The two diagonal poles are designed to push the awning out by spring pressure, and the motor aids the opening. When closing, the motor does all the work to roll the awning closed. As far as I can tell, there is only the motor which holds the awning closed. There is also air assist to extend the two verticle wall poles out an additional approx. 3 feet.
I thought the design was better than the typical manual or electric awnings. I guess not.
Mine has wind sensors as well for closing in highwinds while extended.
On my previous Country Coach Lexa, the GFI Breaker tripped which powered the Gerard Awnings which disabled the entire system. The Breaker was defective and I had to Jump the circuit to an adjoining breaker. So, don't count on Wind Sensors! Close your awnings at night and when your not at you Coach!
Jon- The Gerard roof units are enclosed in a aluminum Box, so I do not think they would un- roll while driving down the road.