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

restlesswind
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
Awning deflappers will pull a lot of sag out of the canvas.I just had new canvas installed on my 16' awning and the awning guy suggested using them.
Also,make sure that the upper arms are pulled out to their max length before they are locked in place.
The support arms should form a triangle. High point on the trailer wall,low point on the wall and the tip being the point where the roller connects,not a Y as some folks do.
badbowtie
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
I have a set of awning deflappers I may try to add a wind or two on the awning when I head back to camper on wednesday and may try the deflappers also. please refresh with awning open wind front of camper clockwise and rear counter correct? I also am not sure about before I replaced canvas old canvas was shot and just bought this camper month ago.
ArticFox_676
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
After years of camping and various trailer we feel any awning 18ft. or so should have a center support. We also have the support leg to keep the roller from snapping in the middle if it takes on some water (even with a tilt).
robatthelake
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
You can buy just the side support for about $50 or adjustable poles are available for less than that. Imagine a Painters extension pole used as a prop to lift the centre of the rafter!
TNTraveller
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
We had the same problem with our last trailer.
We installed "awnbrellas" from Camping World. They are the bowed aluminum supports seen in an earlier response.
They work great and are easy to install.

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