Awning "Unfurling" Lock

[Rustic Eagle]

A number of years ago while taking a break at a I-75 rest area I noticed about 2ft of my TT's awning fabric was starting to unfurl from the roller tube, even with both awning arms in their locked positions. I reopened/closed the entire awning and everything seemed to be locked in place. This event never happened again.

I have heard of conditions while in-tow wind could get between the layered rolled awning fabric and cause the awning tube to overcome it's locking mechanism resulting in the fabric unfurling while in-tow. A couple days ago I decided to incorporated a awning tube safety "lock" fix.

There are some locking products that can be purchased ($50 plus) to prevent an unfurling incident..., but I ran across the following inexpensive locking fix that costs around $5 (not my idea).

I used a 1/4" dia. x 48" lg. steel rod (Lowes), a piece of hose, and then just made a few bends to suit. My manual awning tube already had an access hole in the end cap so I used it for my locking point. I some applications one may have to drill a clearance hole through the end cap to accommodate the rod.

Locking rod in place.........



Rod partially removed from existing awning tube end cap hole (8" inserted rod length).......



I plan to close the "U" with a piece of wrapped velcro or some other simple material/device to keep the open side of the "U" bracket from backing off the awning arm. The hose protects the awning arm surface and creates a snug fit......



My rod material was steel, but aluminum or stainless would work just as well (overall length to-suit). A spare manual awning open/close "pull rod" could be altered to work as well.



Bob