The only time I see value in using it is when the awning is deployed when it's raining. It can help keep water from collecting on the top of the awning, bit proper sloping on the awning can do that almost as well.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
I always use it in heavy rain even though it causes two pools rather than one. I often put up make-shift sides to form a room and can't lower the legs so water can run off without pooling.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
I'm new to the Fiamma business and have not used it yet.
My main use is in rainy situations. The ARB awning I used a couple of years had not problem with water bubbles, pools if I lower one side.
So my question would be if it is really nessesary to use the Rafter during rain if you lower one side of the awning?
In addition to the rain, I regularly use the rafter when it’s a bit breezy…makes a very big difference in how much it flaps in the wind and cuts the noise. Now, friends shouldn’t let friends deploy their fiamma awning in the wind, but if it’s just a bit breezy it’s very useful. YMMV.
So my question would be if it is really nessesary to use the Rafter during rain if you lower one side of the awning?
Probably not. My issue is if I lower the legs enough to totally shed the rain, my doors (one or the other or both) drag against the rails which keeps me from fully opening the doors. Maybe it's specific to my build where it's mounted or my older Ford body type so YMMV. As mentioned I often enclose the awning to create a spot I can get into out of the rain/cold and set up a propane fire inside.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Doors hitting is not specific, Just the way it is.
I might think about a rafter later on. Now after the first real trip and using the awning once during rain, I can hear you guys about flapping and pooling.
Yes I know that problem with the doors. But this is manageable. If you lower the rear the side doors should open fully. Or I do not open them fully ;-).
Another thing I'm wondering about is whether the flapping could be avoided if you use tie down guy rope. That should pull on the canvas.
At least my ARB awning works like that. But that one has a diffent construction.
Additionally I will get a side rafter pole where I can hang a windbreaker sidewall (ARB). Unfortunately you cannot use the middle rafter on the side. The side spring rafter has got different brackets to be fixed to the awning casing.