I believe over time an awning can cause issues with tension on the awning rail as it is constantly under tension whether flapping madly in the wind when poles are destroyed or erected with normal windy days etc over a period of time.
Obviously worse if awning has not been sealed properly when built.
When you think about how an awning is erected , you are really pulling the awning rail away from the caravan?
It hasn't stopped me using an awning when needed but none the less a potential issue over time if you keep your van for a few years IMO.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
Our first caravan trip was to Flookburgh near Grange. Weather was wet and very windy. Never felt so cozy in our lives, watching the scurrying leaves, people, awnings et al.
We decided from that day, not to get one but then, tjheres only two of us. A dog awning might be ok, but a foldable kennel would be better...nah, she can stsy in with us if she behaves herself!
------------- Peripheral people don`t have as much excitement but they sure live longer
Here's my thoughts... not that I have any experience of caravans, seasonal or otherwise... or running a camp site, for that matter... so feel free to take this with a pinch of salt...
How about the campsite owner offers to help/sort out any errant awnings, in your absence, and to the best of his ability, with certain stipulations regarding him not being responsible for any damage, of course, but all for an agreed hourly rate, with maybe a set "out of hours" charge on top, where applicable. Maybe on a pre-signed contract?
You, the caravan owner, have the choice of opting into this "service", or opting out, effectively leaving him only with the task of calling you to tell you to come and sort it yourself... ASAP!
Could that work? Might need refining somewhat, and I suppose there's still the not-so-small matter of what to do if your flapping awning is posing a danger/risk to others... people or equipment... but you had opted out of his offer of (paid) help!
How would seasonal owners react to such a service option?... and are the majority of site owners likely to offer it?
...Or shall I just apologise for butting in, and skulk back to the canvas section?
I started a thread earlier this year regarding us tent campers running for the sanctuary of home/B&B, during a storm, but leaving their tent up, unattended, in the rush to get away.
The overwhelming consensus seemed to be, unless it was a matter of live and death, and unless all campers were being told to evacuate, leaving the tent unattended in this manner was deemed impolite at best, and a down right danger to your remaining neighbours and their equipment at worst.
I appreciate, however, that the majority of caravan awnings, and certainly those set up for seasonal, should be considerably more robust than the majority of our tents, but just thought it worth mentioning.
"Any idea what else we can do in future when it gets a bit windy?? "
Take it down?? You choose to leave it up. Your risk. The warden already has a job as a warden on the campsite. If he/she also has to run around after tents and awnings left unattended he/she needs to be rewards and absolved of any responsibility for actions taken.
To just assume they will deal with it is somewhat arrogant. They did take the trouble to phone.
After her 'stinking' attitude yesterday, (nothing to do with the awning either), we've decided to remove our caravan from her site yesterday (Saturday).
We WON'T be recommending her anymore. There was no need for her to act the way she did [to a paying customer].
Quote: Originally posted by lexie71 on 24/10/2015
I stand by my earlier post I don't care what you have in your awning to leave everything in it as if you were their when you clearly are not is crazy to me with the great British weather we have you are asking for trouble why let someone else save your awning and contents because YOU are not able to do it yourself
I hope you don't mean me, my awning is still up thanks, I am also perfectly capable of sorting my own awning out. People need to learn how to put up and keep up an awning. Using silly little pegs and the like is only begging for trouble
well I have read all these replies I always thought caravanners were sensible responsible people I must have it wrong I didn't realise ones persons negligence should be another persons responsibility its hardly surprising the site owners are miserable as some of you say they probably spend most of their day wondering why they put up with it. I agree with Lexi and as for sofas fridge freezers etc in awnings if that's necessary give it up
Quote: Originally posted by richardandjo2010 on 25/10/2015
well I have read all these replies I always thought caravanners were sensible responsible people I must have it wrong I didn't realise ones persons negligence should be another persons responsibility its hardly surprising the site owners are miserable as some of you say they probably spend most of their day wondering why they put up with it. I agree with Lexi and as for sofas fridge freezers etc in awnings
if that's necessary give it up
Give what up? Eating and sitting down? Why would you want to do that
Quote: Originally posted by GCMS2012 on 24/10/2015
Confused now....
If the wind causes tension on the awning rail (and it's then only loose and flapping as the poles are usually downed), then what about when you put 'constant' tension on it to tighten the awing rail in normal circumstances when you have it erected normally?
Awnings aren't that heavy and a constant steady pressure onto the rail won't do damage as that is what it is designed for.
In stong winds the awning becomes a bit like a sail and if you think about the area of it that the wind catches then in gusts the forces are going to be large. Awnings have poor aerodynamics.
Its not the weight of the awning I was refering to that could be an issue over time, as the weight is spread over a large area so less impact if secured properly.
Its the simple effect of physics of something being pulled away from a flexible joint (that will have lost its elasticity over the years) by stretching poles and tightning guylines/storm straps which by their very nature pull everything away for the awning rail and in high winds this would be increased as has been proved by the number of folks, myself included that have witnessed awnings being destroyed in high winds, it will put great pressure on the only bit it is still attached to..the awning rail.
Would be interesting to find out how many caravans leaked at awning side of van in relation to the other side?
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
Quote: Originally posted by GCMS2012 on 24/10/2015
Confused now....
If the wind causes tension on the awning rail (and it's then only loose and flapping as the poles are usually downed), then what about when you put 'constant' tension on it to tighten the awing rail in normal circumstances when you have it erected normally?
Over a number of years since new the awning rail on a van gets loose with tension on it.Its held down with screws that go into wood and is not a solid fixture.
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Topic: DISASTER!!!!
