coptalker
Western Colorado
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Joined: 04/20/2004
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It was a beautiful evening in the Colorado high country. Just got the Folbot Greenland II off the Stagecoach Reservoir where my son and I tried to catch a fish or two. Settled into the dinette for a game of cards with my wife and both sons when suddenly the whole trailer shook and the awning snapped in a sudden gust of wind.
"Do you think we should take the awning down?" my youngest asked? I was already getting up and agreed with him. Just then a second gust slammed the trailer and the awning disappeared completely.
I've head enough horror stories about awning struts impaling the roofs of various RV's and just knew the worst had happened. I scrambled out the door and looked around to assess the damage. The only indication there used to be an awning were the remains of the four brackets and I could see the underside of the fabric draped over the top of the trailer. I ran around to the opposite side and lying on the ground was the entire assembly, scattered between my site and the next, but nothing poking out of the roof!
The really weird part is that the night was absolutely calm. There were a few storm clouds nearby, and one of them apparently graced us with a micro-burst. These are isolated severe downdrafts from thundercells and they can hit without warning. Just ask any pilot how dangerous they can be.
I climbed up on the roof and looked for any sign of damage, and fortunately, there was none to the roof. By the time I got the fabric off, it was dark so I decided to investigate the rest of the damage in the daylight so I settled back down with a select frosty malted beverage.
Morning's light revealed that nearly every piece suffered some sort of damage, ranging from broken brackets to twisted struts. Only the spool seemed to escape unscathed, at least until I get replacement parts and try to roll and unroll a new awning.
Any recommendations on a source for replacement parts? I've googled a few and have some ideas, but personal experiences are helpful.
Happy Camping!
Glen
2004 Dutchmen 27BG, Rocky Mountain Elk Edition
2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 8.1/Ally
2 boys, 12 & 14
a friendly black lab
a couple of decks of cards
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Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
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prevostman
Florida
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Joined: 07/06/2008
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Looks like you're having fun. Sorry to hear of your problems with the awnings. Google is indeed a good way to check out replacement parts.
Make sure to have fun. That's what it's all about.
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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Insurance Claim?? That would be the first step,It should be covered!
Rob & Jean 90 Southwind John Deere/Oshkosh/Freightliner Class A Ford 460/ Toad 92 Tracker 2 wd 5sp Convert Still running Great!
" Everything in it"Still" Works"
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garyhaupt
Kitimat, BC, Canada, Mile '0' of Alaska HiWay #37
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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Never mind the awning...how's the kayak? I carry a Greenland too.
Gary Haupt
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coptalker
Western Colorado
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The Greenland is fine...it was upwind of the tragedy! The fishing, on the other hand, was less than spectacular. I caught 4 but nothing I really wanted to keep.
Great boat, isn't it?
Glen
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scbwr
Wilson NY
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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Ouch....I feel your pain. A couple of years ago, we almost lost our awning while camping in Michigan. A sudden thunder storm rolled in....I was watching TV while the DW was reading in bed. She no sooner said "I think the wind is picking up" and I opened the door to see and hear a gale blowing in. DW ran out to hold the awning down while I started to drop it. The billowing awning actually lifted her off the ground. Luckily, I got the awning down without any damage taking place. Several other campers in the campground weren't so lucky....and suffered the same fate as you did. Since then, I tend to drop the awning unless we're using it....especially if we're in an open area and facing the prevalent wind direction.
good luck on your repairs!
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Sorry to hear about the awning!
2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
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Life is short, why not spend it in an RV!
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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I was out with friends last summer when that happened.. Thankfully, from my point of view, to them... I'd hit RETRACT button on my awning a few minutes earlier
We got them back together and tied down (Basic) and I have the local RV-GIRL's phone number (Mobile RV service person) on speed dial (sad grin) They do too ... Now.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Joined: 07/02/2003
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"Microbursts" seem to be getting more common in W. Colorado than they used to be. Similar experience last month near Gunnison. I sure would put in a claim to my insurance company before working on repair/replacement.
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SSport
Edison, NJ/Stroudsburg, PA
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Joined: 01/02/2008
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I just lost my awning on Sunday night. Thing that sucks is that my trailer is on a seasonal site 75 miles away so I got the call while I was at work and had to leave to go cut the awniing off the trailer.
First thing I did was call the insurance company. Trailer is only 3 months old......
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