Otis Singleton
Electric awnings are a great way to create more space for outdoor activities, but they can be prone to flapping, especially in strong winds. This can cause damage to the awning and, in some cases, the RV itself. To prevent this, RV owners can use various methods and products, including de-flappers, anti-flap kits, stabiliser kits, ratchet straps, and binding poles. Some people also use ropes or bungee cords to secure the awning to the ground, although this may not be as effective in high winds. In very windy conditions, the safest option may be to simply retract the awning.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of straps | Ratchet straps, ropes, bungee cords |
| Use of poles | Centre pole, curved centre rafter pole, binding poles, anti-flap kit poles |
| Use of pegs | Two big pegs, stakes |
| Use of tape | Repair tape, strong tape for delicate awning fabric |
| Positioning | One side slightly elevated to prevent water pooling |
| Use of de-flappers | Giant clothes pegs, grippers |
| Retracting the awning | Winding the awning back in during strong winds or at night |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance to prevent damage, wear, and tear |
| Weather precautions | Checking weather forecasts, using a weather application |
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What You'll Learn
Use a bungee cord on either side to secure the awning
Using bungee cords is an effective way to secure your electric awning and prevent it from flapping in the wind. This method is especially useful if you're looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that doesn't require purchasing additional accessories or kits.
To use this method, you will need two bungee cords, one for each side of the awning. Start by installing the metal hooks of the bungee cords into the sides of the awning, bringing them up to the arm notches. Ensure that the hooks are securely attached to the awning's frame or a sturdy part of its structure.
Next, connect the other ends of the bungee cords to the ground. This can be done using screw-in augers, which provide a solid anchor point. It's important to make sure that the cords have some yield or elasticity to them. If they are too tight, you risk damaging the awning's roller mechanism.
By using bungee cords, you can add tension to the awning, reducing the amount of movement and flapping caused by the wind. This method is a simple yet effective way to secure your electric awning without the need for complex installations or modifications.
Additionally, it is important to note that while bungee cords can help stabilize the awning, they may not completely eliminate flapping in high winds or stormy conditions. In such cases, it is recommended to retract the awning to prevent damage.
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Install binding poles
Binding poles are a great way to keep your electric awning from flapping in the wind and causing damage. They are available in different colours, sizes, and shapes, and can be electric or manually operated.
To install binding poles, you will need a pole bracket kit. This should include essential components such as a hitch pin, Pop Rivets, nylon bolts, pole nuts, screws, and upper poles. You can use adjustable painter's poles, which are made of aluminium and can withstand winds of around 20-30 miles per hour.
When installing the bracket kit, use the Pop Rivets for the lower brackets and the SS upper poles for the attaching brackets. If you are using adjustable painter's poles, you can adjust the height to suit your needs. Make sure the poles are securely attached to the brackets, and consider adding extra support by filling the hollow ends with epoxy and drilling holes for screws if you are attaching them to a wooden deck.
Once the poles are installed, you can add straps to further secure your awning. Ratchet straps are a good option as they provide sturdiness and withstand capacity. Just be careful not to tighten them too much, as this can cause damage. You can also use ropes or hold-down straps to secure the corners of the awning to the ground.
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Use a ratchet strap to anchor the awning
Using ratchet straps is an effective way to anchor your electric awning and prevent it from flapping in the wind. Ratchet straps are designed to fit tightly and securely, providing stability and reducing unwanted movement.
When using ratchet straps, it's important to follow some key steps for safe and effective use. Firstly, ensure you have the right type of ratchet straps designed for awnings. You can purchase heavy-duty RV awning tie-down kits that include ratchet straps, stakes, and other accessories. These kits are widely available and can be found at retailers like Amazon.
Once you have the right equipment, start by wrapping the ratchet straps securely around your awning. Adjust the length of the straps to suit your needs and the weather conditions. If your kit includes stakes, use the included hooks and tensioners to secure the straps to the stakes, driving them into the ground for added stability. Ensure that the straps are not too tight to avoid putting excessive tension on the awning, which could lead to stretching or tearing.
Some awning owners recommend using additional accessories, such as centre poles or rafter poles, in conjunction with ratchet straps to enhance stability and reduce flapping. This combination can provide extra support and help distribute the wind load, reducing the strain on the straps and the awning fabric.
By using ratchet straps and following these guidelines, you can effectively anchor your electric awning, minimising flapping and ensuring a more peaceful and secure outdoor experience. Remember to always follow safety precautions and monitor your awning's stability, especially in severe weather conditions.
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Use a de-flapper or anti-flap kit
De-flappers are a cheap, DIY solution to reduce the flapping of your electric awning. They are 6-inch plastic clamps that you attach to the vinyl of your awning and then tighten the Velcro straps up to the awning rafter. They are quick to fit and can be positioned in the centre of the vinyl.
However, traditional de-flappers may not work for electric awnings. In this case, you can modify manual awning adjustable arms to fit along with the electrical awning arms, providing end rails to secure de-flappers to the ends of the awning.
Anti-flap kits are a more comprehensive solution, consisting of aluminium bars that run the full depth of your awning, with large clamps that grab the entire awning and prevent the vinyl from flapping. They can be combined with curved rafters for extra tension and better water runoff. Installation requires affixing brackets to the wall of your van and putting holes in the roller of the awning tube.
Aussie Traveller offers a range of anti-flap kits in different sizes to suit various awning models and setups, from full-length kits for longer trips to de-flappers for a quick and easy install.
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Wind the awning back in
If you're looking for a surefire way to prevent your electric awning from flapping in the wind, winding it back in is a simple yet effective solution. While there are various methods and products available to minimise flapping, such as anti-flap kits, de-flappers, and ropes or straps, winding the awning back in when it gets windy ensures it is completely protected from the elements.
Winding in your electric awning is a straightforward process, and by doing so, you can rest assured that it won't flap or sustain any wind damage. This is especially important if you're planning to leave your awning unattended for an extended period, or if you're heading to bed for the night and won't be able to keep an eye on the weather conditions.
It's worth noting that electric awnings generally have lower wind resistance than manual awnings, so taking preventive action is always a good idea. By winding in your awning, you can avoid potential damage not only to the awning itself but also to your vehicle's exterior, walls, and roof, which can be affected by wind pressure and flapping fabric.
Additionally, if you're using your awning as a rain shelter, winding it back in can help prevent water pooling, reducing the risk of collapse under the weight of heavy rain. This simple step can save you from dealing with a damaged awning and a big repair bill.
So, while there are various products on the market to help reduce flapping, sometimes the best solution is the simplest – just wind it in!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to stop an electric awning from flapping in the wind. You can use a de-flapper, anti-flapping kit, stabilizer kit, ratchet strap, or install binding poles.
A de-flapper is a device that uses grippers to keep your awning in place. They are similar to giant clothes pegs that clip to the arms and the awning material.
Anti-flap kits come with two adjustable vertical metal support poles, usually made from aluminum. They provide stability to the vertical arm of the canopy awning.
A stabilizer kit is a cost-effective solution that provides protection to your awning. It comes with spiral stakes that make a firm connection with the ground and are suitable for all types of soil.
You can use ropes or straps to secure the corners of the awning to the ground. You can also use bungee cords with metal hooks to connect the awning to the ground via a screw-in auger. If your awning is flapping due to rips or holes, you can fix it with strong tape made for delicate awning fabric.
