I just joined the forum after looking around on it for a while-you all seem really knowledgable and willing to help some newbies!! Yep we bought our first TT a month ago and trying to learn as much as possible to make our new adventures enjoyable:) We bought a 2013 Wildwood 27 RLSS that was only used 5 times so it's like brand new with a lesser price tag!My question today is what do you all use for tying down the awning, or do you not tie it down?Vicki in MN

There are inexpensive kits available, from most RV supply houses. Basic kit consists of hooks that screw into ground (like canine ties) and lines that loops over both ends of the awning tube. This type of kit has kept our carefree awning secure at ocean beach and AZ desert. Hint, do something to make the line to the ground visible.

If you have an electric awning, you don't want to tie it down. If it gets 'that' windy, roll it up.If you have a manual operated awning, you got a couple options. 1) Roll it up, or 2) tie it down. However, if the wind becomes too strong, you want to roll it up regardless.But for moderate wind, air movement, to keep it from flapping, there's several ways to do it. The thing you do not want to do is anchor the awning down solid with ropes directly to a tree or to a tent stake. You need some kind of flexibility in the line which will prevent you from over tightening the line and potentially bending your awning arms.Here's a very easy and inexpensive way to do it. Get a couple dog screw anchors that you'd leash a dog to:Screw these in the ground about 5-10 feet out from your extended awning. Then use a bungie cord on each anchor (to act as a spring), and then tie a rope around the awning roller arm and catch it with the other end of the bungie cord. You do not want to draw the bungie cord tight, just nice and springy.All you are doing is keeping the awning from flipping over the top of the trailer in the event of a huge wind gust. The bungie cord 'spring' will allow the camper to shake and wiggle in the wind without stressing the awning arms being anchored to something fixed. Also, will prevent you from over tightening the rope (or if you perfer, use a ratchet strap).The reason you do not want to tie down an electric awning, is because they are spring loaded, and actually made to move in the wind, and self-tilt if they pool with rain water.

Good suggestions above and Welcome to the Forum..I'm not a fan of tying down awnings... A tied down awning takes longer to roll up and that extra time can be a problem if a sudden wind comes up or a storms sneaks in....and it does.If it gets goo windy for the awning to "survive" on its own, we roll it up. Have seen a number of awnings destroyed while tied down...usually causing damage to the trailer as well.Also if we leave camp for the day, we always do two things:>shut off the water supply>roll up the awning Notice this one was tied down....:E

No tie downs.Storms come up quick and it takes longer to remove tie downs and get awning rolled up in time. And rolling it up is what saves the awning.

I just loop ski rope around the ends. Drive big stake into the ground, and tie it off. You can buy, or make guy wire tightners to use to tighten the ropes. If need be. they can be realeased with the flick of a hand. We put our awing out when we setup, and don't take it down until we break camp to go home. Unless there is a hurricane or like. Contrary to what some think. they can take a pretty strong wind, and tying them down. Keeps the wind from shaking the TT.

Awning tie downs | Good Sam Community

mosseater
Explorer II
May 05, 2015
we have the tie down kit with the straps and springs, but I've taken to using cam buckles with the springs and water jugs instead of ground anchors as more a dampener rather than a rigid tie down. I only use it if I'm going to be around and it's windy. When we leave I frequently put the awning down the whole way. If it's really windy, I'll roll it up. I don't like letting it out and unattended if there's a chance of wind.
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 05, 2015
Mr. Camper wrote:
We've been camping for just over 23 years and as of now the score is Mother Nature 17 and awning tie-downs 1. Never bet against a sure thing.

So you are saying you have lost 17 awnings??????
Mr__Camper
Explorer
May 04, 2015
We've been camping for just over 23 years and as of now the score is Mother Nature 17 and awning tie-downs 1. Never bet against a sure thing.
RDMueller
Explorer
May 03, 2015
We have a Wildwood too and ours has the Solera electric awning, chances are you have the same awning. The manual specifically states that you shouldn't use tie downs. I agree with others, roll it in if the wind picks up.
dadmomh
Explorer
May 03, 2015
For us, same as above except that we'd run for the door and hit the button.
Vicki_in_MN
Explorer
May 03, 2015
Thank you all for the input-it is much appreciated. I should have said we do have an electric awning.

Vicki in MN
dadmomh
Explorer
May 03, 2015
Completely agree on the NO tie downs and always putting the awning in when leaving the campground. On a visit to a beautiful MS state park we had just finished setting up overlooking the lake and it was time for a glass or two and some relaxation. Truly in a matter of seconds a storm blew in with absolutely no warning and we had just enough time to get out of our chairs and each of us grabbed an awning arm and held on. DH managed to grab the line and we got it rolled up with no damage. Others in the CG weren't so lucky. That was also about the last time I put up our Tacky Lights...fortunately we put them up with 1" binder clips, so all we had to do was give them a hard pull to get them down so we could get the awning up.
rbpru
Explorer II
May 03, 2015
I have an electric awning that goes straight out. I tie a couple ropes to the ends and hammer in a couple of tent stakes.

For really windy days I roll it up.
hbillsmith
Explorer
May 03, 2015
A guy named "oldcoot" on the Forestriverowners forum sells an awning tie down kit that is pretty neat. Go to that forum and their classified section. He is so popular his item stays at the top of the list. That thread has pictures and 100's of accolades.
downtheroad
Explorer
May 03, 2015
We camp a lot on the coast...don't see many awnings tied down.

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