Awning Failure

[gklehner]

Driving down the road at 65 mpg my awning failed open and literally tore off the side of the RV. Lucky no one was hurt and managed to get all the debris off the road before being run over. My RV is only 12 months old (Itasca Sunstar), the awning is a dometic electric. Two days before this happened the awning would not deploy (just a "click" when the switch was pushed), on our way to Albuquerque so figured to have it looked at there. Unfortunately never made it. Still have gotten no response to emails and messages to the dealer and manufacturer. Anyone else have a similar issue? This seems a major safety concern which I will not be willing to ignore. And of course there is the $1400 replacement cost.
Feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Greg

[Cousin_Eddie93]

This happened to me the day I purchased my C. I was actually test driving with him, unfortunately, it happened to be during one of the windiest NorEasters of 2010, In March in central PA. We cruising at 45mph when suddenly we heard a big flapping sound and saw the awning unravel. Needless to say gave the rigs breaks a real good dead stop test. We jumped out of the rig and both grabbed the roller but before we could feel her in, a gust of wind, must have been 50 mph literally lifted us both off the ground as the awnings beg green sail attempted to send us to OZ. Luckily the wind subsided and we were able to reel it in and secure it then applied bungy cords to the brackets and headed back. Turns out there was no damage done to the awning. The release knob was kicked to its open position due to the high winds. Luckily we were weren't going faster or the previous owner wound not have sold his rig that day. I figured if the awning could withstand such winds, the rig must be good to buy. Thus the spindle release knob is well secured with a small bungy each trip.

[Jim_Shoe]

My awning started to unfurl on an expressway out west. I had Coach Net roadside service at the time, so I gave them a call. They couldn't find anybody to help me. They told me it was Father's Day. I didn't remember that exclusion in the contract, but I followed their advice and limped on down the road until I found a CG for the night. The next day, a guy showed up and taped the awning arms together with electrical tape. Which, of course, has nothing to do with the awning roller - it will still turn.
I tried the awning lock (above) but the holes don't always line up with the lock. It took several tries until it did. And it requires a step ladder unless you're 8 feet tall.
Then it hit me. I never sit outside anyway. Don't even have lawn chairs. So I never use the awning. When I got home, I drilled four equally spaced holes in the drip channel above the awning and secured it with heavy duty zip ties. Works for me. I like to be able to control my environment and my 'C' has both heat and A/C.
And I have Good Sam Roadside Assistance now. They have a perfect record because I haven't needed to call them - yet.

[jamnw]

Don't know make/model but I witnessed one open on its own in Myrtle Beach last week. TT was leaving and the awning opened up and hit a tree, tearing one of the arms off and ripped the fabric.

Sorry for your trouble.

[Bobbo]

gklehner wrote:
Still have gotten no response to emails and messages to the dealer and manufacturer.

Emails and messages? I would be sitting in his parking lot.

[Chris_Bryant]

There is a recall on that awning for that reason- a number were installed incorrectly. The recall notice is here (a pdf file). You should have received the notice.

[downtheroad]

Not good.
I put one of these on ours just as a back-up to prevent this kind of aggravation.

Awning Lock...LINK