We use an adjustable aluminium tent pole with a 25mm claw clip to keep the pole from bending. We've had a few poles bend over the years. Like your experience, it's mainly when the wind walls are up and wind is high.
Great review and good repair idea! I've just purchased a used awning and room (2m.x2.5m) and it was a great deal because of the sail track damage you experienced. Now I know how to sort it out ;-) I like the idea of a center support for the side extension poles. Mostly because I want to keep the tent room sides from flapping inwards. I would not be hard to add ties to the room to attach it to the center support. And a side and/or end awnings would be a great windbreak for the room. Cheers from over here! (an American in England)
Use additional tie-downs attached at the top of the frame. I have a 10x20 stand-alone canopy. To aid in securing it, I use ratchet straps attached at each post (6 posts) For soft ground I also use dog tie out corkscrew style stakes. I use small straps that are relatively inexpense. They do a good job. To save a bit on weight, even clothesline rope can be used to add more tie-downs to this setup. Use a grommet kit to add additional tie-out points, if needed. Hope this helps.
Helpful hint, never use a hard line to the ground on a wind break. Use a bungie cord at the ends firm. It can withstand pretty much every heavy wind or rain. Bounces instead of tearing.
Great advise! We learned to do that when setting up the Kelty tarp. We'll definitely have a go at using bungies with the wind breaks and see how it works.
@@wobblyotteroutdoors I just got my ARB mounted after 2 years. Had to make my brackets. But i made my own tarp system and in 90 degree heat and 20 mph winds and it worked wonderfully. I resorted to that only because I waited 6 months for my ARB and my system work amazing well.
I think your best best would be a horizontal brace tying into the opposite telescoping pole. Keeps it out of your way and should add enough rigidity. I’m thinking 2 pieces of electrical conduit one with the OD same size as ID of the other so they’ll sleeve, and a hole drilled through both to pin in at the right length.
I had the same problem when I first used the side windbreak. I'm thinking I will buy a spare ARB vertical pole and figure out a way to attach some sort of saddle to the top. I would then be able to use it as an adjustable central support for the horizontal ARB pole when I use the windbreak.
i’m actually making an extension to my awning using the side windbreak on my awning. i was concerned about the bending as well on the side arms when test playing with things at home. once my extension is made i might make a windbreak if i need it with a tarp. i have a 4x8 on my car hence wanting the extension . just ideas to play with
Great video you guys. Thanks! Gets me thinking about our popup. One thing I don't like about the popup is the awning. We never (and I mean ever) use it. It's a good idea on paper, but it's essentially a kite with a couple spindly legs on it. Actually - I lied. I have tried to use the awning twice. Deployed it and staked the legs down, but it's always breezy to windy at some point in the day and the stakes don't hold down the legs well enough. At this point, I start to get jealous of RV owners who have automatic awnings. I have to get stepladders out and try to stow our kite/awning as the wind is starting to get nuts. It's not my favorite. So.......we (almost) never ever use the awning. But we still need some shade!! Anyway - We might have to look into something like this if we can figure out a way to stabilize the awning more. See you in the hills..............................................AO
Maybe get some small diameter plastic covered cable that will fit inside the track. Fold over the edge of your windbreak material and sew it - in from the edge lengthways enough that it makes a sleeve/tube big enough that you can slide the plastic covered cable into. Cut the cable to fit just inside the sleeve/tube then sew up the ends.
Do you remember what that awning room zippered strip was called and part number? As for the solution either a heavier built spreader bar and fit the awning fittings into each end or a vertical pole as you said with a c clip on the awning end. Then you could put that vertical pole out on an angle much like the windbreak as the c clip top would rotate
Jeff, I'm sorry that I no longer have the part number. I called ARB and told them what I needed. This link has their phone number: arbusa.com/contact-us/ They gave me the part number pretty quick on the phone. Then I contacted a local ARB dealer and they ordered the part for us. Thank you for the suggestions on the bending bar.
i say order a spare front awning post. figure a way to quick attach/detach it midway on the side pole and extend it at an angle, staked at the bottom. you wont lose space and youll have the benefit of the adjustable design
My awning pole got bent not with wind but weight of water pooling with heavy rain, it's an easy fix but $. Will get a curved spreader pole for the middle to help support the two arms and provide run off.
