Warning -- wind damage.....awnings!
I've been doing a little research about electric awnings. I ran across an RVNet thread from last year discussing electric vs manual. One person said he ties down his awning, has the de-flappers, and...
Forum Discussion
You will always lose when underestimating the power of the wind. I spent too many years running sailboats to not have a healthy respect for the power even a light breeze can generate. Once while working at the local golf course they were setting up shade awnings for a charity tournament the next day. At 20' X 30" they were large but were secured not only by stakes into the asphalt but by 55 gallon plastic barrels of water - thats nearly 500# per barrel.
When a sudden gust struck all hell broke loose. Four of the barrels were jerked 8 to 10' in the air shattering on impact when they came crashing down. The awning, or what was left of it, ended up inverted covering the pro shop.
We never leave the site or go to bed with the awning up, it is simply not worth the risk. Being electric makes it even more of a no brainer to simply push the button and roll it in. This type of damage is so preventable I'm surprised insurance companies continue to cover it but they probably won't hesitate to raise your rates after paying out.
:C
When a sudden gust struck all hell broke loose. Four of the barrels were jerked 8 to 10' in the air shattering on impact when they came crashing down. The awning, or what was left of it, ended up inverted covering the pro shop.
We never leave the site or go to bed with the awning up, it is simply not worth the risk. Being electric makes it even more of a no brainer to simply push the button and roll it in. This type of damage is so preventable I'm surprised insurance companies continue to cover it but they probably won't hesitate to raise your rates after paying out.
:C
