Awning Lock

[Buffpilot]

Did a search but could not find this covered. Does anyone use an awning lock? Recently saw a tv program where one was installed and want to ask if anyone had ne. any history with the awning coming unfurled while traveling? Thanks in advance.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by Buffpilot

Did a search but could not find this covered. Does anyone use an awning lock? Recently saw a tv program where one was installed and want to ask if anyone had ne. any history with the awning coming unfurled while traveling? Thanks in advance.

I have one. Go to www.awninglock.com for information.

Orv

[ronnilu]

After reading some of the horror stories on a related RV forum I ordered one from awninglock.com also. Haven't had my RV back from the dealer long enough to have installed it yet, but it's on my list. Mike

[DONnANNIE]

I found an "Awning Smart Rod" at my local RV parts store. It is a rod that fits over the top of the front awning support that prevents the awning from opening up. It is made by Cousins RP LLC 21819 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98662 406 223-0402 and cost $35. I couldn't find a website.

[IMG=right]http://i14.tinypic.com/4h1hxcl.jpg[/IMG=right]

[bulbrich]

After Googling the topic of RV awnings coming loose while traveling. It seems to me that one would want to secure the whole arm to the trailer, not with just a pin attached to the arm. This seems to be a huge issue while traveling in high winds. We haven't started fulltiming yet, but I am sure glad I have joined this group. As I have learned a lot and can not believe how nice everyone is.

[Ozz]

I have one, lost an awning on the old TT.
My advice-Everyone get one.

[rrheik]

Thaks Orv, I just ordered one from awninglock. Will be heading out west in May and will be much happier with the awning secure.

bob

[rldriver]

Am I missing some thing here, does the problem with the awning happen when the wind gets inside the canvas and unrolls it even thou the arms remain secured to the side of the trailer?

I use velcro to hold the arm from backing out but do like the "awning smart rod" that Don has a picture of.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by rldriver

Am I missing some thing here, does the problem with the awning happen when the wind gets inside the canvas and unrolls it even thou the arms remain secured to the side of the trailer?

I use velcro to hold the arm from backing out but do like the "awning smart rod" that Don has a picture of.

I think we are not aware of what is really happening. It isn't that the arms come loose; it has been discovered that the mechanism inside the roller sometimes can let loose and the wind will cause the awining to unroll, without the arms being extended. That's why you may have seen someone going down the road with part of their awning flapping above the roof of the rig. The awning lock from www.awning.lock.com prevents this. The "smart rod" does nothing more than hold the arms in place. I have never seen the arms come down while traveling. I'm sure it can be done if they aren't stowed properly, but for all intents and purposes the arms stay in place. Velcro to hold the arms in place work as good as the "smart rod" as far as I can see. But everyone should do what they think is best for them.

Orv

[illapah]

quote:Originally posted by ols1932

I have one. Go to www.awninlock.com for information.

Orv

Need to add a 'G' www.awninglock.com

[jretz]

The awning problem is from wind going under the spooled canvas and causing it to unroll. In extreme cases it causes the arms to pull out and that is when you have major problems, like the assemble coming off the rig. The awninglock stops the canvas from unspooling, which is the major concern. Had my awning unspool twice going through Barstow in high winds. Luckily the arms did not pull out and I was able to rewind the canvas.

[SKOOBDO]

quote:Originally posted by rrheik

Thaks Orv, I just ordered one from awninglock. Will be heading out west in May and will be much happier with the awning secure.

bob

I just ordered one too and will be headed out west also in May. I guess better be safe than sorry. I see the website inidicates the lock will take approximately one hour to installed if you have handy-man skills....how long does it actually take?....and do you need to use a drill or other electical tools? An hour to install such a small lock just seems to be a long time. Any comments welcomed.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by SKOOBDO

I just ordered one too and will be headed out west also in May. I guess better be safe than sorry. I see the website inidicates the lock will take approximately one hour to installed if you have handy-man skills....how long does it actually take?....and do you need to use a drill or other electical tools? An hour to install such a small lock just seems to be a long time. Any comments welcomed.

Yes, you need a 3/8" drill bit and if my memory serves me right, a 1/4" drill bit as well as a small wrench and a pencil. If you follow the directions carefully, you will have no problem. I installed mine in about 25 minutes after I had the tools together. But read the directions carefully first. "So easy even a caveman could do it."

Orv

[SKOOBDO]

Thanks Orv! That's good, I do have a variety of drill bits and other tools. I hope it's easy enough that a "Cave Woman" can do it! ha! Thanks again for your reply!

[bulbrich]

Ordered my lock today. Keith at awning lock was great in answering all my questions. Thanks Orv for the address of awning lock. And to everyone for the heads up. Could save me a lot of grief in the future.

[Buffpilot]

Thanks for the great response, I recorded the TV program which was the DIY network, RV Today, #12 first aired Aug 2006. It appeared that the hardest part of installation was drilling the pin hole and screwing in the pin on the awning cover end while rolled up. Which means ladder work which some of us try to avoid. Me included. Thanks again

[Mac]

I think this is at least as good, if not a better solution

http://www.rvsurestep.com/CustomDocs/AwningClamp.asp

mac

[Ozz]

Mac, my only concern would be marking, or indenting the awning fabric. It looks sturdy, and should work.

[kaw]

I'll make a few comments, as I believe they will be appropriate here.

First, I'll readily admit that I'm the owner of http://awninglock.com/montanaowners.html and have supplied many Montana owners with their RV Awning Travel Lock.

I'll also readily admit that I lost an awning in cold, windy, weather and do not wish that upon anyone. (The pictures on the website are of my bad day.) And oh yes ---until that horrible moment, I had never lost one, either!

Now some comments:

• The RV Clamp mentioned above attaches to the body of the coach. The RV Awning Travel Lock attaches to the awning rafter, not the coach.
• Those who believe that the awning can come unfurled while the arms are securely held against the side of the rig have it right. Those who don't may have an unpleasant surprise some day.
• Regarding time to install the RV Awning Travel Lock: One customer told me "ten minutes." That's possible, but everything has to be just exactly right to do it. Half an hour is reasonable. I put "about an hour" on the website because I wanted the customer to be thrilled when he did it in less time, rather than upset because he took longer than a shorter stated time. It took me just a bit over an hour, but I took pictures and talked with passers-by while doing it.

Many users of this forum have visited the site the past weeks. Thanks for visiting; I look forward to being your supplier.

And thanks to my customers for providing the links!

Cheers,
Keith Williams
http://awninglock.com/montanaowners.html

[Mudchief]

SKOOBDO, If you don't get it done before you leave then we will do it when you get to Branson.