RV Awning Travel Lock

[Chris R]

Got mine done, but instead of using the supplied bracket, I made a new support bracket that bolts to the awning mount using the two existing bolts and an additional one.

[Rossue]

Nice work and hopefully the mfg. will offer something similar as it is a cleaner install than drilling into the front or side or the arm.

[Oldtimer]

We will see said the blind man

[Oldtimer]

Nicely done Chris

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by Chris R

Got mine done, but instead of using the supplied bracket, I made a new support bracket that bolts to the awning mount using the two existing bolts and an additional one.

Chris R,
A very creative and nice work of your awning lock, May I ask what kind of metal plate did you use to modify for the new support bracket? Would I be able to get a piece of this kind of metal plate from Lowes or Home Depot? Thanks.

Tonny LR

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by Tonny LR

Chris R,
A very creative and nice work of your awning lock, May I ask what kind of metal plate did you use to modify for the new support bracket? Would I be able to get a piece of this kind of metal plate from Lowes or Home Depot? Thanks.

Tonny LR

I used a piece of 1/8 x 3 inch aluminum flat bar, don't remember the spec, but the stock at Lowes or Home despot should work. We also have a Metal Supermarket that has a much bigger selection of stock and better prices.

[Tonny LR]

Chris R,
I appreciated your posting pictures and sharing of the awning lock stallation and thank you for providing me the part info.

Tonny LR

[yangstyle]

Originally Posted by Chris R

I used a piece of 1/8 x 3 inch aluminum flat bar, don't remember the spec, but the stock at Lowes or Home despot should work. We also have a Metal Supermarket that has a much bigger selection of stock and better prices.

You made that yourself? That is above my skill level I am afraid.

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by yangstyle

You made that yourself? That is above my skill level I am afraid.

Yes, I have being doing similar things for a long time so it comes easily for me.
Aluminum can be cut with a hacksaw (or a bandsaw is you have it), a file to smooth out the edges, drill a few holes and some paint. Probably the difficult part is making an accurate cardboard template of what you want to make.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Chris R

Got mine done, but instead of using the supplied bracket, I made a new support bracket that bolts to the awning mount using the two existing bolts and an additional one.

Chris can I ask a question ? Is the reason you made another bracket to move the lock closer to roller tube ? Pat

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Chris can I ask a question ? Is the reason you made another bracket to move the lock closer to roller tube ? Pat

Hi Pat, I was unable to find a satisfactory place to locate the small bracket that comes with the lock so that the lock's pin would be in the centre of the awning roller. I found the bracket was too short if I attached to the vertical arm, it only went half way across it. I also felt that the aluminum of the arm was too thin to hold the bracket if I had to start trimming the screws so the arm would still operate. I also did not want to see the bracket.
So many reasons , but yes, I want to get the lock closer to the roller tube and make it solid. I use to sail, so I know how strong the wind can be.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Chris R

Hi Pat, I was unable to find a satisfactory place to locate the small bracket that comes with the lock so that the lock's pin would be in the centre of the awning roller. I found the bracket was too short if I attached to the vertical arm, it only went half way across it. I also felt that the aluminum of the arm was too thin to hold the bracket if I had to start trimming the screws so the arm would still operate. I also did not want to see the bracket.
So many reasons , but yes, I want to get the lock closer to the roller tube and make it solid. I use to sail, so I know how strong the wind can be.

Thankyou for responding ! Makes lots of sense ! Pat

[jnfrombigt]

I'm leaving here in two weeks and five days to pick up the trailer. I already have the awning lock but won't have a chance to fabricate on the road. For a temporary field expedient, would placing a bungee cord wrapped around the awning and roller keep it from unfurling?

[gbaglo]

With the manual awning a Velcro strap will prevent the two parts of the awning arm from spreading, which should prevent the awning from unfurling.
In picture #2 you can see the two parts of the arm.
In picture #1 the top part is inside the angled part.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

These do not work, look at my pictures, these straps are still attached and mine came unfurled...

Earth to Baglo....the strap hitting the latch, uh probably not either. These awnings are more prone to unfurling as there is more exposed canvas due to the mounting rail being up higher than standard.

[gbaglo]

I still don't get it. The awning arms have to move away from the trailer body to unfurl the awning. You can see how much awning is exposed in this picture ( about 3 inches ).

The awning roller is spring loaded, which is what rolls up the awning. There is the open/close switch and there is a knob to tighten a screw to prevent the arms from spreading, which would unfurl the awning. And there is another locking mechanism on the arm itself.
I'm on the backside of the moon until somebody explains how the roller can unfurl in the closed and locked position.
Looks like I unlocked the awning while washing the trailer yesterday.

[Oldtimer]

G it happened to me due to a latch failure inside the roller. If I had the rv awning lock then I wouldn’t of had to replace the awning fabric. So the lock is a a must

[jnfrombigt]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I still don't get it. The awning arms have to move away from the trailer body to unfurl the awning. You can see how much awning is exposed in this picture ( about 3 inches ).

The awning roller is spring loaded, which is what rolls up the awning. There is the open/close switch and there is a knob to tighten a screw to prevent the arms from spreading, which would unfurl the awning. And there is another locking mechanism on the arm itself.
I'm on the backside of the moon until somebody explains how the roller can unfurl in the closed and locked position.
Looks like I unlocked the awning while washing the trailer yesterday.

Hey Glenn Thanks for the picture. It showed me that my idea won't work. Hope you folks are cooler up there than we are down here.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I still don't get it. The awning arms have to move away from the trailer body to unfurl the awning. You can see how much awning is exposed in this picture ( about 3 inches ).

The awning roller is spring loaded, which is what rolls up the awning. There is the open/close switch and there is a knob to tighten a screw to prevent the arms from spreading, which would unfurl the awning. And there is another locking mechanism on the arm itself.
I'm on the backside of the moon until somebody explains how the roller can unfurl in the closed and locked position.
Looks like I unlocked the awning while washing the trailer yesterday.

I concur, Glenn.
I have a piece of rope that I tie through the bracket bolted to the trailer and then around the canopy arm, at the front (towing) end of the canopy, just as a safety device. With it in the 'closed/locked' position, I don't see how the awning can come unraveled.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

I concur, Glenn.
I have a piece of rope that I tie through the bracket bolted to the trailer and then around the canopy arm, at the front (towing) end of the canopy, just as a safety device. With it in the 'closed/locked' position, I don't see how the awning can come unraveled.

See post #77, above, for a first-hand account of an awning unfurling with the arms in the closed position.