I searched and searched but i can't find the write up on how to attach the outside poles to the frame of the trailer, I'm sorry but I must not be good with the search tool
Quote from: GabeI searched and searched but i can't find the write up on how to attach the outside poles to the frame of the trailer, I'm sorry but I must not be good with the search tool
Check this out. It is Recumbentman's mod:
http://www.gallery.pstartech.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=26689
Quote from: waveryCheck this out. It is Recumbentman's mod:
http://www.gallery.pstartech.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=26689
Thank You that's the one I don't know where I saw it before
Quote from: GabeThank You that's the one I don't know where I saw it before
Is there a down side to this Mod?
I can't think of a downside, maybe others will. This is the configuration that's used on most TT's, 5's and MH's, so it's a proven configuration. Can it also be used with poles on the ground, if you wish? If so, you've added to your capabilities, not replaced one with the other. I had thought of doing this to our PUP also, but never got around to it. The only thing you wouldn't want to do is have your awning set in high winds. That can rip the awning off your camper, causing sometimes significant damage. I don't think configuration will matter there, although the camper mounted configuration may handle a stronger wind than ground mounting.
Quote from: GabeIs there a down side to this Mod?
The down side I think of is that you might have problems if you have a screen room or add-a-room that attaches to the awning. Although you can probably adjust the awning so the screen room attaches and hangs properly, those are designed to also attach to the upright poles, which are now AWOL. Probably not a big deal to add uprights.
And then again, it may not be a problem at all.
Austin
One of the upsides of course is no lines, stakes or anchors to haul, trip over, etc.
The one downside I've read is that the new diagonal brace interferes with traffic patterns from the door to the front and rear of your PUP. Lots of folks have clanged into the angled poles in the dark or after curing their malt/hops deficiencies.
That said, I'm doing this mod this weekend. I've seen too many places where the staking was a PITA.
Quote from: philwolfeOne of the upsides of course is no lines, stakes or anchors to haul, trip over, etc.
The one downside I've read is that the new diagonal brace interferes with traffic patterns from the door to the front and rear of your PUP. Lots of folks have clanged into the angled poles in the dark or after curing their malt/hops deficiencies.
That said, I'm doing this mod this weekend. I've seen too many places where the staking was a PITA.
I see this as a possible problem but I hope that after a couple of smacks tho the head even I can learn not to go that way
Might be a good place for reflective tape, or better yet, another excuse to hang more tacky lights!?
Has anyone does this mod on a Jayco? We have a 1007, and it seems like this might be a little challenging because of the way the poles connect to one another in the first place, but maybe I'm wrong. Sure wouldn't be the first time!
Quote from: Walt HHas anyone does this mod on a Jayco? We have a 1007, and it seems like this might be a little challenging because of the way the poles connect to one another in the first place, but maybe I'm wrong. Sure wouldn't be the first time!
Well I just completed this and I think it's going to work out nice. I see two things that worry me a little. One is the weight of the awning is being held up by the PU and not the ground. Two not too sure this is going to be all that much easier to set up, the holes don't always line up and depending on the angle of the awning the poles twist inside each other. But we will see, one thing for sure is it very stout and tight.
OK found another issue, there is no give and everything is attached hard to the PU so as I found out last night when a big wind comes along and I do mean big something has to give. I bent yes bent a pole. If it was just staked down they would have just pulled out and I likley would have to replace a pole.
Quote from: GabeOK found another issue, there is no give and everything is attached hard to the PU so as I found out last night when a big wind comes along and I do mean big something has to give. I bent yes bent a pole. If it was just staked down they would have just pulled out and I likely would have to replace a pole.
Gabe
Lets remember here that you are the one that ask on how to do the awning mod. I don't understand why you keep coming up with issues with it. A bent pole is a small price, compared with the wind coming up and pulling out the staked poles and then throwing everything onto the roof. and if you are lucky the poles don't make a hole into the roof when this happens. because believe me, it happens a lot. So replacing a pole is a lot cheaper then replacing or repairing a hole in your PU's roof. Also I bet that you didn't angle your awning in a downward position so the wind wouldn't come up under it and easlily lit it up. plus you should always angle it downward in case it starts raining during the night.
Gabe-
Check out the TT's, 5'rs and MH's next time you go camping. They all have awning configurations the same as I believe you modded your camper. There is also no give at all in those awnings. However, the side poles are quite a bit beefier than what you have. Quite often in high wind situations, you'll see those awnings staked down to help give them a bit more resistance. Also, as recombentman suggested, one end of the awning should be set lower than the other. We usually have our (20') awning sloped toward the rear, as the camper door is in the front of the camper. Works well for us. If the wind gets to ferocious, it calls for storing the awning to protect the camper.
I would have to agree, replacing a bent pole is a lot better than replacing a roof.
Quote from: RecumbentmanGabe
Lets remember here that you are the one that ask on how to do the awning mod. I don't understand why you keep coming up with issues with it. A bent pole is a small price, compared with the wind coming up and pulling out the staked poles and then throwing everything onto the roof. and if you are lucky the poles don't make a hole into the roof when this happens. because believe me, it happens a lot. So replacing a pole is a lot cheaper then replacing or repairing a hole in your PU's roof. Also I bet that you didn't angle your awning in a downward position so the wind wouldn't come up under it and easlily lit it up. plus you should always angle it downward in case it starts raining during the night.
