Awning Arm Question

thib2722 wrote:
The only advantage to securing the poles to the ground is traffic flow.

If you want to use a room enclosure, the vertical supports will help support and secure the corners.

The only advantage to securing the poles to the ground is traffic flow. It is much easier to walk around that single pole than a eight foot piece of pipe going 45 degrees across the traffic pattern.

We leave ours connected to the trailer most of the time. About two camping trips ago, the back arm was in the way when coming up from the rear of the trailer. I put it in the carport mode, took one of my blocks that I have about 4 x 8 x 1/2 thick drilled two holes in it so I could use tent stakes to hold it down. Works great...

Since my trailer was at a permanent site, I bought an extra set of the clamps that are on the trailer and screwed them into the concrete. I've kept the canopy poles down for 10 years no problems.

We use the arms to hang wet towels and other things. Doesn't work too well if they're vertical. I've got de-flappers and dog augers to tie it down if it's windy. Haven't had to roll it up due to wind yet. And that's good cuz wind usually comes with rain and under the awning is the only place to keep everything dry. I do lower the awning down to about 5' in those conditions.

I've put mine down many times but usually in areas without excessive wind, ie... surrounded by wind breaking trees & then only when camping for more than 2 nights. It really isn't a big deal putting the arms back on the TT as some seem to think it is. pulling out 4 stakes, maybe 2 mins & another min to reattach to camper. No big deal for me.

motorhome never have, on our cabin I do so because of heighth of walls and doors I screw the feet to the deck works well in good weather

I did it once just to see how I liked it, seemed like too much work. I like the awning arms where they sit on the diagonal, I put a table beside it at one end, and the lawn chairs by the opposite end.

If a storm comes quickly, it is less then 2 minutes to rolled-up and locked position (or 10 seconds to full tilt)

I put them out whenever I can because I'm always going thru the ends of the awning to the truck or the back of the trailer..

I just got some large spikes and hammer one in each leg. Works fine and very stable. To get them out, I just grab the arm and lift up with my legs. Spike comes out with some effort, but does hold enough for even some gusty winds.

I don't strap them down, as I will put the awning up if the wind gets that strong anyway.

The whole process takes a minute or so extra... ;)

Anyway, whatever works for you is the way to do it! :) I like being free to walk around without having to go around the arms when attached to the trailer.. But, that's just me.. :)

Mitch

Our's goes into carport mode when I set it up at the beach, and stays that way for the entire week. It has only been rolled up during a tornado warning. Rest of the time. Its car ported. Has worked well for the last 14 years.