Thurlestone Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 We have a Fiamma awning fitted to our motorhome and feel we need a little more strengthening by adding a rafter in the middle from the van to the outer edge. We have seen on the internet that there are two styles, one called a rafter and another called a rafter pro. It seems there is about £11 difference in price, the first is about £27 and the second £38/£39. Has anyone used either of these devices and have any experience of their performance. I am wondering if it is worth paying the extra for the pro which is curved and if I could manage it as I am only 5'8" and can't always reach the roof surface when out. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 We have one , came with our awning. It does help to stop the canvas flapping, and easy to attache to awning. We put ours on /off with the awning lowered, and it does have a hook end which attaches to the van, and extends with a knob, which again can be reached at a lowered level, (just let the legs down lower, before winding it in} We store it by hooks in the toilet compartment Don't know the differance, but make sure you get the one to suit your model awning PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brambles Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I have the straight one and works fine. A possible problem, with the curved one is where are you going to store it - much easier to find a space for the straight one. I would also be worried the curved one would stretch the fabric in the center if left up too long in hot weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 The rafter is there to stop puddling when its raining does not perform any other function. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solwaybuggier Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 lennyhb - 2013-08-21 8:20 AM The rafter is there to stop puddling when its raining does not perform any other function. I know Fiamma say that but PJay is right - it does also reduce flapping considerably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tin Man Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I have one and use it to support the canvas when tillted, ie one vertical leg set longer than the other so as to assist draining in wet weather. I never put the awning out if windy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Strachan Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 We have a 45s, which came with a rafter, as long as you fit it before pushing up the vertical legs you should have no problem. I always leave a run on the awning for the rain to drain off, by setting one leg lower than the other, and tension the canvas by winding it back in slightly against the rafter, find it helps stop a bit of the flapping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurlestone Posted August 21, 2013 Author Share Posted August 21, 2013 Thanks everyone We have decided to buy the straight version as two dealers independently advised if we wanted to use it through hot periods the curved version could stretch the awning and cause problems. It is marvelous how knowledgeable our members are and supportive and patient in returning their knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.