Wind and Topper Flap

[Exnavydiver]

We are in Virginia Beach till the 7th. We are still getting the dregs of the nor'easter here. The wind is really bad at the moment and the large slide topper sounds like it is being torn off. I have watched it from outside when it gets really loud and it isn't ballooning out but just a bit of flapping. Does anyone use a flat strap over theirs? I had seen large flat straps used across the middle of awnings in Fl. last year. I was thinking of getting one that I could basically just wrap around the slide and over the middle of the topper. Suggestions?... Dave and Betsy

[CanDo]

Dave and Betsy, sent you a PM.

[Waynem]

If the PM is an answer, it doesn't help me here in Corpus Christi.

I lost the main awning coming in on Saturday.

[mtheo]

I toss a small rope over it with a little pressure, just enough to stop the flapping. And I've only needed to do it on the large topper. The flapping drive me crazy.

Mark

[Exnavydiver]

Wayne, it wasn't but I am sorry to hear about your awning. Unfortunately I have found that unless it is dead calm near the beach I don't even try to put the main awning out. Tried in Mayport last year and it was way to breezy. Right now I am just worried about the slide toppers and specifically the long one on the big slide. The last two days the wind has just been ripping through the CG and that main slide topper sounds like it is coming apart. But when I go out and watch it it isn't mocing that much. It is just so long that it makes a good sail... Dave and Betsy

[exav8tr]

I would consider a very long lashing strap with a ratchet connector. Over and around the main slide.....

[Waynem]

Dave,
I noticed the same thing here at Corpus Christi Bay. Wind was flapping the toppers to beat the band. Saw one unhappy camper pull his living room slide in. We made it through the night, but I checked them all a few times. I did see one topper in the CG with a strap across it. I'm also going to check into that. Let us know what you find out.

[scductman]

Dave when I am at myrtle beach if it is windy I tie a small rope around mine to. It works for me. bobby

[MAMalody]

I don't quite understand a "small rope around" mine. Do you have a picture or better description. Is that ground over topper to ground? Is it tied under the slide? Is it tight or just enough pressure that it does not fall off? etc.

[mtheo]

Mike
I toss a small rope over the large slide and run it under the slide and back to itself. I only put enough pressure on it to stop the flapping but not enough to rub throught the cover.
I have been planning to get a 1" wide strap and put a small plastic buckle on it to make it easier. Both can be gotten from a sports shop or probally OSH.
Good Luck
Mark

[randye]

Exnavydiver We are currently at the oregon coast, Coos Bay. In Nov we had winds between 55 to 70 mph. I used cotton rope and ran it around the topper and under the slide then attached a bungie cord for streach. I put them on all three and we had more wind In Dec. So far it has kept them contained, they still make a little noise but no damage yet? Randye

[MAMalody]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Exnavydiver]

I had considered using a long piece of 3" Samson braid which is about 3/4 inch in diameter but would rather use a flat strap about 2 Inches wide. The reason for this is that I look at the rope and think of the cheese cutter effect. If the wind gets up and gets under the topper the rope can act like a cheese cutter and rip through the material. The wider the strap the wider the surface area and the less likely the chance of a rip. But the more I think about it I realize that the material is brand new and very unlikely to rip in anything short of a tornado. After several years in the sun I know the material will deteriorate and tear more easily. So I guess a rope when new and strap when old would work. However I will probably get a strap just to be safe