[HoosierDaddy]

I saw a post about awnings on Big rig rv . Someone commented that their automatic awning retracted during a rainstorm when they really needed it. Others liked the electric awning because of the absence of support arms. I'm interested in comments Pro/con about different awning types.

[Trainer]

Well, for myself, I like Zip Dee manual awnings. I have had a 1990, 1995 and now a 2001 Foretravel equipped with all manual window and patio awnings. I do not currently know of the 1990 but worked fine for me through 2006. The 1995 and 2001 awnings are all working fine.

The patio awnings have strecher arms to keep them deployed providing a triangular support. As a result they will stand steady in more wind than an unsupported electric awning. Especially during a modest rain event. If heavy rain is predicted or I am leaving the coach, I roll up the patio awning but not the smaller window awnings. The window awning have endured some blustery winds but are much smaller sail area vs patio awning.

BUT, I can not stand inside and push a button to command the patio or window awnings to deploy or roll up. I would be interested to hear of a 1995 electric awning still working with no replaced parts or major adjustments.

As always, there are better electric awnings and lots of so so ones. Same it true for manual awnings. Pick what makes your heart smile.

[DK on the road]

My Coach has 2 electric awnings creating full length coverage on the passenger side only. All windows have electric awnings.

In my files from a previous owner, there is a receipt for $8,600 for damages to coach from a wind storm. The anemometer had failed to tell the awning to retract during a wind event. The design and corresponding attachment does not look like it would take much to recreate the damages if a strong wind got under it and the anemometer that monitor on my roof top, didn't work. 

I have a darn tree that I go under near my house that I cannot avoid, that slow drags my roof. I'm always afraid that it will, or has damaged my anemometer.

My last coach, a 97', had manual awnings and had support arms coming down the side. It withstood strong winds on several occasions.

I would sleep better with the manual version, but they don't look or fit the design of the Newell.

My 2 cents 

[valento]

I had Girard electric awnings on both sides and above all the windows on my Newell. I loved them for I could deploy or retract with a press of a button. However, I NEVER left them out if I was not at the coach and I NEVER left them out during any type of wind or rain storm. Yes I had four anemometers on the roof but a quick heavy wind gust would do its damage before the anemometers could ever react. When we had a No Rally at Ruidoso, NM a few years back one of our fellow Newell owners left his Girard window awnings out during a violent wind and rain storm. The window awnings have support bars that deploy when unfurled. The wind was strong enough that it actually broke his support arm attachment.

My current Foretravel has manual ZipDee shades on the driver's side and one electric Girard topper, with anemometer, over the passenger side. The ZipDee shades seem to be designed better to handle the wind. I do leave them deployed when I am not at the coach. I do still bring in the Girard whenever I leave or a storm is brewing.