Most stable Awning Question Re Weather

[JD Spain]

I have browsed the threat for quite awhile on this subject - but would like some specific past opinions on which awning (FOXWING or Straight Pull Out Extension Style) holds up better, i.e. sets up, takes down and maintains itself in adverse weather conditions.....
My goal is to purchase one of these styles to cover both a side and rear portion of the trailer for food prep. The FOXWING appears to have great coverage, but has issues with wind.... the straight pullout awnings do not get much written about them in these regards????
The FOXWING would work exceptionally well to cover one side and the back that I need - but I could go with two straight pull out awnings also.
I truly am looking for the best system that "would hold up to medium, heavy rain and/or mild to medium wind - both if they came up after the awnings were deployed....."
Thanks for any and all input!

 

[tarditi]

Sorry - but a clarification - you are looking for an awning system that "maintains itself in adverse weather conditions" - as in self-stores in strong wind or something - or just is durable and can hold up in adverse weather?

 

[1Louder]

I love the Foxwing, don't own one but friends do, with one major exception. They suck in any wind. If you don't have at least two people to set them up in any wind you better leave it closed. I have also seen one that was properly secured still snap in high wind. There is just too much surface area. If it isn't windy but is raining buckets they work great. If you get one make sure you get many spare attachment points where the poles connect. That's where they snap.

 

[mezmochill]

Wind(oh my! when does that happen?) is THE weakness of commercial awnings.

Waste of money.

 

[JD Spain]

More so - "as in just is durable and can hold up in adverse weather" the gist of my question was wondering which seems to work best from what folks are using - once set up. Thanks for the reply!

 

[BentBomber]

I've used my straight awning in some pretty windy/rainy/awful conditions with great success as long as it was guyed out. I also pay attention to how I park so as to avoid setting my awning up in a way that it would catch the wind more than necessary.

As for the fox wing, I just got one, and have been around them fairly regularly and as long as they're set up correctly and secured well they seem to hold up fine. The key is getting them set up without it blowing off of your vehicle in the first place.

The two awning setup seems like it might be a good idea. Set up both when you think you will want them both, or just one if you plan on stopping for just a few minutes.

 

[JD Spain]

Joshua - Kinda neighbors (salmon, ID)....anyway, checked out your site (Bomber), nice! Thanks for reply! What type of straight pull out are you running? I gather you do not sell awnings...but accessories on the site? Thanks agin!

 

[TheDriver]

Looking for the same thing...

I've been asking the same question - none of the commercial options seem nearly bombproof enough for high wind or snow conditions. The one that seems the toughest based on the burly support arms is the Hannibal but I can't find a US source.

If I can't find a Hannibal in the next few months I think I'm going the home-built route using aluminum extrusion framing mounted to my Gobi rack and heavy duty tarps with bungee strain relief and significant tie outs. The advantage of the custom build is being able to pitch the tarps / framing in more than one configuration depending on the location and weather. I will miss out on the bug-proof room though since I can't sew

 

[rino]

Check out the Shadow Awn by Alu Cab, free standing for quick pit stops and has a built in pole and guides for windy weather. It is a 270* design, but unique in its shape it has more usable coverage than your average 270* awning.

 

[El Solis]

Second on the Shadow Awn. I drilled holes in the 2 other support arms and use some expanding tarp poles in these locations with the already installed straps. Haven't used it in the wild yet but at home it's very sturdy and doesn't move. I'll take some pics in the next few days.

 

[JD Spain]

Looking at that site re Shadow Awn....a bit spendy at 1200, over my limit BUT does look solid!!!

 

[BentBomber]

Joshua - Kinda neighbors (salmon, ID)....anyway, checked out your site (Bomber), nice! Thanks for reply! What type of straight pull out are you running? I gather you do not sell awnings...but accessories on the site? Thanks agin!

Thanks for the kind words! I'm working on selling some awnings, Just haven't quite nailed down the details yet. Hopefully will get that nailed down in the next few weeks.

My straight awning is an ARB that I've had for a couple years. Not super expensive, but when guyed out with good anchors and set up well to shrug off the wind mine has made it through some pretty decent wind storms.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

I've seen both styles break in medium wind conditions. I believe the hinge/pole attachment point on the foxwing is cast aluminum and the weak link. I no longer run an awning for that reason. I've started sticking a beach umbrella from Costco in my rear bumper swing out Instead. At least if it breaks I can return it.

I say you make your own and post it up. Lots of us have thought of building our own but are too lazy.

 

[C-Fish]

I have a FoxWing and agree with the above comments.

Mine has not broken, and I'm very careful when deploying in any windy situation.
I also have the tapered walls and believe they help to mitigate it's inherent weakness in strong winds.



BTW, the attachment points at the hinge are made out of plastic and designed to be the weak point.
I carry spares....

 

[Arclight]

I have an ARB awning. It has held up quite well in high winds, provided that it is staked down securely and the fabric is tight. None of them are safe to handle alone if the wind is up. You're better off leaving it up until the windstorm passes.

Arclight