Awning tie downs

[Ian Smith]

I am not sure if it is safe to tie the awnings down? Pro's and con's would be great... Ian

[Retired educators]

I tie mine down when I am a snowbird in Florida. I watch the weather daily for the wind. I never leave the RV with the awnings tied down. It can be done one just has to watch the wind conditions for the day. Never tie down during a rain.

[5th_Time]

Good question...

While camping at the beach, an unexpected gust (wimpy) lifted my awning, overcame the struts, and it blew over the roof on my RL. I caught it & wrestled it down just in time, but was shocked how such a brief gust could wreck the awning.

I bought the CAMCO Tie Downs, but haven't used them because they look almost impossible to screw into ground unless you're camping in a wheatfield or something!

Some (SOB) people leave their awnings out in near hurricane weather, and it just settles back down. I'd like to use my awning more without being paranoid when a light breeze comes up.

[markw]

I tie mine also in FL in winter, even when it rains. If it's to be windy, I roll it up. If a night or do I won't tie it.


Mark

[almcc]

We have "the claw" awning tie downs but haven't used them much for the Carefree awnings, the awnings don't seem to be as durable as the older A&E manual ones.

The Claw works well, we also have one to tie down our TV dish tripod. The 10 inch spikes can be driven into most surfaces, even gravel, with a clubbing hammer.

The Claw - C-200 Awning Anchoring System - The Advanced Aircraft Anchoring System - The Claw Tiedowns

[Shane Wood]

I use a sunblocker shade screen that slides down the track on the awning roller. it is anchored down on both ends with bungee coerds. I have never had an awning problem with rain or wind to about 20mph in the last 5 years. if it gets windier than that i will roll it up. Also if we leave for a couple days or the forcast is for heavy wind.

[azandy]

We too tie ours at times but I usually just use the switch. Run it out when needed. Back in the day of manual awnings I think we could leave it out and tied in a hurricane. But these new auto ones, well, yall know. No need to explain how week they are.

[atom ant]

I let mine take some abuse in the wind before I bring them in. They are more durable than you might think. What I don't ever want to think about is going back to a manual awning

[riciren]

I use 2 ratchet strap tie downs with 12 in metal tent stakes, have not had a problem with wind and or rain. I do retract when we leave the redwood for an extended period of time (overnight) or longer.

[S&K]

We recently purchased the sun shade (like Shane was mentioning) and it does tie the awning down. However, we're kinda gun-shy about leaving it open while we are gone or if higher winds or T-storms are expected.

[Char & Steve]

We also have the sun shade but not sure how strong that would be as a tie down or at least the one we have since it has the slip in bracket things that slide into the slots. I just bring it in. Our last MH had the old manual one and I would just use ratchet straps and suck it down well.
We did have one very scary experience in Nashville were a storm came through and it was closed but the winds were strong enough to actually lift the MH off its jacks. Hope that never happens again.

Steve

[johnboytoo]

I got my bro-in-law to make me some hooks that i could stand on the ground and slip over the roller, we hooked that to some industrial strength bungees and dog tie outs to hold it down with the rw...

have had a need to use it with the mh yet...

[formulabill]

I have the Awning tie down kits with the springs. I had spikes made that are about 14 in. long, I drive them down at a 45deg. angle and attach my kits and have never had a problem. The only time my awnings are retracted is when its time to travel. I do check the straps and tighten them when needed and enjoy the comfort of the awnings. I do have the awnings angled down so rain just runs off with no problem.

[travelin' texans]

0903141349.jpg
Vista Shades by Shade Pro tied down with the Camco spring kit. Leave them tied down as much as possible.

[formulabill]

I have the light strips in my awnings , isn't that where you connect your shade kit? I have used the Camco spring kit for a lot of years and never had an awning with it .

[travelin' texans]

Sorry, no leds, don't know where they're mounted. If I were to mount them they would be on trailer not on awning tube, want to enjoy without unrolling the awning.

[formulabill]

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Sorry, no leds, don't know where they're mounted. If I were to mount them they would be on trailer not on awning tube, want to enjoy without unrolling the awning.

I see you tow with a Denali, did you have to adjust your fifth wheel hitch to keep from riding high in the front?

I have the same rv and tow with an 2014 Denali and having a little tire wear problem. Just wondering if the height difference with the new dually is causing my problem.

[Shane Wood]

Originally Posted by formulabill

I see you tow with a Denali, did you have to adjust your fifth wheel hitch to keep from riding high in the front?

I have the same rv and tow with an 2014 Denali and having a little tire wear problem. Just wondering if the height difference with the new dually is causing my problem.

what kind of tire wear problem are you having. Truck or trailer

[S&K]

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Sorry, no leds, don't know where they're mounted. If I were to mount them they would be on trailer not on awning tube, want to enjoy without unrolling the awning.

The LED light strip is mounted in one of the grooves of the Carefree Awning we have. It's right near the flap when extended. The other groove we have the sun shade installed in.

And yes, you do have to have it extended to enjoy the light.

[formulabill]

Trailer, just lowered my fifth wheel hitch to add more tongue weight. Was running nose high with the new truck. Have only made very short hops since lowering so don't know if problem is solved. Seems like the new truck was kind of scuffing all 4 tires.