Securing Awning in wind

[Smitty]

Can anyone tell me how to best secure an auto awning when it is windy outside. My old unit had a manual awning whereas you could you the deflappers, which were great.
I can bungie cord or cable strap the ends of the awning frame to spikes in the ground but it doesn't keep the material from flapping. There is no frame that runs parallel to the sides of the awning material where you can use deflappers. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[buckeyejim]

From my experience with the electric awning, DON'T LEAVE IT EXTENDED when the wind is very strong. I use a 48" bungee cord on each side, hooked in the notch on the arms, secure the bungee cord in the ground with a screw in auger, be sure there is some give in the cord, it is very easy to bend the roller if too much pressure is applied. Never leave it extended overnight, my advise

I really would rather have had the manual pull down awning, like I had on my previous Jayco. Happy Camping!!

[MHbell]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Can anyone tell me how to best secure an auto awning when it is windy outside. My old unit had a manual awning whereas you could you the deflappers, which were great.
I can bungie cord or cable strap the ends of the awning frame to spikes in the ground but it doesn't keep the material from flapping. There is no frame that runs parallel to the sides of the awning material where you can use deflappers. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I never leave my awning extended when it is windy and never overnight. I always retract it before going to bed if it is extended. These electric awnings are very flimsy and weak they will bend and break very easy especially in a high wind.

[Tracylpatt]

Smitty, you can secure an electric Carefree awning using 2x2s and 2x4s. I don't know if I would try with a dometic awning. I'm able to use my deflappers. When I get back down to my camper this weekend, I'll take and post a picture for you. So far my awning has survived some pretty good storms/winds. I personally like keeping my awning out and would rather have a manual awning. Everybody has different needs though and I can see where some people would rather have an electric awning.

[Tracylpatt]

Here is my Carefree awning secured. I used 1 1/2" binding post screws (from Lowe's - Item#137885) to keep the 2x2s secured at the top against the camper. Holes were already in the bracket at the top and I just enlarged the holes to accommodate the binding post screws. The binding post screws do not interfere with the awning while retracted. The 2x4s are freestanding under the awning arms. I have anchors in the ground for the straps. The awning has survived several strong storms so far. Secure at your own risk...

[clutch]

When it getys windy we just push the button.

[Denise]

Nice set-up. Even nicer is that you have the adjustable pitch awning vs the flat pitch. I imagine the set-up would be ideal for someone camping longer than just for a weekend. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Tracylpatt]

Originally Posted by clutch

When it getys windy we just push the button.

The original poster asked about securing the awning, not retracting the awning. The nice thing about leaving the awning out is that we are not confined to the inside of the camper when it is raining. I can still sit outside and relax while it is raining. I don't worry when I leave for several hours about the wind causing any damage to my awning. I've got better things to do than monitor the wind and push a button. It all goes back to personal preference.

[Smitty]

Man I thought you were kidding about the 2x4's until I saw your pictures. I think it's great!! Looks like someone finally may have beat the electric awning. I too would prefer the manual. I could just lower it at night and my camping gear could remain dry if it rained. This new one is way up in the air all the time. I'm going to copy your plans. Thanks.

[thekisally]

Has anyone tried this with the Dometic Awning? Thx

[Larry G.]

Originally Posted by clutch

When it getys windy we just push the button.

You beat me to it!!

It's so easy to do.

[BigJohnD]

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f1...ets-35860.html

Link above. Unfortunately I'm not selling anymore. Have had this set up on a few rigs. Has held in 30 mph plus with no issues. The poles are telescoping / self storing and made of a relatively thick aluminum. Good thing is, you don't have to remove anything. Some people use the adjustable painters poles.

This kit will mount to the A&E 9100, the newer LCI power awnings, and I have seen them on a carefree recently.

[TWP723]

I retract mine if it gets too windy. But breezes, I strap it down with ratchet straps at the corners. Just be sure not to ratchet them too tight. After all, you're just keeping it from ballooning.

[Brownie]

I use ratchet straps attached to pound-in (not screw-in) dog tie-out stakes. I have the Dometic electric awning, and haven't really noticed any issues with "flapping". I leave the awning out most of the time. If the wind gets above about 25 mph or is gusting, and the awning starts "ballooning", it shakes the whole trailer. I that happens, I just take of the straps off and retract the awning. It only takes a couple of minutes, and isn't really that big of a deal. JMHO.

[thekisally]

We are opening and closing the awning all the time. Its really unpredictable when the wind will kick in. The biggest issue for us is the shade that the awning provides. We are facing the afternoon HOT sun. Think we will have to breakdown and build a carport or also looking at the shade sails.

[wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Can anyone tell me how to best secure an auto awning when it is windy outside.

I just close it; problem solved.

[WyEm]

The need for shade is not often the issue when camping in the PNW. It's rain. Opening and closing the awning every time a breeze comes up is not optimal if its raining and the awning is keeping rugs, chairs, tables, shoes and other "camp set up stuff" dry. I got the awning ratchet straps for Christmas, so I will be testing them out this year. If the wind gets too heavy the awning comes in, but I would like to be able to protect my outside stuff from the rain.

[wanderlust]

Originally Posted by WyEm

The need for shade is not often the issue when camping in the PNW. It's rain.

I completely understand, but there is "wind" and then there is "WIND",

[oldmanAZ]

As a sailing enthusiast, I learned the winds to be...

No wind, too little wind, too much wind, much too much wind, and BLAMO!

[jamer]

Spent the winter if Fl. and here is what I did to secure my Dometic electric awning. I used cork screw anchors and tie down straps as many have described, However I added the following to secure the awing down and not move in wind be in a breeze or a mph wind. Got the supplies a Lowe's. You are making two one for each end of the awing.
2 PVC SILVER LINE 1 1/4 inch pipe 5'
2 PVC Silver line 1" pipe 5'
2 1" Tees
4 1"90 Degree pieces
6 1" end caps
1 3' piece of PVC 1" pipe ( this will be cut into short lengths to for the 90 degree and the Tees
2 1" galvanized split ring hangers
2 3/8" thumb screws
1 can of Oatey Regular Clear PVC cement

Sorry I do not have a picture to send with this post but your a making an adjustable support out of PVC pipe to fit at each end of the awning. NOT 2x4's. I would say this is much lighter and will last forever.
I will try to post a pic sometime later if anyone is interested. Used this for 3 months in Fl. for the winter and never had to take the awning down.