After overnight rain we discovered a large pool of water collected in one half.
I had fitted the central bowed rail (Optional), with the expected outcome of providing a drainable cover.
Then thought that I had set the support 'legs' too high to allow for drainage ... so lowered them, only to find that the entrance door now makes contact with the left had foldable bar.
It's a problem with all awnings. As long as the roof is stretched tight and is sloping the rain can run off.
However, as soon as the weight of water on the roof is sufficient to create a small dip the water can gather in, it will get trapped and create an ever larger pool weighing it down even further.
The only defence is to get a steeper slope or more tension in the fabric or better support under it.
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My mate left out the wind out awning on his MH horizontally over night when it rained. It ended up looking very pregnant after raining overnight.
Fortunately we awoke before he did, pushed a broom underneath, to get rid of the water, and dropped one of the legs, so that it could then drain off. Perhaps both legs need to be dropped to avoid the pooling effect.
Bloomin' awnings. We have found that getting them just right is a dark art indeed. Tiny changes in height, tension etc. Have disproportionate effects, as does any slop or undulation in the pitch.
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I think you will find Fiamma, and others that sell the wind-outs, describe them as 'sun shades'. Not for leaving out in the rain. Though how you go on if you have all the Privacy Room kit attached, i just don't know.
Indeed, they do sell it as a sun shade more than anything else .... though the extra 'bowed' support that clicks into the centre is supposed to help with water problems.
I have seen several pitched with one leg considerably lower the the other ... I always assumed that some people had no sense of 'level', but now, wonder whether this is a deliberate attempt to deal with water run off.
If we lower the legs too much, the wind out roof supports don't clear the caravan door ... not a problem with many MH's that have more space between the top of the entrance door and the roof level.
I'll keep experimenting ... but anyone with the ultimate solution ... please spill the beans!
I use the Zip version on a Bailey Barcelona. Yes you do need to keep the door side high to allow clearance, always lower the opposite end to allow water to run off. Do not have the front too high either! Tension the canopy against the spring arms before fitting the rafter, should be as taught as possible. I also fit spring loaded end bars to improve tension and assist in any wind. Then strap it tightly to the floor.
We have a 3.6m Fiamma Zip. We always ensure that the "door end" is considerably higher than the other end, just raise or lower the legs as appropriate.
Do this before you peg the legs down as altering the height will change the angle of the legs.
We have the legs vertical at all times.
The roof may look odd, but shedding the rain is the most important thing.
We also have a centre rafter, we make sure it is extended as far as possible so that it helps keep the roof tightly stretched.