kakampers
Fulltimer
Senior Member
Joined: 04/02/2004
View Profile
|
We've learned from experience to NEVER "hook" anything to the awning roller. We use heavy duty ratchet straps, and simply wrap the strap around the roller tube and hook it back to itself. This allows the roller tube to "spin" in the strap. Any other way can cause the spring system in the roller to break.
We hook the straps usually to the "dog stakes", or we have two foot long re-bar stakes with rings on the end...they never pull out of the ground!
|
danskool
Elma, N.Y.
Full Member
Joined: 07/24/2004
View Profile
|
I second "kakampers"
Dog screws/Springs. Strap around roller tube.
Extra long spikes. Just in case.
Just toss on some deflappers, Pitch/angle the awning for rain run off,and you good to ride out the storm. Been through some windy nights, never had a problem.
Dan
2005 Crossroads Cruiser 27RL
2001 F250 XLT 7.3 PSD
|
KMC6970
Houston, TX
Full Member
Joined: 09/14/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
If you are in Texas don't go to the store if there is a chance of a storm as when you get home your awning will be next door no matter what anchors you have. Lost three awnings in the park this week with just a threat of a storm.
The shade is nice but be weary.
|
PackerBacker
Montreal, Quebec,Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 08/22/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
paulonius wrote: I have the "screw in ground" anchors with the springs and I don't like them. I quit using the springs because of movement and the noise from even slight breezes.
I use the springs to keep some of the stress off the awning hardware but I also give the tie-down straps a couple twists around themselves. This keeps the wind from catching in the straps and being noisy (fluttering). I screw the anchors right into the ground with even the 'handles' almost buried.
Eric
2004 Wildcat 27RL, Honda EU-2000i.
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi, 3.73, Reese 16K, Prodigy,long box, Line-X,
Good Sam's - FQCC/Camping Quebec
My Photos
|
sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
Moderator
Joined: 11/18/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
I used to use heavy duty screw anchors with heavy springs tied the corners and center of the awning tube. The springs absorbed the shocks of gusty winds and the tie downs held the awning material tight. That is why I sued the one in the center of the tube so the middle of the awning wouldn't blow up and down causing the fabric to tear. I set the anchors are angels to the corners and away from the middle of the tube about 4 feet out.
Frank
RV.net blog
For those of you looking for expert advice, here ya go!
Frank
|
|
|
paulonius
Athens, GA
Full Member
Joined: 10/27/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Had the experience of trying to roll up the awning AFTER the wind was up some after midnight at that. It got away from me and the wife. We were lucky no damage was done and we dodged a bullet. Could have been hurt. The thing was a huge sail. Nowadays, weather permitting, I usually roll it up at end of day. And yes, it was in Texas near Aransas Pass where we almost launched ourselves after midnight. I thought then that maybe I should have left well enough alone but I don't trust the "dog stakes" in soft ground. I think I will bite the bullet on THE CLAW but it doesn't look like their ordering form at their website is secure--no lock shown in bottom right of screen. Will call'em.
Thanks again for the replies. This forum has saved me more than once in my wallet and my skin.
Happy camping people.
2001 Chevy 2500HD and a Rockwood 30' Fiver
ONE INCONTINENT POODLE AND ONE YAPPER POODLE: (And why were we not warned about poodles) Is there a recall on Toy Poodles????
Fully retired and no desire to go back.
|
RedRam
Moved from the smallest county in Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 10/20/2003
View Profile
|
The cheapest and probably the strongest i have seen is rebar driven in the ground.Rebar is cheap and it takes up very little room and you can have it bent over to form a eyelet for a rope or strap.I have also seen round concrete with steel in it that sits on the ground.If i decide to tie mine down then the rebar will work for me,maybe even paint them. 
|
carrollti
Sumter, sc
Full Member
Joined: 03/03/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Dog screw in stakes with 2 rachet straps on the awning arm (no springs). We had ours tied down this weekend at the lake and before we new it a storm blew in with at least 40-50 MPH sustained wind speed. Had to help our neighbor hold down their awning (strapped down), didn't even bother ours.
|
NorthernNeck,VA
Montross, Va.
Full Member
Joined: 03/10/2008
View Profile
 Online
|
I don't use anything. I just roll it out and if I leave for any time I roll it in. The other weekend when we left I rolled it in. While we were gone we got heavy winds and rain. That evening I rode around the campground and there were several awning laying on peoples picnic tables and the ripped remains hanging from the campers.
Jimmy & Kathy
Northern Neck, VA.
2008 GMC
2005 King of the Road "Royal Villa" 34BW
|
