Thule Omnistor 5200 - 4m x 2.5m Tension Rafters?

[WestonDan]

Hi, I know there have been a few similar posts, but not quite what I wanted to know, so was wondering if anyone could advise please. I have a 4m long wall mounted Thule Omnistor 5200 on my Weinsberg, that extends out 2.5m & I have the proper lashing straps that hook on each side and into the ground through spikes, so it can’t damage or blow away in the wind. As we’re typically coastal on our trips, when the wind gets up it flaps around at night and I typically have to get up and wind it in, as the flapping is loud and worrying. Thule do Tension Rafters 2.5m long with 2x clamps, so I was wondering if I bought 2 tension rafters - one for each side and 4 clamps (2 each side), would that stop the flapping, or am I just fighting nature and should just think about winding it in each night? These are the full length tension rafters & not the short ones that are existing on the Omnistor. Any views appreciated.

 

[DaveS]

I don’t have a particular answer to your question, but I researched like you’re doing and ending up buying the deflapper kit! Which are purely clamps for the side and guy ropes, but I haven’t actually deployed them yet.
I imagined the tension rafters would be another thing to carry and a pain to put on as you’d need steps even though I’m over 6 foot.

 

[peterc10]

After seeing the damage that an awning can do to your motorhome when the wind gets under it I always wind mine in when high winds or heavy rainfall are forecast. And I also don't leave it out at night and when I leave the site.

They are designed to primarily provide shade and can't cope with high winds and heavy rainfall. And those tension rafters will not provide much safety in those conditions.

 

[Jon Stewart]

I don’t have a particular answer to your question, but I researched like you’re doing and ending up buying the deflapper kit! Which are purely clamps for the side and guy ropes, but I haven’t actually deployed them yet.
I imagined the tension rafters would be another thing to carry and a pain to put on as you’d need steps even though I’m over 6 foot.

No, you don't need steps to put them on.

You just keep the legs shorter until you insert the rafters and then whatever height you like. They also stop water causing 'bagging' the awning if you add one to the centre.

I keep mine together in a bundle with velcro ties, which are then used for neatly securing the trailing ends of the tie downs.

 

[DaveS]

No, you don't need steps to put them on.

You just keep the legs shorter until you insert the rafters and then whatever height you like. They also stop water causing 'bagging' the awning if you add one to the centre.

I keep mine together in a bundle with velcro ties, which are then used for neatly securing the trailing ends of the tie downs.

Good to know!

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[TCG]

Are these what you mean .. we have three tension rafters and 4 clips that stop the canopy flapping
It works a treat.. in rain and wind

 

[Guigsy]

I've got both the van-to-edge Rafter and the arm-to-arm Magic Rafter Pro. They help, but still the wind doesn't have to get that high to cause flaps and creaks.

 

[WestonDan]

I don’t have a particular answer to your question, but I researched like you’re doing and ending up buying the deflapper kit! Which are purely clamps for the side and guy ropes, but I haven’t actually deployed them yet.
I imagined the tension rafters would be another thing to carry and a pain to put on as you’d need steps even though I’m over 6 foot.

Thanks, you’re right - you’d have to carry a set of steps to get up there, good point. Suppose I’d not mind so much if it solved the problem, but the garage is slowly filling up.

 

[WestonDan]

I've got both the van-to-edge Rafter and the arm-to-arm Magic Rafter Pro. They help, but still the wind doesn't have to get that high to cause flaps and creaks.

Thanks, I think that’s the answer I wanted - am I just fighting nature too much, as anything will flap in a strong wind, regardless of how well it’s locked down.

 

[WestonDan]

Are these what you mean .. we have three tension rafters and 4 clips that stop the canopy flapping
It works a treat.. in rain and wind View attachment 1077600

Ah, yes, these are what I mean. That’s great to know thanks as that’s exactly what I’m thinking.

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[WestonDan]

After seeing the damage that an awning can do to your motorhome when the wind gets under it I always wind mine in when high winds or heavy rainfall are forecast. And I also don't leave it out at night and when I leave the site.

They are designed to primarily provide shade and can't cope with high winds and heavy rainfall. And those tension rafters will not provide much safety in those conditions.

Thanks - good point Think you’re right - understand the aim of the awning.

 

[DavidG58]

We have a full blown safari room which has side beams at each end that clamp the full length of the canvas. A pair of those would do the job, also makes the whole awning far not rigid

I do need a step up to reach though

Once the side panels are in and pegged down nothing moves , I am just about to put ours up I will add some photos as I go

 

[Guigsy]

We have a full blown safari room which has side beams at each end that clamp the full length of the canvas. A pair of those would do the job, also makes the whole awning far not rigid

I do need a step up to reach though

Once the side panels are in and pegged down nothing moves , I am just about to put ours up I will add some photos as I go

My logic was that at that point, you may as well get a full awning.

 

[DavidG58]

15 mins from start to this, I will add the sides later but not the front

The side beams also provide a lot of rigidity as well as clamping the canvas

We also have the centre pole for belt and braces