Forum Discussion

PDDGM's avatar
PDDGM
Explorer
May 29, 2013

Awning Anchors

I have been worried about going to bed at night and leaving my awning down, it is storm season and you never know when one might blow in. One of MH's here had their awning blown up over the roof earlier this spring, don't want it happening to me.
I went to the Dollar General store today and bought two of the screw in anchors, used for securing a dog to.. Took two of my 12 ft
tie down straps and put the hook on the roller shaft at each end of the awning tube, now my question is how tight should they be. I loosened the knob on the bar on the awning frame and just snugged them down just enough to make the fabric somewhat taunt. I figure any adjustments of the jacks, etc straps will have to be loosened and retightened. Any other suggestions.

Joe
Class A
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    May 30, 2013
    IMHO, when Aeolus releases Anemoi and Aellai from their island someone has to pay the price. If your awning is out it could be sent up and over your coach. Securing it with straps and/or ropes simply means the awning will be torn to shreds instead of the struts being bent. Either way your SOL as far as using your awning without repairs. The best solution is to put it away when you leave the coach. After all, how hard is it to pull out and tighten two screws..:h..just sayin....Dennis
  • PDDGM's avatar
    PDDGM
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    I never leave it out, if we are away for the night or longer. Will try the straps for a week and see. I really enjoy the awning out,got to get some lights, etc. Once we get to Florida for the winter, I am planning on getting one of the shade screens.

    Joe
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    We have always enjoyed the awnings on all of our RV's. My first two motorhomes had manual awnings which provided a lot of shade. I would also tie the ends down when it was windy and had no issues.

    Our newly acquired coach has the automatic Carefree awning. This is also the first coach we've had with a curb side slide out so the awning is higher and provides less shade than the manual awnings we had. This awning will retract if it gets windy but I don't plan to ever leave it out at night or when we are not at the coach.
  • JC2's avatar
    JC2
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    I've always been told that the unwritten "cardinal" rule for awnings, both manual and electric, is to roll them up when absent from the rig or inside for the night. If you need any kind of strapping to secure them because of wind/weather conditions, they shouldn't be out either. Only takes a minute of so to roll them up or you can take your chances; mother nature or murphy's law will beat your a$$ every time.:C
  • peaches_cream's avatar
    peaches_cream
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    After reading Devonm2012 quote I went outside and ripped mine off. I then read the other post and now I'm trying to figure how to put it back on. :S
  • bobkatmsu's avatar
    bobkatmsu
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    Had an awning blow over the roof of my last motor home I had, now am paranoid. I have an electric awning and am afraid to leave it out or tie it down. Afraid of doing damage to the arms. My wife likes to hang lights off it when we go to Gator football games, I'm always worried about strong winds. Good topic. Like to hear more experiences.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    When I snowbird in Fla, I sure appreciate having the awning. I also attach a shade screen so it would be a real chore to haul it in. So ours stays out for two or three months at a time. BTW I do attach clips on the ends to keep it from flapping.
  • SAR_Tracker's avatar
    SAR_Tracker
    Explorer
    May 29, 2013
    PDDGM wrote:

    But hate to, really enjoy sitting out on the patio and enjoying the fresh air. ....


    OK, but it's NIGHT TIME. Unless it's raining, the awning does nothing at night.

    Put it up.
  • PDDGM's avatar
    PDDGM
    Explorer
    May 29, 2013
    Just the average roll out kind, all manual. Elite 5000 is on the
    tag..I guess if I know a storm is coming, then I will just put it up.
    But hate to, really enjoy sitting out on the patio and enjoying the fresh air. I tried to pull the anchors up, but in this dirt around here(Tennessee) couldn't budge them. They are in the ground about 14-16 inches..

    Joe
  • Devonm2012's avatar
    Devonm2012
    Explorer
    May 29, 2013
    Gaspeddler1 wrote:
    tragusa3 wrote:
    Really? we couldn't live without ours.

    I was thinking of getting some anchors, but I'm convinced now to just put it away.


    x2, we spend all our waking hours outside when camping and the awning is a must.


    These coaches are so tall, and the awnings come straight out, so they provide no shade, in my opinion. Yes, we too are outside all the time but don't need the awning, as it provides no shade and no value anyway. I put it out sometimes a couple of feet to cover the top of the tip out, as Newmar does not put a tip out cover over that front one. Therefore, leaves and sticks get up there, etc. Outside of that. Waste of money! Glad you enjoy yours though. :)

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