Mishap

We had a slight mishap with our motorhome's wind-out canopy while we were away in Pembrokeshire this weekend - it fell off, ripping out some fibreglass and plywood in the process. 

What I think happened is that water had, over the years, seeped into one or all three of the fixings, weakening the interior plywood. The interior plate braces are ridiculously small for the weight, which is attached to nothing more solid than fibreglass and thin plywood, so it was just a matter of time before the whole thing became detached. 

The above photo shows a detached portion of fibreglass with the tiny backing plate attached to it.

Luckily we had some duct tape with which to plug the holes and the canopy itself wasn't damaged beyond repair. Thank God it didn't happen on the move or on the motorway. For coming home we loaded it into the accommodation space through the rear window. 

The holes in the exterior are relatively easy to repair with fibreglass and epoxy and I'm certain I can get a replacement gooseneck for one of the supports that broke off, but I'm loath to put the canopy back in the same position, unless I attach it with much larger, stainless steel backing plates on both the exterior and interior. I could put it on the other side, but then it wouldn't be by the door, which is where it's primarily needed. We do, however, have a Cinch Hub, which we have never used, but it's not ideal and the motorhome door wouldn't clear the top of it if butted up to the door.

Some motorhomes have their canopies attached on the roof to main, structural frames, rather than a sidewall, which lacks any substantial strakes that provide strength.