The Good
When we were researching which RV we wanted as our home, one of the features on the wish list was a recessed awning. Many RV’s have the frame of the awning on the outside of the RV, which is susceptible to snagging trees, signs, and other obstacles. Our Bigfoot has a Dometic recessed awning with no outside framework. We felt that not only is it less hazardous but more aesthetically pleasing too.
The Bad
However, six months into our travels, we experienced high desert winds that broke two plastic pieces on the awning; one on the left-hand side of the awning and one on right-hand side.
Our manual said the awning was made by Dometic. We scoured the internet looking for replacement parts, but to no avail. We went to the RV stores, like Camping World and other independent stores. But we had no luck there either. Several people recounted that the company that made our awning was out of business.
The Ugly
We called a local mobile repair company, who over the phone said, not a problem. They fix awnings. But when they arrived, they took one look and said you’re out-of-luck. The company that makes your awning is out of business, so the parts are no longer available.
Our only option was to remove and replace the awning. They also informed us that they would not take the job as they had done it once before and it was too much work. The repair company appeared to know what they were talking about, and that they weren’t even trying to sell us a new awning, adding a bit of legitimacy to their information. With the accumulated input we had gotten so far, it appeared that we were going to be stuck with a major replacement job.
The Lucky
So, we gave up. Kind of. We still had the plastic parts that had broken, so decided to try and ‘glue’ the plastic parts back together using JB Weld. That didn’t work. While trying to repair the plastic parts however, we noticed a tiny sticker in the awning with a company name different from Dometic.
A quick search on the internet, and we found Fiamma’s web site, with an exploded diagram of our awning…complete with a sketch and part number of the plastic pieces! We ordered the parts (great customer service, quick shipping, and good price), and a day later we were installing the parts.
We found out they are shock absorbers… which absorb the shock should the wind start flapping the awning excessively. Over the years, the plastic became brittle and dried out…and subsequently broke.
The Awning
Now that we have had a chance to really use our awning, we have learned it really has a much larger purpose than we thought. That is, we thought it was only to provide shade.
And the awning does provide us with a shady spot to sit and relax. But the awning also shades the back side of our refrigerator, helping it to run more efficiently during the hot, summer months. During rains, it keeps our entrance dry (and reduces the mud and water getting into our home).
We’ve added a screen to give us a little more privacy, a little more shade, and a bit of a wind barrier. We’ve added foot pads (available at Fiamma) to secure the awning legs better. And of course, it makes for a great place to hang our wind chime.
So while the recessed awning is great, just having an awning is even better.
Always grateful.👫
We added a 14 x 8 Tentproinc screen to our awning. It is on a guide wire that goes into the outside awning track and Ken is able to easily install it by himself. It comes complete with a carrying case for storage and anchors. We love that it does not sag from clips at the top. The eight foot height may be a little too high for some preferences. The above photo shows accurately that it must be anchored at an angle. If you would prefer a straight drop, you would choose the seven foot or six foot height.
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