Tensioning the awning fabric on a Thule awning

[dpsuk999]

I thought id post my tip for tensioning the awning fabric without using tension rafters etc. I have a 6m 8000 Thule awning and following the Thule instructions, on the arms are these:

They rely on a small screw screwed into your lead rail so when you wind out your awning and these feet pass the screw you then turn the knob (red dot showing) and when you then wind your awning back in slightly they catch on the small screw and tension the fabric. GREAT, one might think but 2 problems, it relies on the screws being at exactly the same position on either side so the tension is even, and also if you just want your awning out at different positions, then you end up with a million and one screws in your lead rail for the different positions.

i have overcome this problem by using 2 x 7mm round bar (for each arm, so 6 in total, as i have 3 arms) and tapping these in the middle (use a pillar drill) use M4 bolts for one and thumb screw for the other. The one closest to the tension arm is just used as a stop against the tension arm so the bolt is not tight, one one with the thumb screw is pushed upto the stop and screwed tight. Hopefully the picture below explains it:

So all I do now is wind it out as far as i want, slide the stopper to the plastic tension arm piece then slide the thumb screw stopper and tighten it so its tight for each arm and wind it back it to the fabric tensions. JOB DONE.

Hope that makes sense.

P.s you can see the screw hole which had the screw in it prior to me doing this. I ended up with many screw holes!!

 

[G1969]

Good idea, do you want to make a couple more?, if so I will buy them off you

 

[Diabalo]

I just use 2 storm straps with springs, tension them up so the springs are just coming into play then wind the awning back in a bit and the fabric tentions up nicely.

 

[dpsuk999]

Good idea, do you want to make a couple more?, if so I will buy them off you

Sure, I’m just in Italy at the minute so when I get back to the UK I’ll make a few sets for people that want them. Installation is very simple, just remove the end cap on one side and slide them in. They will slide all the way (nothing stopping them). I then use a magnet to hold the stopper with the thread facing you to enable you to screw a bolt in the 1st one (don’t tighten it up so it prevents it from sliding) and the second one a thumb screw and this is the one you tighten when pushed up against the 1st stopper which is against the arm piece as in the photo.

 

[G1969]

Sure, I’m just in Italy at the minute so when I get back to the UK I’ll make a few sets for people that want them. Installation is very simple, just remove the end cap on one side and slide them in. They will slide all the way (nothing stopping them). I then use a magnet to hold the stopper with the thread facing you to enable you to screw a bolt in the 1st one (don’t tighten it up so it prevents it from sliding) and the second one a thumb screw and this is the one you tighten when pushed up against the 1st stopper which is against the arm piece as in the photo.

Brilliant- thank you

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[Howard B]

I use one of these to tension my awing fabric.

Fiamma Magicrafter gives increased strength to the Fiamma Motorhome Awning.

 

[RogerIvy]

We use the tie down straps from here:

home - Motorhome Awning Shades

Motorhome awning sun shades are designed and manufactured here in the UK, to cope with the UK weather and help...

8250.co.uk

We also use his sun shade for extra support and a little privacy in addition to helping with direct sun, wind and rain. Makes a big difference.

Of course you need substantial pegs to make it work.

He usually has a stand at most of the shows.

 

[Manic]

Our Thule awning has these tension arms that go on to arms

 

[Howard B]

Our Thule awning has these tension arms that go on to arms
View attachment 1100197

Do they work OK?

 

[Manic]

Do they work OK?

Certainly do make it more rigid when it’s fully out.

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[dpsuk999]

Our Thule awning has these tension arms that go on to arms
View attachment 1100197

Yes similar to mine but probably different versions:

I assume you have to attach them? Mine are part of the awning arm.

 

[dpsuk999]

Certainly do make it more rigid when it’s fully out.

That was the reasoning why I have done what I have done, you had to have it fully out (to engage the screw) but my method I can have it out any length and tension it.

 

[Flairy]

I don’t quite understand but if it saves putting tensioner bars in I use 2 I’ll buy a couple off you it make it a bit of a job if your trying to take the awning down quickly in the wind and you have to remove 2 tensioners first thankyou.On our 6 meter awning we have three arms and two tensioners

 

[dpsuk999]

I don’t quite understand but if it saves putting tensioner bars in I use 2 I’ll buy a couple off you it make it a bit of a job if your trying to take the awning down quickly in the wind and you have to remove 2 tensioners first thankyou.On our 6 meter awning we have three arms and two tensioners

I use to use tension bars too and it became quite a faff when you want to wind it in quickly, i too have 3 arms and 3 tension arms but find my adaptation much easier and quicker to deploy/remove

 

[dpsuk999]

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