I'm a full timer in my 5th. And for some reason, it is bloody windy allllll the time or around the seasons here in Jersey. Except for summer perhaps. So yes, I am able to pull in the main awning which is great. But on my 3 slides I have 3 awnings. And I leave my slides OUT 24/7 of course, so awnings stay out! They must stay out. These awnings cannot be retracted like the main awning.Problem is, cannot take in those 3 awnings. And yes, I understand that they are designed that way to protect the top of the slide from branches, droppings, etc. For when it comes time to pull in the slide, it moves in easily and without obstruction.But my problem (and surely I am not alone), is with the more then I can ask for bursts of winds come the air FLAPS N FLAPS UNDERNEATH THE AWNINGS AND MAKES LOUD N CONSTANT ANNOYING NOISE. And as I cannot retract those 3 awnings IN without closing the slides IN, what do I do? And who knows what the past fall n winter months damage must have been done? For these RV's are for built n designed for "recreational use" ONLY and not for full time living.I was thinking about buying some heavy duty and thick (whatever the height is from the top of the slides to the awning) foam/sponge and cutting it into shape like a "wedge" of sort. And stuff inside that space so the air cannot channel inside and cause the "flapping" of the annoying sound!!! Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions!

Harbor Freight. Buy the 4 inch wide tow straps and a package of ratchet straps. That will tie them down during high winds.

Take the awnings off. For the few times your going to pull the slideouts in, you can clear any sticks etc. the day before

Get some of those big foam Nerf ball things maybe 2 to 3 per slide just slide right in there that'll take up that extra tension

What is the purpose of those awnings?When I bought my 5th they were an option. No thanks I'll get up and sweep any twigs and leaves off before I close up.

My TT didn't come with them so I added them. One of the best things I did and would do it again.OP, on the rare event it happened to us (once in 12 years) we pulled the slide in about half way to stop it.

AWNINGS above the Slide Outs during the Wind r KILLING ME!!!

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2017
korbe wrote:
When I look at those slide toppers, I wonder if they are worth the bother. In looking at the pros and cons, it doesn't seem worth it to me.
You may wonder, but we've never had any cons so the pros win. Wouldn't have a trailer without them.
korbe
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
When I look at those slide toppers, I wonder if they are worth the bother. In looking at the pros and cons, it doesn't seem worth it to me.
YC_1
Nomad
Apr 08, 2017
Trying to get things under the flapping covers can be a pain. A simple extension paint pole will let you run a rope over the tops. Just bring the ends together under the bottoms using a bunjie or a good boy scout knot.
cpaulsen
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
I made 3/4" pvc supports that slide under the slide toppers.....works good.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2017
We have full awnings over our slides. If we wish, we can partially roll up the awning so that it's just a topper. We have found that it is very noisy if we only use the topper portion. If we fully extend the awning, there are straps from the roller that fasten on the side of the motorhome on metal hooks. If you pull the awning down all the way and twist the strap and tie it down to the hook it is much quieter. If you do not pull it down there is still a little play and it's very noisy. Twisting the strap keeps it from "singing" or "whistling" in the wind. We would put awnings in with slides still open so they are just a topper if wind speed was going to be over 30mph

You can buy the hooks and straps and add them yourself if your unit did not come with them. Your roller would need the appropriate tract for the strap to slide into.
Fosters
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
Thanks again to all, but DutchmenSport that idea is the bomb. It makes sense, SIMPLEST n CHEAPEST FIX!!! Plus, I can adjust the air in each ball as needed! I can probably get these beach balls in the $ store!
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2017
I've used 1/4" nylon rope looped around the slide fore and aft and lightly secured with a bungee cord. Each slide has a pre made rope marked for the slide.

I've also just retracted one or more slides when windy. Inside access with the slides in is always part of our PDI and blocked access to important areas is a non starter.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
I've read that some folks put beach balls under the slide awnings.
Seamutt
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
I use three long pool noodles duct taped together side by side and with light rope attached at one end. The three noodles together are thick enough to put pressure between the awning and slide roof. Rope is used to easily pull the noodles out. The rope is long enough to tie onto the trailer bumper as a reminder the noodles are in position so I don't forget them when pulling the slide in. Stops the noise but sometimes they have to be re-positioned.
fpresto
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
VoodooMedicineMan wrote:
What is the purpose of those awnings?

In my opinion the best reason for having the awnings is temperature reduction. The roof of most slides are poorly insulated and the heat really can build up.
My awnings actually flap very little. They can be adjusted to reduce the flapping. YouTube has several videos on how to adjust the de-flapper on the awning.