Fiamma awnings - not designed to get wet!? (1 Viewer)

[Touchwood]

I have just bought a rafter for my Fiamma awning - whilst looking on-line for one I downloaded the instructions for use (which I admit I've never read before) and was shocked to find that the recommendation is to not put them away wet - in this country that's tantamount to not using it at all, which makes me wonder why so many motorhomes have them fitted. Its use I guess is intended to be as a sun shade - now I burn easily but even I rarely have difficulty finding some shade to sit in on the rare occasions in this country when we can sit out in the sunshine. Obviously abroad is a different matter, but so far we've not felt the need to go abroad, plenty to see in the UK for us, and we can't be the only ones who feel that way. Its principal value for us is when it is raining, so we can at least step outside the MH without getting wet, but when our MH is parked at home we can't extend the awning at all, so if our holiday ends up with a few wet days I'd not be able to use it for fear of it getting wet! Is this the manufacturer just being overcautious?

 

[phase3begins]

Have always used them as rain shelters. Often put away wet (always mean to dry them out at home....)
Can't see any damage.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Same here. Ours has been put away wet loads of times and doesn't seem to have suffered for it.

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[tonyidle]

Same here. You'll see pretty well everyone that has one doing the same.

 

[MikeandCarolyn]

I always mean to dry it out when rain stops,but never do-I do give it a wash now and then,amazing how dirty they gtet,especially in dusty Spain

 

[1_man_and_his_dob(lo)]

I assume it's just to stop mould, the same with a tent? I've forgotten to dry mine out and found what looks like mould on the underside a few weeks later - just wiped it off.

Mine is more a sun canopy than an awning, and ends up getting used to hang washing and wet towels on as much as it gets used to shade me from the sun. I tend to roll it away once the drizzle starts getting heavier.

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[TheBig1]

have seen a fair few with mould patches on used vans. however a quick rinse off and they come up like new again

 

[WillH]

Ours has been wet loads of times when winding in, just remember to wind it out when you get parked up to dry it out. I give ours a good clean once a year as it can get green bits on it.

 

[Allanm]

We only use ours as a sun shade. Plenty of sunshine in Kent.......

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[GWAYGWAY]

They might be worried about the alloy roller getting wet and corroding rather than the nylon awning itself.

 

[TheBig1]

the wife reminded me of the worst one we've seen. large patches of seagull poo so part digested fish guts..smelt bad too
bucket of bleach and water and a soft broom softened it up before hosing clean

 

[magicsurfbus]

Ours is permanently wet as the MH is stored outdoors and rainwater drains into the casing despite its rubber seal. Whenever I roll it out it's wet. It gets a bit grotty after a bit but a wipe on both sides with warm soapy water usually sorts it out.

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[Touchwood]

Sounds like I needn't worry too much then.