Dometic E9500 Awning and Rain

[ReagentGrade]

After owning my trailer one month I don't have any experience with this awning in the rain. But I can tell you that ours autoretracted from the wind when it was only extended about four feet. We were about to retract it ourselves, but it beat us to it. If you worried that the autoretract only works at full extension, this might help reduce your concern.

[Wunfiddy]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I have had 2 Lance trailers and a Dutchman, and the instructions for the 3 awnings tell you to not to operate in rain and windy situations and that the warranty does not cover damage from such use. Here is a disclaimer found in most owners manuals:
Awnings are designed to provide shade and protection from the
sun. The effects of wind and rain on an awning are unpredictable and can cause severe damage to the awning and/or the vehicle. If wind or extended periods of rain are expected, roll up the awning.

If its a wind storm, or severe downpour, I can see. But If i am going to spend $38k on an Escape, I need an awning I can use in the rain, fully deployed. It feels like it rains everytime we camp. If my pop up awning can handle 3 days of rain, something that costs 3 or 4 times as much should be able to do the same.

[Sowen23]

Hi, anyone have a recent update on the reliability of their new power awning? Staying in proper adjustment? Any new tricks to keep the rain from pooling? Thanks,,,,,

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Sowen23

Hi, anyone have a recent update on the reliability of their new power awning? Staying in proper adjustment? Any new tricks to keep the rain from pooling? Thanks,,,,,

not specific to the power awning, but in rain, lower one side about as far as you can so the rain will all run down that way. if the rain starts to puddle in the middle of the awning, use a broom or something to lift up that low spot before it stretches, then retract the awning.

[cpaharley2008]

I just opened mine that other day to see how wet everything was after sitting for 2 months. The awning was relatively dry, no mold, no dirt and closed perfectly. Once you get it properly adjusted it seems to work fine.I wanted to see if ice or cold had an impact and it did not. As far as use in rain, I believe it is recommended to only partially deploy, maybe 50% for rain situations, it works for us.