The answer is to ensure that the awning itself is structurally stable, which in turn means getting the fabric correctly tensed . So why does taut fabric help keep everything from falling apart? The answer can be found in a little geometry and engineering.
Many full caravan awnings and trailer tents are remarkably large These days, the we still want them to be light and simple still erect. Including the steel, alloy or fiber is responsible for carrying the load of the awning, including the wind One solution Just think of a cardboard box with the bottom pushed out, there is nothing to keep it square. One solution adding cross braces would just complicate the frame, make it heaver and more difficult to erect.
This is where the fabric comes in. You may have just been that the fabric is just right there but it has a vital role to play in the awning itself. It has little strength or rigidity in The result is a very stable structure as the tensioned fabric acts as the tension of fabric in the tension while the poles are in the compression into the tension. stabilizing brace across the squares created by the poles.
This is extended to create the required tension in the fabric. We have inscribed tension in fabric the whole awning & # 39; s as will the required fabric tension by providing a number of telescopic pole sections. And just to complain things further need need a third hand to tighten up the screw on the pole fitting.
This problem has not escaped the attention of the inventive caravanner and at least one has turned the idea into reality. Mark Baker makes the Awning Companion , by ing squeezing the trigger (not unlike those bathroom sealant guns) the tools extends to poles one small increment at a time until you ' Once the fabric is taut with the tool in place, it's awesome. It's giving the rise to the fabric. you can just tighten up to pole fitting before removing the tools and moving to the next pole,
There is much less chance of damage to the awning, or for that matter matter the caravan side walls, when everything is tight. You can see the awning companion on a number of camping and caravanning sites and more details can be found on the manufacturer & # 39; s site at www.awningcompanion.co.uk.
