need some ideas for my old awning...

[Bowfin]

I finally put the awning up on my new-to-me PUP, 1998 Coleman Taos. The bag zipper is shot, one of the support pole is slightly bent, one of the frame poles had to be modded (broken tip and missing rubber end), and one of the three support loops is gone that holds the awning support poles up.

I repaired what I could to get it functioning, but I need some cheap ideas as to what to do to about the bad zipper and the missing support loop. I don't think this awning is worth putting any money into such as having a new zipper sewn on, so I need an idea for a cheap fix.

Also, is there supposed to be something to keep the awning from slipping out of the roof channel?

Is there supposed to be some stakes and rope with the awning to hold it down in wind? Mine didn't come with any and I was trying to think of an easier way to hold it down anyway.

[He Ruide]

I'm somewhat concerned with you not wanting to replace the zipper.  The awning bag does protect the awning and the poles from a lot of wind as you are travelling down the road. If you are not careful the poles could come loose with some serious consequences to the vehicles and occupants behind you.  

The only thing I can think of is to add a set of grommets (you can buy a set for tarps) and then tread nylon rope through them (like you would lace up a boot) and make sure that the awning and the contents are secure.  Maybe someone else will have a creative but secure solution.

You can always use a strap or short piece of rope to replace the missing loop and even use two grommets to keep it in place.

You need two insert two screws through the roof "C" channel to keep the awning bag from sliding out.

Yes you need some stakes and either rope, bungee cords or ratching tie downs to secure the awning to the ground.

Look at these three galleries for pictures that will help with installing and securing the awning.

Hope this helps.

[robpoe]

I'm somewhat concerned with you not wanting to replace the zipper.  The awning bag does protect the awning and the poles from a lot of wind as you are travelling down the road. If you are not careful the poles could come loose with some serious consequences to the vehicles and occupants behind you.  

I've been stowing my awning poles with the bunk end poles (under the bunk).  That way, I dont worry about the zipper failing..  

Just a thought..

[ScouterMom]

how about stick on velcro? either a whole long strip or small pieces?

I was in WalMart tonite and they had all kinds of Velcro in the craft/ sewing dept - including some with adhesive that is heat activated - basically - "Iron on".  As long as your cover isn't plastic, you can use heat to bond the glue.

If it IS plastic or vinyl, the adhesive may be fine on it's own.

Laura

[Bowfin]

I've been stowing my awning poles with the bunk end poles (under the bunk).  That way, I dont worry about the zipper failing..  

Just a thought..

As for now, I plan to toss the awning in the camper when travelling.

If I had to pay much to repair it, I'd be better served to put that money towards a replacement awning, hence not wanting to put a new zipper on the bag.

[tlhdoc]

You can get some Crocodile Clips and clip your awning bag shut.  I have done this and it holds the awning bag closed.  There should be 2 screws in the awning rail that go through the gasket on the awning bag to hold the bag in place.  There should be ropes and stakes to hold the awning on the ground.  If it isn't staked down the wind can blow it up over the roof of the camper.  The poles can cause damage to the camper if this happens.

[Bowfin]

You can get some Crocodile Clips and clip your awning bag shut.  I have done this and it holds the awning bag closed.  There should be 2 screws in the awning rail that go through the gasket on the awning bag to hold the bag in place.  There should be ropes and stakes to hold the awning on the ground.  If it isn't staked down the wind can blow it up over the roof of the camper.  The poles can cause damage to the camper if this happens.

Thanks Doc, that's what I was looking for. I've got plenty of clips. I'm trying to think of something weighted to hold the awning down instead of staking it. Maybe something I can fill with water so it's light for travel, like umbrella stands or something.

I learned some lessons from buying this camper, never trust the owner to describe anything unseen, such as, "The previous owner still has the awnign and it's never been used. We'll get it from him as he's my husbands best friend." or "The camper is just like new and everything works." The good thing is I've learned how the crank mechanism works via a complete disassembly and that, yes, you can easily overcrank a Coleman camper and break something, especially if it's already been broken before and patched (welded) together. Fortunately, the rest of the camper has been tested and inspected to work fine other than a small tear on the vinyl I fixed with some K tape.

Whooo Hooo, repairs are done and we're ready for some camping now!

This site and all you folks have been a great resource.

[ScouterMom]

Thanks Doc, that's what I was looking for. I've got plenty of clips. I'm trying to think of something weighted to hold the awning down instead of staking it. Maybe something I can fill with water so it's light for travel, like umbrella stands or something.


Milk jugs.  light, cheap, easy to handle and they have handles for tying the ropes to. at the end of the season, don't store them - recyle them and start over.  Plus, when you break camp, you can use the water in them to put out your campfire!

Laura

[Bowfin]

Funny you mentioned milkjugs, i was just talking to my wife abut using them for awnig weights last night. I thought I might even be able to drill a hole through the top of the jug and the awning poles and slide a pin through.

[He Ruide]

For those that might have two 10 pound weigths lying around in your basement or attic, these have been used as weights for awnings. They might have more weight to carry but take up less space.

[Bowfin]

Another great idea!

[curryp]

How about using the bags that are sold to hold down the poles on an EZ-Up type canopy? I have a set of four that I am pretty sure I bought in Wal-Mart. Each bag is made of tough nylon and are to be filled up with sand. Dump the sand out and the bags are pretty easy to transport. I am sure you could find these in Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart or any other store that sells canopies.