By Madame Escargot 
We have had issues with our awning from the go. Although we are now generally less fearful of the flapping than we were initially, there remains some worry of potential damage.
Our awning is a 4 metre Fiamma, and was fitted to the van as an option when we purchased. It flaps in the slightest breeze. Many the night we have had to go out in the dark, in wind and rain, to reel the damn thing in. We have tried tie-downs (and managed to deform the awning to the extent that it wouldn’t close properly) . They remove most of the worry regarding tearing out the pegs and the awning becoming a sail, but the awning cloth still billows and flaps. It’s noisy.
We wander round sites, looking at other awnings, and wonder why they don’t billow as our does. Perhaps because they are mainly Thule awnings? Maybe Thule are better, or maybe our Fiamma was not properly installed at the dealership.
We do not know.
Mr Snail has long pondered the use of a rafter, which should theoretically tighten things up a bit. Finally, finding ourselves stationary for a month, this seemed the time to order one.
It arrived yesterday. We fitted it. It consists of an extensible tube rafter, with two clamps. The claps are designed to fit to the elbows on the folding side-beams. The centre beam is rendered defunct.
So far, so good. Windspeeds yesterday were forecast to reach low thirties. We left the awning out all night, and had a restful night.
Much depends of course on wind direction.
We will monitor and observe. An update will ensue.
Just one thing…
…we have NO idea how we are going to transport the rafter!
Purchased/Delivery 12/05/2025
13/05/2025 21 Km NW – no flapping