Forum Discussion

dsr27's avatar
dsr27
Explorer
Apr 21, 2023

Solera XL awning question

Some years back, I noticed a MH with the awning lazily flapping in the wind. I asked the owner about it, and he responded that it was designed to move with the wind and seemed well damped - it never bounced hard. So I began to think about upgrading from my old A&E manual awning. I think his was a newer Dometic 9200 or perhaps a Carefree Eclipse. As I'm finally looking at this again, I see that Lippert makes a powered awning with a 10' extension- the Solera XL. This would be very handy for how we use an awning.

So my question is how well does the Solera XL handle the wind... Does it flap violently and threaten to rip the fabric apart or rip the unit off the wall? Or does it gently move up and down in the wind?

Or any other feedback on the Solera or comparisons with the Dometic or Carefree? But I'd have to say, the 10' extension may trump any downfalls.

thanks for the feedback
Gary
Class A
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 21, 2023
    I will give you my 44 years as an RV tech opinion. NOBODY makes an awning that will withstand short burst of hi wind or sustained bursts of hi wind. NOBODY makes an awning that in heavy downpour will shed water as they state it is designed for. Regardless of pitch unless you have an extreme 30 degree downpitch. IF you have that to stop potential problems, it is best to retract until the Wind/rain is gone. I have NEVER in my 44 years had any awning maker warranty wind/rain damage. There is nothing on LCI's website that states this, but I HAVE had weather damaged/destroyed awnings refused to be repaired/replaced under ALL awning makers warranty. The Solera as designed has about the best auto pitch system out there. Doug
  • dsr27's avatar
    dsr27
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2023
    Doug
    thanks for the reply. I had read that the Solera will drop one end when water builds up, so it's good to hear that it works!

    Can you comment on the relative wind handling of the Dometic, Carefree, and Solera? I understand that none should be trusted to leave out in heavy winds, but it would be nice to know if one is really better than the others, or particularly, if the Solera is much worse than the others.

    And since my only experience is with rigid-armed A&E awnings, should I consider the hinged-armed (and powered) units to be more, or less, tolerant of winds than rigid arms? I like the idea of powered very much, but might decide is not worth trying if it's known that these awnings can only be extended when it's dead calm.

    thanks
    Gary
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 22, 2023
    dsr27 wrote:
    Doug
    thanks for the reply. I had read that the Solera will drop one end when water builds up, so it's good to hear that it works!

    Can you comment on the relative wind handling of the Dometic, Carefree, and Solera? I understand that none should be trusted to leave out in heavy winds, but it would be nice to know if one is really better than the others, or particularly, if the Solera is much worse than the others.

    And since my only experience is with rigid-armed A&E awnings, should I consider the hinged-armed (and powered) units to be more, or less, tolerant of winds than rigid arms? I like the idea of powered very much, but might decide is not worth trying if it's known that these awnings can only be extended when it's dead calm.

    thanks
    Gary


    NEVER trust an electric auto retract awning to do the job if required. The awning makers also do NOT warranty if the Auto retract fails to do the job in adverse weather conditions. The shed feature is nice, but usually heavy rain AND wind go together. Both contribute to a destroyed awning, in bad weather. I have had customers that the awning could not shed water fast enough with the auto shed arm features. I tell customers, ALWAYS retract when going to bed AND when leaving the RV to go somewhere. Doug

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