I'm just letting other folks who think about doing this of some of the things I've come accross. I still think it's a good mod and will utilize it, but it does have some things you might want to think about that could help you decide if its for you.
I must admit I was shocked that the pole was bent. I can see where the tarp and poles flying around would be scary.
OK I'm offically discouraging anyone from doing this mod if they are ever in any sort of storm. I've had two storms come through and have had two bent poles and now I will be awningless this weekend.
For those whom have had good luck with this then more power to ya, these poles obviously aren' made to withstand any sort of storm.
Quote from: GabeOK I'm offically discouraging anyone from doing this mod if they are ever in any sort of storm. I've had two storms come through and have had two bent poles and now I will be awningless this weekend.
For those whom have had good luck with this then more power to ya, these poles obviously aren' made to withstand any sort of storm.
Gabe-
Did you ever try to tie them down? We use a couple of the screw-in dog stakes and a couple of rachet tie down straps over the ends of our awning. Any time we see bad weather rolling in we tie it down. It wasn't expensive at all to do, much cheaper than the tie down kits you'd buy in any RV store. We do have a TT, not a PUP, so the support arms are quite a bit beefier than what you have on your PUP, but nonetheless, I would think tying it down would help it weather a storm considerably better.
Quote from: GabeOK found another issue, there is no give and everything is attached hard to the PU so as I found out last night when a big wind comes along and I do mean big something has to give. I bent yes bent a pole. If it was just staked down they would have just pulled out and I likley would have to replace a pole.
I had a big gust of wind take mine out of the ground (and it was really staked well). It flung the awning on top of my trailer. It poked 3 small holes in my roof (others have had worse) and bent all of the poles and the main brace to the point that
NOTHING could be salvaged.
My point is.......be thankful that you did the "Mod". It could have been
much worse.
BTW.....in most cases, when the wind is blowing.....look around the campgrounds. I think that you may notice most people roll their awnings up.
Quote from: waveryI had a big gust of wind take mine out of the ground (and it was really staked well). It flung the awning on top of my trailer. It poked 3 small holes in my roof (others have had worse) and bent all of the poles and the main brace to the point that NOTHING could be salvaged.
My point is.......be thankful that you did the "Mod". It could have been much worse.
BTW.....in most cases, when the wind is blowing.....look around the campgrounds. I think that you may notice most people roll their awnings up.
This was in the backyard during the day while at work so I couldn't run out. If I had to chosse between two bent poles or holes in the camper I'll take the bent poles, it's just the holes seem less likely considering how quickly I bent two poles.
I'll leave this for the next person whom searches on this topic to determine if they feel it's worth it.
Quote from: GabeThis was in the backyard during the day while at work so I couldn't run out. If I had to chosse between two bent poles or holes in the camper I'll take the bent poles, it's just the holes seem less likely considering how quickly I bent two poles.
I'll leave this for the next person whom searches on this topic to determine if they feel it's worth it.
Actually, holes in a PU roof from "awning flop overs" is more common than you may think. We get quite a few posts about it here.
It's a good idea to stow the awning while you are away, unless you are pretty certain that the weather won't change.
Travel Trailer and Motorhome awnings are different. The frame and supt bars are a lot more heavy duty. Remember, PUs are all about
"Light weight".
Quote from: waveryActually, holes in a PU roof from "awning flop overs" is more common than you may think. We get quite a few posts about it here.
It's a good idea to stow the awning while you are away, unless you are pretty certain that the weather won't change.
Travel Trailer and Motorhome awnings are different. The frame and supt bars are a lot more heavy duty. Remember, PUs are all about "Light weight".
When I get back from this weekend I'm going to look at beefing up the poles with some sort of replacement
Quote from: GabeWhen I get back from this weekend I'm going to look at beefing up the poles with some sort of replacement
You might want to think about that for a while. The poles are relatively cheap and a good "fail safe". If a strong gust of wind hits, something is
going to give. It will always be the "Weakest link". In your case, the pole bent but it didn't break. If you reinforce the poles, consider what the next weakest link might be :confused: .
The more that you reinforce, the heavier the entire unit becomes. At some point, if you have the "Ultimate" reinforced awning, it may just be strong enough to tip your PU over.
I have been a serious sailor for many years. I know full well the power that is contained in a gust of wind. Your awning is just the same as a sail. When you design systems on a sailboat, you are very meticulous about your "Fail safe" systems (because your life depends on it). You always engineer your systems to have a fail safe mechanism that will #1 do the least amount of collateral damage possible when it does fail (because it will).......#2 be the easiest, fastest and safest thing to replace..........#3 be the most cost effective thing to replace.
