How to secure patio awning

Two Possible Solutions:

To solve the bump your head we used a very brightly colored cloth wrap on the arm with an obstruction (big flower pots) below the arm on the pad. These work to alert you to the arm so you wlk around.

There are anchors for cement that you drive into a hole in the cement. The anchor ends up flush and then use a bolt to secure the awning leg. Anchors here:
http://www.sears.com/simpson-strong-tie-simpson-strong-tie-dia62ss-drop/p-SPM7202014909

You could use an anchor like THIS.

The anchor installs flush with the concrete and provides a threaded insert for a bolt. When you want to detach the awning from the slab, simply remove the bolts and there will be no trip hazard.

There are other wedge-type anchors like this at the local home center that drive in with a hammer but work the same way providing a flush, threaded insert in teh concrete.

I'm not in favor of anchoring the awning down...slows down the roll up process if a sudden wind or storm comes in.

How about brightly colored pool noodles on the arms?

This year we had too many people bumping heads so I installed swim noodles on the rafter arms. Click here for noodles. I kept the noodles in place with ball bungees. Click here for ball bungees. This is a good solution when the patio awning legs are till attached to the motorhome. The bright noodle signals caution.



I'm familiar with the vast variety of cement anchors available at all the big box home centers. I looking for an method to anchor the foot assembly to the cement patio and then to very quickly remove the foot assembly. I would like to be able to remove the foot assembly quickly and without the use of tools.

Our campsite is a seasonal in Florida and each year we return to the same site. At the end of the season we take the motorhome with us. So the next challenge would be how to lineup the motorhome and awning with the exact same spot so the anchors in the cement line up with the awning.

As I'm sitting here on a rainy Florida day I just had a thought. Maybe I should get two 5 gallon buckets and fill them with cement. Then install the foot assembly kit inside the bucket.
On windy days when the awning has to be stowed away the buckets could easily be moved aside. Click here for foot assembly.

I guess the buckets could be painted so they do not look terrible. maybe leave room for some dirt and flowers.

Please keep the clever solutions coming.

downtheroad wrote:
I'm not in favor of anchoring the awning down...slows down the roll up process if a sudden wind or storm comes in.

How about brightly colored pool noodles on the arms?

downtheroad....

Yes those noodles have spared many from "bumping their noodle". LOL


Here in Florida over the years as a snowbird I have become quite efficient at stowing the awning in windy and severe storm conditions.

How far out is the edge of the patio from where the awning legs would sit? We can anchor our awning with regular awning tie downs out to about 5 feet from the awning to the screw in "dog ties". Further if I added more cord to them.

Unless you "own" the campsite, I don't think you'll want to drill holes and put anchors in the concrete patio. If you do own it, then by all means, that is probably the best.

How about using a concrete block at the base of the awning (leg) and then bungie cord the leg to the block? But then you run the risk of stubbing a toe. Maybe bumping your head is less painful.

Have a closer look. My awning detaches at the lower mounting bracket and the part folks run into becomes an upright by swings out from the mw by the width of the tarp. This arm is the height adjustment arm when either attached to the mh or standing upright. The leg height is adjustable to allow for drainage and has a base plate with holes for anchoring. I would not create any sort of permanent anchor. In the event of a significant wind, one would want to have the awning safely retracted. I anchor mine with tent pegs or dog anchors and strong cord with the boy scout bent two hole plate. The angled support column becomes more visible if you throw a towel etc. over it to attract attention and aid in avoiding a collision. One crash usually is sufficient for folks to learn the the awning arm is there. Even in the upright position, folks will walk into the upright or the anchor lines. With time all heals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe you should get two 5 gallon buckets and fill them with cement. Then install the foot assembly kit inside the bucket.
On windy days when the awning has to be stowed away the buckets could easily be moved aside

Cottontop wrote:
Maybe you should get two 5 gallon buckets and fill them with cement. Then install the foot assembly kit inside the bucket.
On windy days when the awning has to be stowed away the buckets could easily be moved aside

Thanks for the GREAT idea !!