thumping of slide awning in high gusty wind

[iquilt888]

During a trip back from New Mexico we ran into some really strong gusty winds. As we were driving along we could hear this thumping sound along the side of the coach. After going through a list of "...it could be..." we decided it was the wind catching the awning.

Now with all that said how do we stop the awning from potentially blowing off? Or coming unrolled while moving down the freeway?

Any suggestions or thoughts will be truly appreciated.

[rgatijnet1]

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.

[iquilt888]

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.

[AZPops]

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

[jetcare]

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

[iquilt888]

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.

[IAMICHABOD]

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

[Jerry_Keller]

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.