17' Series Do I Need an Anti-flap Kit???

[achjimmy]

The Aussie traveller kit is awesome

Plus 1

 

[macca]

@macca I think I measure 15 times drill once.. found someone posted a how they did it for the hole http://caravanliving.com.au/article/how-to-install-the-aussie-traveller-anti-flap-kit/
A lot more around.. the instructions from Aussie Traveller online is a little lite on info

@davemc. I agree and I will give anything a go. I did mine when I bought the kit. However when I got Tebbs to supply our awning I noticed a new set of holes in the awning tube. The hole has to be oval so the rod off the AFK goes in at the right angle. Their position was that bit better than mine and their fit was perfect. I had the ipad up the ladder watching the clip. I think its one of those things, they are doing it every day so it is second nature. One thing I would say to anyone is if you are getting an awning then let them fit the AFK's. Just my experience.

 

[davemc]

@macca now if the AFK fits I may see if I can get someone to install. We are still 100% sure we will get a annex so I wanted the AFK and some shades to start with

 

[BigSkiddy]

Forgive my ignorance lol, but a lot of people on here talk about having anti-flap kits - do I need one for my awning or is it only if you are setting up an annexe? (I don't have an annexe)

As others have said no you don't need one. IMO it's just another thing to carry and install. I find by dropping the legs one notch after you have tightened the support brace gets it taught enough to stop flapping.
I always fold the awning when away from the van and at night. Yes that means not leaving anything outside but I wont even leave my thongs outside as someone will probably steal them.

 

[Bank of Dad]

I use Aussie Traveller too, plus I guy rope the awning as well.

Even on a light breezy hot summer day, you can still have a strong thermal of hot air which causes very strong wind gusts to pick up without warning.

I fly gliders, and here is what happened to one of our older aircraft. It was sitting on the airfield in light winds when a thermal came through and turned it on its back!

I've also seen the same thing rip awnings too.

 

[macca]

I would use an AFK kit even if I didn't have an annexe. Once you have done it a few times it just takes a couple minutes to put up. On a windy night at 2am you will be glad you did.

 

[bigman0510]

As others have said no you don't need one. IMO it's just another thing to carry and install. I find by dropping the legs one notch after you have tightened the support brace gets it taught enough to stop flapping.
I always fold the awning when away from the van and at night. Yes that means not leaving anything outside but I wont even leave my thongs outside as someone will probably steal them.

Always an option:

 

[twscoot]

An alternative view here. I've never used one but do use the little Velcro straps on each side.
Been set up in huge winds over many years. I also never take the legs off the van.
What I do do is peg down each side if the awning with a spring loaded guy rope.
Cheers
Andrew

 

[Mark73]

I reckon they are well worth it and a centre support also.
Keeps it all ridged and stops the buffering noises at night

 

[Scotty]

An alternative view here. I've never used one but do use the little Velcro straps on each side.
Been set up in huge winds over many years. I also never take the legs off the van.
What I do do is peg down each side if the awning with a spring loaded guy rope.
Cheers
Andrew

I too use Pythagoras theorem of keeping the legs attached to the van . What is the purpose of the Velcro straps?(little 4" jobs with double eyelets right?)

 

[Flossymk1]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I think we will wait until we encounter really windy conditions and see how we go. We're used to tent camping and having flys etc flap away all night long when it's windy, so hopefully an awning won't be as bad

But in saying that of course I would be completely paranoid about the awning breaking if it got really bad, so I guess the '2am mad dash' will be on the cards for now lol

 

[twscoot]

I too use Pythagoras theorem of keeping the legs attached to the van . What is the purpose of the Velcro straps?(little 4" jobs with double eyelets right?)

Ahh Pythagoras. Marvellous man. Had a good eye for angles.
The 4 inch Velcro straps are for wrapping around the legs when it is packed away. I put them on just above the handles used to lock in the arms.
They are just insurance against it all flying out when you are travelling down the highway and the car on you left wonders you decided to unravel your awning to provide them some shade.... And then watches it rip from you van!
Not many vans seem to have them though and I don't think they are 'standard issue'.
Cheers
Andrew