Hi Rob. The ARB windbreaks are the same material as the ARB awning. I don't know if it's square. I can't readily find exact dimensions and haven't measured it. This is the link to the ARB website page with information about all their awnings, windbreaks and related info. arbusa.com/tents-awnings-camping/awnings-accessories/
Thanks for this review. We just ordered the ARB awning and haven't chosen yet between the wind breaks or the fully closed room with a floor. Have you tested them under the rain?
You're welcome. Thank you for watching. We've been real happy with the ARB awning. We've used the awning in rain, but haven't had the wind-breaks up in the rain. For the awning we've learned that if it is going to rain, to drop one corner pole really low. This way the water will run off readily and not pool in the top. If the wind-breaks are attached when that pole is dropped, then the wind-breaks would need to be adjusted so that they are taught to keep them from popping in the wind. We have the ARB room and have set it up at home, though haven't used it in the wild. On our camper, the awning height is kinda low so the walls of the ARB room puddle on the ground - the sides are not taught at all. On at least one side wall of the room, there are 3 zippers that meet at floor level. In the wind, the loose, flapping walls cause those 3 zippers to open up. Someone in the Escapade Facebook Group said that they raised the height of where their awning attachment so that the walls could be smooth and tight when staked out - and not flappy.
Thank you for a good review. Any update on the idea of supporting the size arms? Did you ever add an outer support pipe to cover the over lap of the support arm? Thanks, Skillet
@@wobblyotteroutdoors Hi - have you come up with a solution, yet? If I'm understanding Mark's suggestion correctly, could you measure out the piping connections so that you'd have the option to support it on your table? If the table were strong enough? I know it would still be in the way, but at least that way you could locate the table where you like it. Thanks for this very helpful review!
We have not implemented a solution yet. We did replace the bent awning pole with a new one purchased from ARB. If using a vertical support pole, we'll use the ground to support it for optimal stability. Our little camp tables are light-weight aluminium with slat tops and might bend or break under the force of a support pole.
So the side windbreak is actually the one that slants toward the front end of the vehicle? Can anyone confirm? The internet, even the ARB website isn't helping me out with this question.
Awesome! You're so right, it isn't easy to tell by looking on at any of the online product listings. These are links and the part numbers from the our video description, plus a little more, in case it helps anyone who happens upon this thread. (These are Wobbly Otter affiliate links and we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.) * ARB Front Windbreak 2500, part number 813107: amzn.to/2M6UTiV The front windbreak attaches to the awning by sliding the windbreak's full length material covered plastic cord into a a channel in the awning's front brace. The two awning poles are on either side of the Front Windbreak. * ARB Side Windbreak 2100, part number 813403 (also fits the 2500 awning): amzn.to/2EyrPux The side windbreak attaches to the awning arm/rafter with large velcro straps. The Side Windbreak in our setup in the video is out toward the back of the camper. The camper is on one side of the Side Windbreak and the awning pole is on the other side.
Don't have an ARB awning yet. Thanks to folks like you I am in the process of acquiring one. Working in the field for many years I have found that 5-gallon buckets filled with dirt are perfect for weighting the guy ropes. Buckets do take up some room but weigh next to nothing. Also, I like the PVC idea from another viewer as a vertical brace centered on the cross-bar for more support.
No, the batwing awning was not available when we purchased our camper. We have considered adding a batwing awning, but the attraction hasn't been strong enough to cause us to pull the trigger.
We use an adjustable aluminium tent pole with a 25mm claw clip to keep the pole from bending. We've had a few poles bend over the years. Like your experience, it's mainly when the wind walls are up and wind is high.
Great review and good repair idea! I've just purchased a used awning and room (2m.x2.5m) and it was a great deal because of the sail track damage you experienced. Now I know how to sort it out ;-) I like the idea of a center support for the side extension poles. Mostly because I want to keep the tent room sides from flapping inwards. I would not be hard to add ties to the room to attach it to the center support. And a side and/or end awnings would be a great windbreak for the room. Cheers from over here! (an American in England)
Cheers to you in England. Thank you. Your ideas are awesome and sound like they will work beautifully together.
I have learned that even though I want to use my awning, sometimes I have to make the decision to stow it.
So true that.
Use additional tie-downs attached at the top of the frame. I have a 10x20 stand-alone canopy. To aid in securing it, I use ratchet straps attached at each post (6 posts) For soft ground I also use dog tie out corkscrew style stakes. I use small straps that are relatively inexpense. They do a good job. To save a bit on weight, even clothesline rope can be used to add more tie-downs to this setup. Use a grommet kit to add additional tie-out points, if needed.
