Awning Rafters

Awning rafter are the extendable accessory bars that attach between the van and the awning roller through the middle area of the awning to support the awning material.   They shouldn’t be confused with the Anti Flap Kit bars that clamp on the outer front and rear edges of the awning material to provide an attachment point for front and rear annex walls.

Rafters are generally used to eliminate or limit awning flap in the wind, and to a lessor extend assist in shedding rain water.

Wind is the arch nemesis of the caravan roll out awning, and its important to be prepared for strong winds particularly when you least expect strong winds.   The power that is generated by an awning being buffeting in heavy winds will easily produce far more force than any of the awning components can withstand, and once one component succombs the rest will foloow in rapid succession.

We happened to review a caravan park on the NSW coast the morning after a violent storm, and these pics are an example of what wind will do to your awning.   A terrifying and ever present reminder to not take peace and quiet for granted.    The relatively new caravan in the first picture had the entire awning torn off and  suffering significant damage to the van; ruining and bringing to an end an otherwise peaceful and uneventful holiday.   The van cant even be moved in its current state and is at risk of further damage should even a light wind pick up the remnants of what left of the awning and again throw it around

Although awning rafters are certainly usable on their own, they typically come packaged up as accessories with annexes and/or additions to the Aussie Traveler Anti Flap Kits. Unfortunately, often the rafters provided with these kits are inadequate, flimsy and practically useless or well less than appropriate. The video below explains the function of awning rafters, why we have then and what to consider when purchasing and using awning rafters.