Gary,
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. The same thing happened to me in northern Texas during bad weather. We were experiencing wind of about 30 mph and the driver's side Zip Dee opened up (while driving 65) and then recoiled back shut. I stopped and investigated, the center locking clip was not latched (we had just bought the coach). I latched it down and no more problems. The Girard awning never did "open up" only the Zip Dee that was not latched.
Guess I was just lucky.
When you replace the awnings, strongly consider the Girard. I have used it for about 2 years and no problems. It is so nice; just push a button and it opens. Another advantage is the wind sensor; it will close the awning automatically when the wind is excessive. We love it.
Tuga & Karen Gaidry
2012 Honda Pilot