If the pole on your awning had not bent, causing the wind to dump from the fabric (sail) you may well have suffered far more severe damage like the front support bending or the cloth tearing. If it were me (and it soon will be) I would leave it just the way it is. I would consider that failure as a roaring success (compared to what I went through with my awning). However, after reading your post, I may consider carrying an extra awning pole. So......thanks for sharing your experience. :D
----------------------------
BTW....My brother experienced a gust of wind while having the awning out on his travel trailer. His awning is one of those beefy things that you unlock and just pull down, to set it up. the support braces are probably about 3" wide, heavy aluminum extrusions.
When the gust of wind hit, it ripped the mounting bracket out of the trailer frame. It actually pulled the mounting nuts & bolts right through the steel frame. The leg then punched a hole through the trailer wall.
These awning disasters are quite common and one should be very careful about the deployment of any awning.
Quote from: waveryYou might want to think about that for a while. The poles are relatively cheap and a good "fail safe". If a strong gust of wind hits, something is going to give. It will always be the "Weakest link". In your case, the pole bent but it didn't break. If you reinforce the poles, consider what the next weakest link might be :confused: .
The more that you reinforce, the heavier the entire unit becomes. At some point, if you have the "Ultimate" reinforced awning, it may just be strong enough to tip your PU over.
I have been a serious sailor for many years. I know full well the power that is contained in a gust of wind. Your awning is just the same as a sail. When you design systems on a sailboat, you are very meticulous about your "Fail safe" systems (because your life depends on it). You always engineer your systems to have a fail safe mechanism that will #1 do the least amount of collateral damage possible when it does fail (because it will).......#2 be the easiest, fastest and safest thing to replace..........#3 be the most cost effective thing to replace.
If the pole on your awning had not bent, causing the wind to dump from the fabric (sail) you may well have suffered far more severe damage like the front support bending or the cloth tearing. If it were me (and it soon will be) I would leave it just the way it is. I would consider that failure as a roaring success (compared to what I went through with my awning). However, after reading your post, I may consider carrying an extra awning pole. So......thanks for sharing your experience. :D
----------------------------
BTW....My brother experienced a gust of wind while having the awning out on his travel trailer. His awning is one of those beefy things that you unlock and just pull down, to set it up. the support braces are probably about 3" wide, heavy aluminum extrusions.
When the gust of wind hit, it ripped the mounting bracket out of the trailer frame. It actually pulled the mounting nuts & bolts right through the steel frame. The leg then punched a hole through the trailer wall.
These awning disasters are quite common and one should be very careful about the deployment of any awning.
Very good points to consider, I'm hoping my luck will change or at least now that it's happened twice I've got a while before it happens again
We have an 06 Fleetwood Highlander. Used 1" Aluminum tubing "available from your local Lowe's. The 'down pole fit perfectly into the 1" diameter tube. Used the open U shaped piece from a package of Closet Rod supports to mount to the skirt under the box with a 1/4 X 3-1/4 inch pin available frm the Hillman drawers in the bolt isle. Drill the 1/4 hole and insert pin. Space your holes for the support bar aroound 2 in centers. I did ours at 1in centers and they are too close. Entire project around $60.00 and about two hours to round up the tools that are scattered around the homestead. I will attempt to post pics later, if you want to see the mod.
Quote from: UTfamWe have an 06 Fleetwood Highlander. Used 1" Aluminum tubing "available from your local Lowe's. The 'down pole fit perfectly into the 1" diameter tube. Used the open U shaped piece from a package of Closet Rod supports to mount to the skirt under the box with a 1/4 X 3-1/4 inch pin available frm the Hillman drawers in the bolt isle. Drill the 1/4 hole and insert pin. Space your holes for the support bar aroound 2 in centers. I did ours at 1in centers and they are too close. Entire project around $60.00 and about two hours to round up the tools that are scattered around the homestead. I will attempt to post pics later, if you want to see the mod.
would like to see your mod of this. Thanks!!! :)
Quote from: UTfamWe have an 06 Fleetwood Highlander. Used 1" Aluminum tubing "available from your local Lowe's. The 'down pole fit perfectly into the 1" diameter tube. Used the open U shaped piece from a package of Closet Rod supports to mount to the skirt under the box with a 1/4 X 3-1/4 inch pin available frm the Hillman drawers in the bolt isle. Drill the 1/4 hole and insert pin. Space your holes for the support bar aroound 2 in centers. I did ours at 1in centers and they are too close. Entire project around $60.00 and about two hours to round up the tools that are scattered around the homestead. I will attempt to post pics later, if you want to see the mod.
I also would like to see this
Quote from: UTfamWe have an 06 Fleetwood Highlander. Used 1" Aluminum tubing "available from your local Lowe's. The 'down pole fit perfectly into the 1" diameter tube. Used the open U shaped piece from a package of Closet Rod supports to mount to the skirt under the box with a 1/4 X 3-1/4 inch pin available frm the Hillman drawers in the bolt isle. Drill the 1/4 hole and insert pin. Space your holes for the support bar aroound 2 in centers. I did ours at 1in centers and they are too close. Entire project around $60.00 and about two hours to round up the tools that are scattered around the homestead. I will attempt to post pics later, if you want to see the mod.
Add us to you list of "want to see those pics" :)