Hope this helps.
Thank you, Lee.
we had the same problem, I am considering replacing the tubes with stainless steel. I think a bit stronger,
grts
Frederik from Belgium
A nice direct fix, with the least finagling.
Helpful hint, never use a hard line to the ground on a wind break. Use a bungie cord at the ends firm. It can withstand pretty much every heavy wind or rain. Bounces instead of tearing.
Great advise! We learned to do that when setting up the Kelty tarp. We'll definitely have a go at using bungies with the wind breaks and see how it works.
@@wobblyotteroutdoors I just got my ARB mounted after 2 years. Had to make my brackets. But i made my own tarp system and in 90 degree heat and 20 mph winds and it worked wonderfully. I resorted to that only because I waited 6 months for my ARB and my system work amazing well.
Bravo! Now that's a true test.
I think your best best would be a horizontal brace tying into the opposite telescoping pole. Keeps it out of your way and should add enough rigidity. I’m thinking 2 pieces of electrical conduit one with the OD same size as ID of the other so they’ll sleeve, and a hole drilled through both to pin in at the right length.
Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, Jason
We appreciate it.
Always love your reviews! New subscriber here. Glad I found you guys!
Thank you, Sheryl! We're glad to have you as a subscriber.
I had the same problem when I first used the side windbreak. I'm thinking I will buy a spare ARB vertical pole and figure out a way to attach some sort of saddle to the top. I would then be able to use it as an adjustable central support for the horizontal ARB pole when I use the windbreak.
Excellent.
Suport middle pole on the side wall awning.
I wanted to extend the awning with the windbreaks. is it a good idea to use tent poles?
i’m actually making an extension to my awning using the side windbreak on my awning. i was concerned about the bending as well on the side arms when test playing with things at home. once my extension is made i might make a windbreak if i need it with a tarp. i have a 4x8 on my car hence wanting the extension . just ideas to play with
Great video you guys. Thanks! Gets me thinking about our popup. One thing I don't like about the popup is the awning. We never (and I mean ever) use it. It's a good idea on paper, but it's essentially a kite with a couple spindly legs on it. Actually - I lied. I have tried to use the awning twice. Deployed it and staked the legs down, but it's always breezy to windy at some point in the day and the stakes don't hold down the legs well enough. At this point, I start to get jealous of RV owners who have automatic awnings. I have to get stepladders out and try to stow our kite/awning as the wind is starting to get nuts. It's not my favorite. So.......we (almost) never ever use the awning. But we still need some shade!!
Anyway - We might have to look into something like this if we can figure out a way to stabilize the awning more. See you in the hills..............................................AO
Thank you for the kind words. Good luck on your search for an awning. Hope you find a viable solution.
Great video new subscriber here 🙂👍
Thank you very much on both counts.
We welcome you to visit our channel to get connected 🙂
6-8 ft adj.poles
Good news got the zipper strip today
Woo hoo!
Considering building my own windbreak. Any guidance/ideas on how to build up the top edge that fits into the track? thanks.
Maybe get some small diameter plastic covered cable that will fit inside the track. Fold over the edge of your windbreak material and sew it - in from the edge lengthways enough that it makes a sleeve/tube big enough that you can slide the plastic covered cable into. Cut the cable to fit just inside the sleeve/tube then sew up the ends.
Do you remember what that awning room zippered strip was called and part number? As for the solution either a heavier built spreader bar and fit the awning fittings into each end or a vertical pole as you said with a c clip on the awning end. Then you could put that vertical pole out on an angle much like the windbreak as the c clip top would rotate
Jeff, I'm sorry that I no longer have the part number. I called ARB and told them what I needed. This link has their phone number: arbusa.com/contact-us/
They gave me the part number pretty quick on the phone. Then I contacted a local ARB dealer and they ordered the part for us.
Thank you for the suggestions on the bending bar.
Thanks for the prompt reply. I knew it was a long shot. I get in touch with ARB.
i say order a spare front awning post. figure a way to quick attach/detach it midway on the side pole and extend it at an angle, staked at the bottom. you wont lose space and youll have the benefit of the adjustable design
Thanks, @Andrew Medeiro! Having a support post, under the middle of the post that sags would definitely offer the most stability. I like it.
