awning troubles

[darren_5110354]

Just returned home from our first bad expierience with our awning.

Whilst at unity farm in burnham on sea this week we had a strong wind wich took down our awning. my first question is

1: what can I do to remove the small dents where the poles were attacking the caravan ?

2: where can I buy a new set of poles from ?

3: how can i stop this happening again ?

any help will be much appreciated.

 

[MikeP]

In 1999 we were on a site on the south side of the Isle of Wight, which is well known for its windy conditions. Our trailer tent was OK, but another one was suffering. The zip had opened and some pegs had lifted. The front of the awning ballooned, and a couple of poles were bent. The owners were out.

We pegged out the awning as best we could, using long "V" profile metal pegs rather than the smooth, straight metal pegs (like nails!) that had been in use. When the owners returned they were grateful, and I suggested that they invest in better pegs. Their reply: "We have got some, but we can never get them out of the ground when we set down". Enough said.

So my advice would be to use decent pegs. If the ground is soft then put two pegs through each loop, crossing them into the ground. Peg down the zip "toggle" as well, so stop it opening. Consider setting up storm guys or straps - they can be internal or external, depending on your awning design. If it's really bad you can use your car as an anchor point, but to be honest by the time it comes to that you shouldn't have an awning up.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi Darren,

I think the small dents will have to stay but I could be wrong..

Most caravan dealers should be able to order you new poles of you could have a look on ebay.

You can get storm straps to put on/over your awning have a look at the last product on the attached pagehttp://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outdoor_Megastore_Caravan_Awning_Inner_Tents_183.html

 

[AnnM1]

We visited The Lawns Caravan Show a couple of months back. There was a company called "Caravan Doctor" who boasted they could restore damaged caravans and would be willing to visit you at home and give a quotation. Unfortunately, TOH appears to have 'lost' the details but this may jolt someones memory out there who may be able to give you further details.

 

[JTQ]

darren, what make and model of awning was it?

 

[seth1]

ive done exactly the same thing,so ive now sold the awning,been to harringtons in cheshire .bought a PDQ awning which fits in a long bag ,lives permanently on the awning rail.just unzip an it all unfolds out with built in poles.so there,s nothing to erect ,nothing but fabric touch,s the van .only 2 poles in it.it goes up in 2 minutes flat.see the video.regards

 

[darren_5110354]

Many thanks everyone for your help and advice.

The awning that I have is a Harrison "brandon"