Awning straps

Our seasonal camp site is directly across from a farm. Our site almost always has winds strong enough to rattle a manual awning (which we currently have). On our Class C motorhome, we had an electric awning. We purchased a $20 awning tie down kit made by Camco. The kit came with 2 straps, two anchors and 2 7" springs. The springs go between the anchors and straps. The springs allow the awning to move safely. When the wind really kicks up, the springs take the stress of the ground stakes and keeps them from pulling out of the ground.

The tie downs saved us from constantly having to bring the awning in. With the open farm across from us, it is not unusual to get 20 - 30 mph gusts of wind when there is no wind just down the campground road past the farm. Our camper door faces due west. From about 2pm until sun down, about 35 percent of our site is blanketed with sun, so the awning is necessary.

We had a storm that destroyed the tie down's springs, but the awning survived and was used for 2 more years before we traded in the Class C for our current TT. The awning still worked. The $7 springs saved our awning a few times.

If we knew a storm with strong winds were coming, we'd pull the awning in, but there are plenty of times when there is little to no warning. One time we went to bed with no rain in the forecast and no storm warnings at all. Work up at 5:30 am to what sounded like a freight train blowing through the camp ground and a tornado warning alert going off on my smart phone. NWS said we had 60 mph gusts. A Tornado touched down about an hour north of us.

The awning survived and so did the springs.

-Michael

Having witnessed first hand the strength and damage that can be caused by the wind, I do not believe the add on straps provide any protection at all. in addition it interferes with your ability to quickly retract a power awning on a moments notice.
Don't do it!

We got tired of awning flopping. We have awning screen that zips to awning. I use binge cords to cheap harbor freight plastic clamps. Then other end of clamp to handle of 3 gallon bottle. When wind gets to strong (or if I forget) wind will wiggle awning enough that cheap harbor freight clamps break free at handle. Once clamp breaks free, wind is strong enough that I pull awning in. Awning is never left overnight or unattended.
I also do this because a lot of places won't let you drive stakes in the ground.

Ours is not a power awning for that reason. Whenever it is extended, usually it is strapped down to ground stakes. Lots cheaper than replacing one. We really like to have it out to shade the side on the RV. Keeps it a lot cooler. And we like to sit outside in the evening with it out. On rainy days, we can get in and out of the door a lot dryer also. Moderate winds do not cause any problems, but if high winds are predicted, we bring it in anyway. Straps have hooks on the ends, so they are no trouble to detach as the awning is brought down.