07-18-2014, 01:34 PM
I'm thinking the structure does get stronger as it moves out since the straighter the arms the more like a beam they become. A straight beam would be stronger than one that zigzags since the forces are straight lines rather than twisting or torquing the beams. So, Girard would be correct that it is stronger when extended (provided I have any clue what I'm talking about)
HOWEVER, that perspective is potentially a bit misleading. If the arms are 10 percent stronger when extended than when more folded but the wind forces are double when extended then that extra strength won't keep you awning from doing something expensive. So yes the arms are stronger in when extended but I wouldn't use that insight to cause me to extend the awning further as the wind speed increases to protect the awning.
HOWEVER, that perspective is potentially a bit misleading. If the arms are 10 percent stronger when extended than when more folded but the wind forces are double when extended then that extra strength won't keep you awning from doing something expensive. So yes the arms are stronger in when extended but I wouldn't use that insight to cause me to extend the awning further as the wind speed increases to protect the awning.
Jon Kabbe
1993 coach 337 with Civic towed