Awning torn off by wind

[Knotty+]

We setup our trailer at a friend's farm and deployed the Fiamma awning, using the support arm brackets attached to the TM.

Wind was light, so I made the mistake of leaving the awning up when we went up to their house. I failed to notice the weather had changed suddenly, bringing high winds and heavy rain. Returned to the trailer and found the awning had been torn completely off with the wind carrying it up and over to the other side.

I was surprised to see that only 3 sheet metal screws, which tore out, were used to secure the awning but in retrospect that may have been a good thing as it prevented more serious structural damage. The plastic support arm brackets got destroyed but their attachment screws held fast. Again, a failure point that prevents worse damage. The aluminum hanging brackets are still in place and look good. The awning has some dents but is in much better condition than expected.

I'm going to try and reinstall the awning. I noticed a black sealant or adhesive had been used. My guess is it's an adhesive. Does anyone know just what it is?

 

[mickmanor]

Please read my post of about 4 years ago, "Awning re-install".

A similar wind gust incident blew off our awning, blowing it straight up
and rearward where it landed on the ground behind the camper!

The awning is actually supported by an L type angle bracket on the top
of the camper. The front side screws are used to fasten the awning to
the front wall of the camper. To remove the awning, the front screws
need to be removed. The awning then needs to be lifted straight up
a couple of inches, and then it can be pulled free from the camper L bracket,
pulling at about a 45 degree angle up and outwards. Remember that a
mating L bracket is also on the awning. This is better handled with 2
people, working on the ends of the awning. Also, check for any additional
screws added to the top.

If I have not confused you, then you can visualize what happened with
the wind gust "grabbing" the awning, and then lifting it up to free it from
the L brackets, and the wind pressure blowing it over the camper like a kite.

I was able to strap the awning to my Grand Caravan, and work on it at home.

I did reinstall it, and it is in use again, although when I close it up, I need to
apply a slight nudge, with a pole, to the rear latching mechanism to line it up for final latching.

I think that the front wall screws pulled out easily, because they were rusted,
and their holding power was lacking. I used larger stainless screws, and
more of them.

I wish you good luck with your awning, and hope it is not badly damaged.

 

[Knotty+]

Remember that a mating L bracket is also on the awning

I didn't see or find any hardware from the awning side. Just the L-brackets along the top of the TM and the 3 screws that went into the side of the TM.

 

[mickmanor]

Knotty - I took a picture to help you understand the awning mounting.
Note that the L projects upward on the outside of the TM bracket, and
in the pic it is nested into the groove on the back of the awning.

To install the awning onto the L, the awning needs to be lifted and the
awning bottom turned slightly outwards when it is placed onto the L.
The L top will slide into the groove as the awning is dropped and straightened.
The entire length must be parallel through this "mating procedure".

My TM is older than yours, and maybe the mounting method is not the same.

 

[Knotty+]

Knotty - I took a picture to help you understand the awning mounting.
Note that the L projects upward on the outside of the TM bracket, and
in the pic it is nested into the groove on the back of the awning.

To install the awning onto the L, the awning needs to be lifted and the
awning bottom turned slightly outwards when it is placed onto the L.
The L top will slide into the groove as the awning is dropped and straightened.
The entire length must be parallel through this "mating procedure".

My TM is older than yours, and maybe the mounting method is not the same.

View attachment 1325595

OK. I get what you're saying...the roof L-brackets hooks into the back of the awning. Mine is similar. Thanks.