Ripped awning in France.

[Debcel]

Our T5 (2015) awning, which we had already taped back together about three years ago, went again this afternoon after heavy rains last night. We ought, of course, to have rolled the awning in yesterday given the bad weather but isn't hindsight a wonderful thing? We couldn't get the awning back in so cut the material off completely. (We are wont to do stupid things. See prevous posts!) Then, of course, we couldn't get the mechanism back so had to push it in manually and it is now secured with duct tape and bungee cords.
We are in the South of France and planned another week away. Is the van going to be safe to drive? If we need to get it secured more professionally, does anyone know of any recognisned dealerships near Avignon? We have the van booked for a service with SMG once we get home and would like a new awning to be fixed by them, if possible.

Any suggestions welcome. No sarcastic comments please. We know we could have handled the situation differently.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Our T5 (2015) awning, which we had already taped back together about three years ago, went again this afternoon after heavy rains last night. We ought, of course, to have rolled the awning in yesterday given the bad weather but isn't hindsight a wonderful thing? We couldn't get the awning back in so cut the material off completely. (We are wont to do stupid things. See prevous posts!) Then, of course, we couldn't get the mechanism back so had to push it in manually and it is now secured with duct tape and bungee cords.
We are in the South of France and planned another week away. Is the van going to be safe to drive? If we need to get it secured more professionally, does anyone know of any recognisned dealerships near Avignon? We have the van booked for a service with SMG once we get home and would like a new awning to be fixed by them, if possible.

Any suggestions welcome. No sarcastic comments please. We know we could have handled the situation differently.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Post a photo of current repaired state as will then be easier to see if its safe. Roof rack straps might be a better option to hold it tight:



In theory you should still be able to fold it back as the arms work on a cable which fold the metal legs when you turn the hand crank, so might be more damage. If you can't get to move it may work out more cost effective to leave the awning in France, purchase a new one in France...or buy a 2nd hand / or new one when you get home.

 

[Azteccamper]

Give these a ring for advice.

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[Ozzy Pete]

my advice would be to just make sure it’s secure enjoy the rest of your holiday then decide when you get home. There was a big problem with the early awnings made of 2 bits of material and many of them came apart in the warm weather. We managed to get ours replaced by making a third contribution but we were only 6 months out of warranty at the time and it took a lot of haggling to get that. The new awning is one piece material so that’s not going to happen again. Whatever you do don’t leave it in France as the chances are you can either get it repaired or at least sell the parts on eBay.

 

[sbmcd]

I always carry a pack of Zip Ties in the pull out drawer, they would secure your awning and can come in handy for all sorts of things.

 

[Ting Tong]

Just put a strap around the casing about half way along. You’ll have to push the rubber back. It will be fine and won’t fall off. The club shop sell new fabric.

 

[Perfectos]

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[Perfectos]

Wind out awning fabric - we replaced it with stripes!

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[Debcel]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Love the idea of a hand made awning but fitting one would be beyond our capabilities. We've bitten the bullet and are getting a whole new awning fitted. As advised, we'll keep the old one and see if we can sell it on. I'll contact VW to complain but don't hold out much hope of getting anything from them. On the positive side, I've learnt the French for cable tie!