My awning pole got bent not with wind but weight of water pooling with heavy rain, it's an easy fix but $. Will get a curved spreader pole for the middle to help support the two arms and provide run off.
An excellent solution!
Is the side awning square? Is it also 2500 x 2500? Also is the side windbreak the same material as the awning or is it a lighter gauge? Thanks
Hi Rob. The ARB windbreaks are the same material as the ARB awning. I don't know if it's square. I can't readily find exact dimensions and haven't measured it. This is the link to the ARB website page with information about all their awnings, windbreaks and related info. arbusa.com/tents-awnings-camping/awnings-accessories/
Thanks for this review. We just ordered the ARB awning and haven't chosen yet between the wind breaks or the fully closed room with a floor. Have you tested them under the rain?
You're welcome. Thank you for watching. We've been real happy with the ARB awning.
We've used the awning in rain, but haven't had the wind-breaks up in the rain. For the awning we've learned that if it is going to rain, to drop one corner pole really low. This way the water will run off readily and not pool in the top. If the wind-breaks are attached when that pole is dropped, then the wind-breaks would need to be adjusted so that they are taught to keep them from popping in the wind.
We have the ARB room and have set it up at home, though haven't used it in the wild. On our camper, the awning height is kinda low so the walls of the ARB room puddle on the ground - the sides are not taught at all. On at least one side wall of the room, there are 3 zippers that meet at floor level. In the wind, the loose, flapping walls cause those 3 zippers to open up. Someone in the Escapade Facebook Group said that they raised the height of where their awning attachment so that the walls could be smooth and tight when staked out - and not flappy.
@@wobblyotteroutdoors thanks for all this info. Will have to study what is the best solution for us when we receive the awning.
Thank you for a good review. Any update on the idea of supporting the size arms? Did you ever add an outer support pipe to cover the over lap of the support arm? Thanks, Skillet
You're welcome, and thank you. We replaced the bent pole. We haven't done anything to further support the poles.
I think you could used pvc piping, several joints so it easy to stow with a 1 inch to 2 inch T connector at the top sawed in half for a saddle?
Using a split T-connector as a saddle support is an especially inspired idea! Thank you.
@@wobblyotteroutdoors Hi - have you come up with a solution, yet?
If I'm understanding Mark's suggestion correctly, could you measure out the piping connections so that you'd have the option to support it on your table? If the table were strong enough? I know it would still be in the way, but at least that way you could locate the table where you like it. Thanks for this very helpful review!
We have not implemented a solution yet. We did replace the bent awning pole with a new one purchased from ARB. If using a vertical support pole, we'll use the ground to support it for optimal stability. Our little camp tables are light-weight aluminium with slat tops and might bend or break under the force of a support pole.
So the side windbreak is actually the one that slants toward the front end of the vehicle? Can anyone confirm? The internet, even the ARB website isn't helping me out with this question.
And yes, figured it out. The side points toward teh front end of the vehicle.
Awesome! You're so right, it isn't easy to tell by looking on at any of the online product listings.
These are links and the part numbers from the our video description, plus a little more, in case it helps anyone who happens upon this thread. (These are Wobbly Otter affiliate links and we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.)
* ARB Front Windbreak 2500, part number 813107: amzn.to/2M6UTiV
The front windbreak attaches to the awning by sliding the windbreak's full length material covered plastic cord into a a channel in the awning's front brace. The two awning poles are on either side of the Front Windbreak.
* ARB Side Windbreak 2100, part number 813403 (also fits the 2500 awning): amzn.to/2EyrPux
The side windbreak attaches to the awning arm/rafter with large velcro straps. The Side Windbreak in our setup in the video is out toward the back of the camper. The camper is on one side of the Side Windbreak and the awning pole is on the other side.
X braces on the roof
Don't have an ARB awning yet. Thanks to folks like you I am in the process of acquiring one. Working in the field for many years I have found that 5-gallon buckets filled with dirt are perfect for weighting the guy ropes. Buckets do take up some room but weigh next to nothing. Also, I like the PVC idea from another viewer as a vertical brace centered on the cross-bar for more support.
Thanks for watching and the awesome ideas.
Was the Batwing awning available from the builder when you ordered your camper? If so, what made you choose the ARB over the other style?
No, the batwing awning was not available when we purchased our camper. We have considered adding a batwing awning, but the attraction hasn't been strong enough to cause us to pull the trigger.