thumping of slide awning in high gusty wind

You may need an "awning lock". After my patio awning unfurled while I was speeding down I15, I got serious and bought one. Search on RV.NET for "awning lock". You could also do a Google on that. I bought 3 from an online company. Eventually sold the other two to friends as I was too lazy to put onto my slide toppers.

I have a manual patio awning, so adding the lock was not a big hassle in terms of the opening process. With respect to the slide toppers, I would have to remember to go out and unlock each before opening the slides. Not sure I would remember. Also, I haven't had a slide topper unfurl problem that required me to change my mind.

I have used this one as have a lot of my friends, it works !!!

Had it happen to me then I installed this and had no problems since.

AWNING LOCK

How are these awning locks installed? Does it require using power tools? Like some folks I'm power tool challenged.

Thanks for the quick response.

Is this an awning or a slide topper? Is it Dometic A&E or Carefree of Colorado?

My awning kept coming loose, so I just took the dang awning off! Easy-peasy! ... :B

It is a slide topper. As for the make I don't know and my motor home is currently in storage so can't even run out and look. I suppose it makes a huge difference? Just my luck.

You may be able to have someone increase the tension on the retraction spring which would help. If it is something that just started, you may even have a broken spring.

I made this five years ago and it served me well. Clicky

The OP states that his problem is with the slide topper, not the awning. We've never heard of the topper unrolling.

Slow down. I know this sounds simplistic, but I really don't mean to be flippant. Often we encounter gusty winds between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The news if full of pictures of big rigs flipped over on the Conejo Grade and the same is true of the Palmdale Highway. At 60mph encountering a 60mph headwind can be eye-opening. Angled cross winds can similarly give you an unwelcomed thrill. Dropping your speed significantly, often to 45mph, can eliminate the pull on the awning and give you better control of the rig.
Again, JMHO based on real life experiences.
Happy Trails