Awning Deflapper

[Donna D.]

I've set a budget for items I want to buy for my new 5er before I get it. This is one of those items.

Those that use awning deflappers, what kind did you get and how well do you like them? Here's Camping World's offerings for awning deflappers, for instance.

Thanks!

[paulw]

Hi Donna,
I use the Awning Deflapper Max shown in the link you provided.
I always put one on each side or two if we're in a beach front site at the ocean. They go on easily & work very well.

[Dave Walter]

The "Awning Deflapper"? Is that the device that when you clap your hands, the awning extends? Does Reace install that as an option?

[azjack]

Donna, we used the max on the larger awning of a motor home (26') but on the 19 and now on the 21 we use the smaller units. I just pull tight enough to hold the awning without bending or applying pressure sideways on the horizontal awning support. The smaller units work fine, if the wind is quite strong or gusting then I also tie the awning down to stakes or the picnic table. No more getting up at 2 a.m. to retract the awning.
Jack

[gbaglo]

What is that de-flapper supposed to do or stop?
If I anticipate high winds, I put the awning away. If not, it's just fine with proper tension applied before tightening the knob on the top support arm.

[azjack]

With light winds of 10 to 15 the awning will flap up and down at the ends even with a lot of tension from the bar adjustment. The resultant noise is enough to keep us awake as well as our neighbors, the deflappers grab the fabric in the center and hold it quite steady and quiet. We spend a lot of time outside and have the awning up most of the time, the minimal cost and minute it takes to secure the awning we feel is well worth the effort or insurance when gone.
Jack

[Jim Bennett]

I have never seen these things before, let alone used them. I know the awning does blow about in a hard wind, so I am going to check to see if something like this would help. I don't like to retract the awning unless absolutely necessary, especially if it is accompanied by rain.

[techfan]

Actually, there is already a place on both awning arms to mount Carefree's own deflapper device. There should be a sticker already there that explains what the holes are for. It mounts with a provided rivet and the device swings down when not in use. Haven't put mine on yet (waiting for a nice day) and will post pictures when done. Look on Carefrees site.

[Dave Walter]

We were staying in an rv park while attending a wedding last fall, and when the wind came up it blew a neighbors awning to pieces before anyone could come and rescue it. Great lessson to me on value of not leaving my awning unattended.

I had already adopted a practice of retracting my awning at night and whenever we leave our site. Given that the Escape awning only takes 1 person about 1 minute to setup or retract, this is not a difficult thing to do, and I do not worry at all about the effect of wind on my awning.

That being said, the Awning Declappers does look like it would be useful to have for those times when we are sitting under the awning during a wind.

[gbaglo]

In a good wind and rain, I retract the awning part way so I can stow folded chairs against the trailer, under the awning.
I've only experienced a problem once, in very high winds. In that case, I should have retracted the awning before going to bed.

After opening the awning, I pull down on the awning arm while tightening the knob on the top bar.

[jlgrillot]

Donna D.

If Escape is still using Carefree Awnings. These attach directly to the awing arm, and seem to work just fine.

Amazon.com: Carefree (902801W) White Canopy Clamp, (Pack of 2): Automotive

[techfan]

Originally Posted by jlgrillot

Donna D.

If Escape is still using Carefree Awnings. These attach directly to the awing arm, and seem to work just fine.

Amazon.com: Carefree (902801W) White Canopy Clamp, (Pack of 2): Automotive

The nice thing about these is they are designed for the awnings we have on Escapes. Also, they attach permanently to the awning arms so you are not looking for them.

[Donna D.]

Thank you ALL for your comments and replys. All are valuable.

What most don't realize is the edge of awnings stretch in the wind. The idea of an awning deflapper is to contain that stretch. I've seen awning edges that are kinda "scalloped" after a number of uses in wind.

This won't be a major concern, because the Escape awning is a roller-shade type. The awning on my current trailer must fit inside a case. I've seen where folks can't fit the awning inside the case due to stretch.

However, the awning on my soon-to-be 5er is seveal feet larger than the one on my Scamp... and more $$ to replace the awning fabric! I am willing to spend money ahead of time to prevent damage...

THANKS everyone for your help. It's very much appreciated, truly.

[captmath]

I bought the carefree version. When I tried to install it I found the locking lever covers the holes in the front rail. That is on the 5.0. YMMV.

Dick

[ChuckS]

I have and sell the de-flapper at Fiberglass Travel Trailers RV. I always bring parts with me to our NOG's in the PNW.
Chuck

[techfan]

Originally Posted by captmath

I bought the carefree version. When I tried to install it I found the locking lever covers the holes in the front rail. That is on the 5.0. YMMV.

Dick

Dog gone it!! I bought them too and now that I checked since Dick's post, I find that the locking levers cover the bottom hole on the 15B also! Who installed the locking levers? I find it hard to believe that Carefree would have done that. Did Escape install the locking levers and cover up the holes for the accessory? One inch lower and we would have been ok or 5 inches higher. I will still be able to mount mine, but will have to drill a new hole and thread it for the knurled knob. Shoot! Don't know how I missed that.

[MyronL]

Wind is of great concern to me. We had serious gusts here yesterday --bad enough to get me running out to buy rebar and braided cable and turnbuckles. My lightweight backyard canopy seemed in eminent danger of blowing away.

I was able to anchor it down more better than it was, that seemed to save the day. The issue, however, is... just how windy was it? This need to know has got me looking at buying a wind gauge. Anyone have one they can report on? I see on eBay some hand-held models in the fifteen to twenty-bucks range, and of course, there is the seventy to two-hundred dollar ones, which I doubt I would break wind over.

[FMLNM]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Wind is of great concern to me. We had serious gusts here yesterday --bad enough to get me running out to buy rebar and braided cable and turnbuckles. My lightweight backyard canopy seemed in eminent danger of blowing away.

I was able to anchor it down more better than it was, that seemed to save the day. The issue, however, is... just how windy was it? This need to know has got me looking at buying a wind gauge. Anyone have one they can report on? I see on eBay some hand-held models in the fifteen to twenty-bucks range, and of course, there is the seventy to two-hundred dollar ones, which I doubt I would break wind over.

The news last night said there had been gusts up to 48mph in Edgewood. Our wind gauge broke down years ago but we've had up to 60mph here at our house. Any awning or canopy in our area must REALLY be secured.....

[padlin]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Anyone have one they can report on?

I've got one like this, at least this is the closest I could find (indoor/outdoor temp and humidity). Seems they changed the styles of them at some point since I bought it. Found the wind gauge wears out after a few years but they sell replacement parts. Works well if you want to spend the $. The wind gauge is only as accurate as the sampling rate, more often is better.

AcuRite Pro Digital Weather Station with Forecast / Temperature / Humidity / Wind / Rain 01506

[Dave&Kathie]

The Carefree website has a note for their deflapper: 'Does not work on curved arm applications' so I guess we'll get the standard ones. Make sure you have them if you're ever in Wyoming!

Kathie

PS Cool weather station Bob - thanks.