The Aussie Traveller Curved Roof Rafters go hand in hand with the Anti Flap Kit. These roof rafters tighten up the top of the awning and stop any rain from concaving on your awning. They are lightweight, very strong and very simple to put in place. We use these every stop when the awning is out, as they only take about a minute to put in place. They are a great accessory to have with the van and we wouldn’t be without them.
The rafters are used to keep the vinyl roof from sagging, ensuring 100% water run-off, as well as keeping the fabric tight and reducing wind flap. The best results are achieved when used in conjunction with Aussie Traveller’s Anti Flap Kit.
The Curved Roof Rafter was introduced into their range of products to help overcome two common problems experienced by travellers, including ourselves until we purchased both the rafters and AFK:
- Wind flap. Wind flap in the awning causes the caravan to shake which can lead to restless sleeps plus cause damage to the awning, frameset, roller and fabric. We spent many a night being awoken or staying awake from wind until we installed the AFK. Now, unlike some other travellers who will roll their awning up at night with the slightest sign of wind, we can leave ours out without a worry in the world.
- Water pooling. Many travellers don’t realise the damage water pooling can do to awnings, and while over time the rafters may slowly stretch the fabric of your awning, they also prevent any water sitting on the awning – another bonus if you’re free camping and trying to catch rainwater runoff.
The benefits of using the Curved Roof Rafter were immediately obvious to us, and we would strongly recommend them for all travellers no matter what size awning you have. They can be used with any of the popular brands of roll out awnings provided the recommended minimum usage for the awning size is followed, as below.
Awning Size Recommended
11′ and under: 1
12′ – 16′: 2
17′ – 20′: 3
21′ and over: 4
Note: Curved Roof Rafters and Awning Fabric Stretching
Be aware that fabrics of all brands of awnings will stretch – some more than others – when curved roof rafters are used, but simple steps can be taken to minimise this. Maximum stretch happens in hot weather, but if the rafters are removed and the fabric allowed to cool overnight prior to rolling away for travel the stretch is minimized.
Personally, we can’t see any drawback at all big enough to stop someone from using these rafters. We haven’t regretted our usage of them at all, and would never be without them again.