Our TT has a 21' awning. I have seen a few rigs around with a centre support leg for the awning and drum. What is the general opinion on having one added.?
I have heard people say anything over 16' should be supported. If this is the case, why don't they install them at the factory, or at least as an option??? I don't want to ruin the drum by not having it supported, yet I don't really like the idea of drilling new holes into my new TT either!
TV 96 Suburban 5.7L 3.42:1
TT 04 Wildwood 28BH
Easylift 1000lb.WD
Husky Sway control,Prodigy BC
The longest awning we have had is 17 feet. I also considered putting up a center support but I also chickened out for the same reason you brought up..........didn't want to drill holes in my new rv.
However, with an awning as long as yours I think I would do it. At that length they even begin to sag because of their own weight a bit.
Maybe you could call the manufacturer of your rv and ask for suggestions as to how to attach it or where the bracing is behind the sidewalls. Or hopefully you have someone you trust to do it for you.
Whatever your solution..........good luck and good traveling.......
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
When I bought my 97 TT it had a 21' awning and, like you, I worried about it sagging. My dealer installed a center support for me and his charge for it was quite reasonable, under a $100 if my memeory is correct. While I did not always use the center support arm, the cradle was always supporting the awning.
I installed a center support on my southwind for our 20' awning. It has been on for over a year and has many miles on it with no adverse problems. I purchased it at Camping World and it came with a backing plate that required four holes be drilled in my sidewall. I coated the back with a butyl sealer and installed it with the four rivets supplied. It has made a big differance for me and I would not hesitate to reccommend installing one.
We have a 20 foot awning and found it starting to sag down in the middle a bit. I think the road bounce likely is the biggest cause of this banana effect. You can buy just the cradle that supports the awning when closed, or get a more expensive kit that adds a leg to also support the awning when it is opened. The middle leg is a good option because you gain an xtra tie down point to help protect the awning from damage on breezy days.If it gets real windy, roll it up or you will be learning how to fix/replace an awning. ($$$)
The install is straight forward,and isn't very difficult if you are a regular do it yourself type of person. You do have to get brave however, and drill a couple of holes in the wall of the trailer.(measure twice- drill once). The Pop rivets and lag bolts required are included with the kit along with instructions.(try and locate a wall stud for mounting the bracket) The only other drilling is a small hole which needs to be put into the roller of the awning if you go with the leg type.Be careful when doing that part to avoid the drill slipping and poking a hole in the awning fabric which is only an inch away.
If you are worried, the dealer can always do it for you, but their labour isn't cheap.
I do think the awning support is a good idea for an awning as long as yours. I have installed two so far and never had a problem doing the install or been unsatisfied with the finished job. Good luck and don't be afraid of drilling a couple of holes.
2003 GMC 2500 ext cab - 6.0 litre 3.73 gears
2007 CF29CK Crossroads Cruiser
Pullrite- superglide
Jordan Ultima Brake controller
I have a 18' awning and it has the center support. gasbag is right about sagging under it's own weight. And on hot days it could become permenent. If there is a stud near the center of the awning, give or take a foot either way, I dont think I would be afraid to put in a center support. If installation is sealed good it should not leak, and you would be doing the awning a great favor.
Was in to CW a couple of years ago when they were dumping some delux A&E center support for @ $10. bought 5 (cost @ $100.), was all they had left. Gave them to friends for Xmas.
Although don'r use them much when parked, think they are great for extra support of awning center when moving.
Another reason for having the center support is to help keep the awning from unrolling when underway in strong winds. As time goes buy the retrieve spring gets weaker and the awning can unroll all by itself. Not a good thing.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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