If RAIN is forecast, PULL IN your AWNING! - Page 4

TNTBaker · 07-25-2014, 05:01 PM

Thanks Yale, will definitely do this if needed. I contacted Redwood customer service and they have the correct info, and it is in the works. I will definitely update you all when I have all the facts. Still rooting for Redwood. They haven't failed us yet!

TexasRver · 07-25-2014, 05:19 PM

We almost got that t-shirt while we were inside our other unit playing cards in a thunderstorm. I looked out the window and the awning was really bulging, holding about 50-75 gallons of water. I don't know how it didn't rip the awning off of the unit. Ever since then, I always slant the awning pretty radically so it won't catch even a drop. When we got our Redwood, the tech showed us how to cant the awning at an angle, but it requires a ladder or someone kind of tall on the entry steps to make the adjustment. It's too much trouble though. We just only use the awning if we are home.
So sorry about your problem. Hope you get it resolved pronto.

lwg · 07-25-2014, 05:46 PM

We keep ours tilted down as far as it will go, both arms are the same height. Once tilted you just leave it. Ours has been that way for about a year now and no issues even in heavy rain.

Did come home the other day, forgot to close the awning before leaving and it was slamming itself up against the RV with the fabric shooting out of the top due to wind. Thought I'd royally screwed up. Managed to get it closed and no damage. Feel fortunate, usually won't leave it open like that just forgot when I left.

TNTBaker · 07-25-2014, 06:22 PM

Yes, that's what we do, angled sharply down. Water has never collected even a little bit. Wind is a different manner, it will destroy awnings, but it must be a pretty stout breeze... EXCEPT if the awning is installed improperly... then all bets are off ;-)

atom ant · 07-25-2014, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve & Linda

Brad, Thank you for the clarification. Our dealer informed us the Unagard option included the auto-retract. My ignorance to not verify. Sorry to post misinformation.

Oh no worries. Just thought I would show the option that does retract. Did you get the unigard? We did and they are nice, but they couldnt be added with LED?

lwg · 07-26-2014, 03:53 AM

I just checked and my awning arms have 4 bolts on each arm. I'm certain they're the short ones shown. Is that what others have?

I did pickup (10) 1/4" x 1 1/2" SS Lag Bolts to install tomorrow though.

TNTBaker · 07-26-2014, 05:21 AM

I would simply take one out and look at it. If they are like ours you will INSTANTLY know they are not enough bolt to hold those things on. Put the lag bolts in! I wish we had a chance to do that before it fell off.

TNTBaker · 07-26-2014, 05:45 AM

I am not sure what this means. I got an email first thing this morning from RW customer service telling me that "your awning information has been put into the system. Your dealership will be able to help you." Hopefully that's a good thing. If so, then anyone who bad-mouths RW's customer services is going to get my opinion, which is: Two times I have reached out to them with my troubles, and two times they responded immediately and favorably. Again, I'll keep you posted.

ksaltman · 07-26-2014, 07:16 AM

Can you not call RW and ask for an explanation? I would want to set my expectations and know what to expect....

Steve & Linda · 07-26-2014, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atom ant

Oh no worries. Just thought I would show the option that does retract. Did you get the unigard? We did and they are nice, but they couldnt be added with LED?

I seem to recall discussion on the forum quite some time ago that the LED lights were not available with the Unaguard option. Then Redwood changed that and they became part of the upgrade. Anyone on here who remembers it clearly would be welcome to chime in. I have the Unaguard option on both awnings and they came with the LED lights.

0nTheRoad · 07-26-2014, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve & Linda

I seem to recall discussion on the forum quite some time ago that the LED lights were not available with the Unaguard option. Then Redwood changed that and they became part of the upgrade. Anyone on here who remembers it clearly would be welcome to chime in. I have the Unaguard option on both awnings and they came with the LED lights.

When we ordered our RW in November 2012 the LED's were not available with the UNIGUARD option. It was sometime later changed so that they can be provided.

atom ant · 07-26-2014, 03:15 PM

I think it was about a month after we ordered ours

lwg · 07-29-2014, 03:08 PM

Quick question. Does anyone have any sealant on the awning screws that hold the awning arms on? Mine doesn't, just wanted to double check to ensure that's ok.

Radio_Flyer · 07-29-2014, 03:13 PM

No sealant on my screws and no silicone in the threads. I replaced the screws on my second awning last fall and used silicone in the holes just to be sure. Will do the same with the front awning.

TNTBaker · 07-29-2014, 06:17 PM

It's official! RW is covering the awning. PLUS ONE for RW!! I am so happy.
We don't have sealant, but there is the 3M tape there which is like a gasket.

**hoosierguy** · 07-29-2014, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNTBaker

It's official! RW is covering the awning. PLUS ONE for RW!! I am so happy.
We don't have sealant, but there is the 3M tape there which is like a gasket.

That is great to hear that RW has stepped up for you.

0nTheRoad · 07-29-2014, 09:10 PM

Glad to know they are stepping up for you. Now I hope they will issue some type of recall or something similar to correct the hundreds of us who have the same issue!!!

Don and Judith · 07-30-2014, 04:27 PM

Good to hear they are looking after you. I wish the screws had pulled out of mine! RW told me it's an insurance claim for my awning. Even though we had complained about the sag we had in that awning.
Seems if a redwood is in the rain, other than a fine mist, the awnings must be retracted.
This on top of the other issues we've had is making it very hard to be a proud RW owner

johnboytoo · 07-30-2014, 04:46 PM

So if we are to pull it in for rain, that means it's sun shade only ?

and then only if no wind

TNTBaker · 07-30-2014, 07:05 PM

YES, I made that point about the rain!

A. We are Washingtonians! It kinda rains a lot here
B. The awning is SUPPOSED to be used in the rain (if slanted)
C. I was courteous and respectful and therefore gave them the opportunity to be the same (AKA Golden Rule)

Again, RW was great, and I am a happy customer. Their clearly habitual problem with Quality Control is a whole other issue, and something they must get a handle on if they want to stay in this category of coach, but they are on the right track in my opinion so far. Crossed wires, using the wrong bolts/screws and not connecting things correctly are STUPID mistakes, and there is no excuse for this happening again and again. It is costing them dearly in warranty claims, and I bet their weekly meetings have a prominent issue when discussing what the warranty claims tend to be... $$$ that can be recaptured by some training, accountability, and firing of habitually lazy employees. PERIOD. It's not just the repair, but the reputation damage that is so expensive, as we all know. I have seen several people say they would not buy a RW again. That's a shame.

A recall on the awning arms would be expensive to install the right bolts, but it's a lot LESS than the damage caused by replacing at least the arms and possibly paint/body repair and awning fabric, if not more. It's not a question of IF but WHEN these arms break loose. It's a shocking under-secured arm connection. I would advise anyone with the small screws to go ahead and go get some lag bolts and put them in. It's an easy job, easier than trying to get into the service location, and all the downtime. Cheaper too. They don't reimburse you for time and fuel. A quick trip to Home Depot and you're in business. Don't wait for a puff of wind to yank your awning off, because you'll feel like a chump after reading this!

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