Dorma awning keeps collapseing it happen in heavy rain in June put back up got better pegs but same thing happen but this time the steel poles bend & broke any idea how to stop this happening again
It sounds like you have water pooling on the awning roof. Make sure that you have the awning far enough out from the caravan and the corner and centre pole in the right place. After you've erected the awning look at the awning roof, if its sags you need to adjust to make sure the rain can't pool on the awning. Does this Video help
Sounds like the awning could be too slack in the roof, and this is allowing water to pool up there. Water is very heavy, so if it cannot run off properly, it will cause the roof to sag and the weight could possibly cause a collapse. Make sure the awning is well tensioned and the slope of the roof is sufficient. Too flat and too slack and the water will collect on it, and this then snowballs. Weight of the collected water causes it to sag even more, and more water to collect.
I am now on a site which is a bit windy with Autumn Storms. First thing is to monitor weather - so I keep https://www.accuweather.com open on my laptop and refresh it daily to monitor wind speed. I have topped up with storm straps, the best type being the winch ones where you can tighten them after pegging. I have four - one over top, two at either side pulling out sides, and one in front pulling out front. The straps can still vibrate in the wind (annoyingly noisy) - this is reduced with elasticated cables looped over the strap and in turn pegged to ground. Risk with too much pressure on straps is you pull the ceiling struts down as the catches attached caravan side are only clamped on to the awning ridge and can flick off. Consider extra ceiling struts if this is a problem. Also avoid water pooling by being strict about tensioning awning poles as far out sideways and as far out forwards as they will go. Also ensure awning side of caravan is higher (if on a slope, pitch so you can use a wheel ramp to raise near-side of caravan higher - this raises roof of awning and increases 'drop' for water run off). Lastly, ensure awning is regularly re-waterproofed with a water-proofing solution, as if it's absorbing water this will make it heavier.
I have a Dorema awning which used to pool just on the front right corner only even with the storm straps fitted so I moved up the hooked pole with the securing pad attached (on the side of the caravan) further up about half way around the roof curve at the rear end and solved the problem. Although it only moves the awning pole about an inch at the front corner it was enough to stop the roof sagging and never had any problems since.
Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 29/9/2017
I had the same problem with our dorema awning collapsing every time it rained, I sold it and bought a Trio, no more problems
I have a Trio porch and also a Trio full awning. They are excellent!
Thank you all it's on a seasonal pitch so not there all the time will have to higher up caravan it looks like it level with the front of the caravan I will give that a go
Some awnings have just too much space twixt roof poles to adequately stop pooling. Even with a decent slope, some will still 'collect' near the front, which pulls the roof down, which collects more. Remember a litre of water = 1kg of weight.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Awning keeps collapseing
