to push pressure out on the center of the tube were it bows in from all the weight. I wish I could find some pictures of one that has been built to build one tomorrow.
gatorcq
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
Was it like that before you replace the awning?
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jun 04, 2013
badbowtie wrote:
Okay I am back to the original plan of one of the awning supports to push pressure out on the center of the tube were it bows in from all the weight. I wish I could find some pictures of one that has been built to build one tomorrow.

You asked! :B
Tension rafter images
Barney

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