rbpru wrote:
I have had this discussion with other RV owners and there is no agreement on what an awning should do.
From my own experience I like the power unit on the TT because it is so simple to open and close. I even added tie down loops should they be needed. The biggest disadvantage is it rolls straight out and cannot be adjusted for the sun angle. If at all possible I pick a campsite where the awning faces east or north, to get the most amount of shade.
I like the manual unit on my PUP because it is far more adjustable. When the sun is setting low in the west I can drop the outside to within about 4 feet of the ground. Or I can drop down one corner to block the sun. It is a pain to put away and is best done by two people.
Our electric (Dometic) can be lowered at either corner. You pull it down against the shock aborber and tighten the bolt by hand to hold it down.
Usually I leave the hand bolt loose though, especially when it rains or is a bit windy. Then, when there is a heavy rain, often one corner will sink down and let the water off more quickly. And when gusty, the awning can partially lower against the shock absorbers and spring back when there's a bad gust. Of course usually that's a signal that it's TOO windy and I bring it in.
