colgil Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 We are new to rollout awnings and are somewhat confused by the handbook instruction that we should avoid getting the thing wet,as we spend a fair bit of time touring in the u.k. This is proving to be something of a challenge. I would be grateful if the more experienced amongst you,ie all of you, could advise. Does it really matter? By the way it's an omnistor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solwaybuggier Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I can only say what we do (and ours is an Omnistor too.) Inevitably the awning does sometimes get wet - I just then try to dry it off when I can, so it doesn't stay wet for too long. I can imagine an awning left for ages wet could get pretty hacky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Our 8 year old awning has got wet many times and doesn't seem to have suffered from it. Best to try to ensure it's rolled up dry - or dried as soon as practical. If it is out in the rain it's a good idea to lower one supporting leg slightly so that the water runs off. If it collected on the top it could cause a problem. Sometimes if it is persistent drizzle and we are 'confined' to the van, we just roll the awning out about 18 inches to keep the rain off the door when it's open. I think the makers are just a bit over cautious to cover themselves if anything goes wrong. Best not to leave it out when it's windy though -I've seen them blown back over the top of a van, damaging both the awning and the van. Unless the weather it very settled we usually roll ours in at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel wood Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 malc d - 2011-08-12 9:48 PM If it is out in the rain it's a good idea to lower one supporting leg slightly so that the water runs off. If it collected on the top it could cause a problem. Best not to leave it out when it's windy though Unless the weather it very settled we usually roll ours in at night. I agree with these points and would also suggest that you don't have it out in heavy rain - we once found that our awning was slightly damaged in such conditions even though we had one leg lower than the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith T Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Not sure what size awning you have, but ours is I think 3.5m (Omnistor) and we have the centre rafter pole which retains the tension well. We also have side pieces, and even if we don't use these, we often put the poles in, which reduces the concertina effect greatly. In wet conditions, as mentioned above we keep one end lower than the other and have not had any problems with water settling an the awning. We like to put it away dry though - not always easy. If not we try to ensure it is put out at the next opportunity, and will generally brush it off when possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suntrecker1 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I would like to add that we would never use our wind out awning with-out using the tie down belt. We where once camping in Cornwall on a very calm and very hot day with not the slightest breeze when all of a sudden a freak wind took our awning right up in the air and then it came crashing down breaking the one leg joint. We where just thankful that the motorhome was not damaged. And yes I agree that the makers just cover themselves, How can you live with getting the awning in and out for every shower that we get. Also I like to get the awning in at night as if its a windy night you are in the motor home hoping it will be alright. All good advice in the other posts too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I agree with suntrecker about always securing the awning, even on a lovely sunny day with no (apparent) wind. i have 4 ordinary guyropes already attached to the frame arms, i just leave them attached and wind them into the awning casing (there is plenty of room). That way I never forget to use them. Of course they are only as good as the pegs you secure them down to. As for not getting the awning wet, for us, it's primary purpose IS to keep the rain off of us (and the dog) when going in and out of the van, and for keeping the Chairs and table dry. SO, ours gets wet A LOT, We do as others and always tilt it to one side so the water flows off and doesn't collect on the canvas (water is very heavy !!) we have never had a problem, If we have to put it away wet, we always make sure it is extended fully and dried off within two days(no longer or it gets 'musty'). To me a Roll-Out awning is a 'Must Have' accessory, especially in the UK with it's 'Changeable' weather. ;-) Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colgil Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Thanks for the helpful replies to my query,it's helpful to have ones 'gut feeling' confirmed by those with experience. Best wishes . C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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