Omnistor 4900 4.5m Awning Rafters (1 Viewer)

[grumps147]

on our previous MH we were advised to get additional rafters, but didn't.

We now have a 4.5 wide Omnistor which comes with 1 additional centre rafter, but it's a wide expanse left without support.

Advise please on straight versus curved Omnistor rafters for this wind out awning.

 

[Fletton]

On another thread - somewhere - I do believe the curved one was mentioned by @Techno100 .. Insofar as it can "stretch" the middle of the awning after a period of use... and advised on straight..

I'm currently on a slow phone - else I'd try and find the thread for you

If you use the search box and type either rafter or curved... You should find it

Cheers

 

[mike mcglynn]

Hi,Grumps we have a straight awning rafter and I have only used it once
as it wasn't fitted in to the rail properly and fell out in the wind and caused naughty dent in the side of the van so beware .

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[grumps147]

On another thread - somewhere - I do believe the curved one was mentioned by @Techno100 .. Insofar as it can "stretch" the middle of the awning after a period of use... and advised on straight..

I'm currently on a slow phone - else I'd try and find the thread for you

If you use the search box and type either rafter or curved... You should find it

Cheers

Thanks for the techno tip, I did a search on curved rafters but couldn't find it, I will add techno as the source as well, should narrow it down somewhat.

 

[scotjimland]

on our previous MH we were advised to get additional rafters,

by whom.. was an explanation given.,. ?

The reason I ask is I've never had rafters on any awning.. or felt a need or reason to have them..

why are they used ?

 

[Fletton]

by whom.. was an explanation given.,. ?

The reason I ask is I've never had rafters on any awning.. or felt a need or reason to have them..

why are they used ?

I have an optional extra centre rafter "straight" that came with the awning....

It does make a difference when installed regarding "centre sag"

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[scotjimland]

I have an optional extra centre rafter "straight" that came with the awning....

It does make a difference when installed regarding "centre sag"

if needed, why not supplied as standard ?
from what I've read they can be more trouble than they are worth.. I've read of bent front rails, dented vans when they fell.. etc..

I'll suffer the sag

 

[grumps147]

by whom.. was an explanation given.,. ?

The reason I ask is I've never had rafters on any awning.. or felt a need or reason to have them..

why are they used ?

I can't remember where or when, it just stuck that it was at the time a useful tip I had been given.
I think the reason was if it rained heavily and unexpectedly, sometimes even allowing a run off does not prevent a collapse if it all collects in one point.
However, having read options here I am at present favouring the do nothing option.
Thanks all.

 

[Fletton]

if needed, why not supplied as standard ?
from what I've read they can be more trouble than they are worth.. I've read of bent front rails, dented vans when they fell.. etc..

I'll suffer the sag

One could say that regarding all the "extra" trinkets we purchase

I've used it a couple of times ( relative newbie).. With no probs so far

Easy to place and remove etc

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[scotjimland]

One could say that regarding all the "extra" trinkets we purchase

That's a fact.. people buy all sorts of 'essentials' then wonder why they need them..

 

[wingman]

So THAT'S what my problem is; 'Centre Sag' !!

 

[Fletton]

That's a fact.. people buy all sorts of 'essentials' then wonder why they need them..

Good point... Well put... However, my rafter was already clipped in the rear garage as part of the package... And I restisted the salesman's offers of suggested essential extras at time of purchase..

Anyway... Back on point... In my humble opinion... The centre rafter does make a marked difference when installed on my awning when it's fully extended

I've yet to purchase "essential" tie-down straps

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[scotjimland]

I've yet to purchase "essential" tie-down straps

I have them,

and also the ally foot plates .. sold by @jezport

http://www.parrotsol.co.uk/index.htm

 

[Fletton]

I have them,

and also the ally foot plates .. sold by @jezport

Where they not supplied as standard !?

 

[scotjimland]

Where they not supplied as standard

should be.. along with a rafter

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[Fletton]

should be.. along with a rafter

Well at least I got a "third" of the essentials.... Whereas.... You got naff-all..

 

[jezport]

if needed, why not supplied as standard ?
from what I've read they can be more trouble than they are worth.. I've read of bent front rails, dented vans when they fell.. etc..

I'll suffer the sag

A centre rafter isn't really much use as you get a see-saw effect when the wind gets under, one arm expands and one contracts. We use and sell rafters for each end of the case, and awning blocker panels can be hung from them. Our rafters have rubber feet either end so cant damage the van if they fall out, but they wont fall out unless the wind is so strong that they snap. We have never had one snap and we use our awning in weather that is too windy for it as we sell from it at shows so rely on it.