Awnings...how windy is too windy?

Power awnings and manual awnings are not built the same and generally manual awnings can take more wind. I have a power awning and I only bring it in when it's really windy and the wind comes from the right direction to start lifting the awning up. It seems the direction of the wind is just as or more important than wind speed.

You'll know if it's too windy for the awning just by watching it. If it's a windy day and we leave camp we bring it in just in case there's a big gust or change in wind direction.

I put those dog tie-outs that look like a cork screws. Then run a line from the corners of the awning to the tie down. Left my awning out for 8 months at a time while seasonal camping.

Yes here in Nebraska that could be real dicey leaving your awning out unattended for very long. We generally roll ours up when we leave unless for a very short time. We also almost always roll up at night unless we are very confident the wind will not be blowing. One thing about leaving it open at night is unless you have had way to many adult beverages you will wake up if the wind is blowing very hard. Because it will begin to sound like your awning is going to rip your rig apart!

The problems arise when the wind suddenly, usually without warning, increases dramatically. I think the Latin term is "Gustus, oh my Godus". :B

Seriously, you just never know when 5 to 10 mph day can suddenly flare up into a 50+ gust that will do serious damage and can be potentially lethal once that awning and its poles start flailing around. If a front is moving through your area be especially cautious of the leading and trailing edges as that is where the most erratic winds will usually be found.

We NEVER leave our site or go to bed with the awning up. It is just too easy to take 30 seconds and push the button (ya gotta love the new electric models), and roll it up.

:C

Too windy.......









What is too windy..........when the wind is blowing/gusting.

Personally, I put my awning out, adjust the arms the way I want them and lock them down, then I add tie down straps on each side to a stake in the ground.

At this point if the wind isn't too bad, I'll leave it like this and even leave the campsite. But if its really windy, I'll only leave it in this fashion until I'm not going to be around or I'm going inside, then the awning goes up.

I honestly don't know what happens if the wind catches it. The story's I've heard tell of awnings flipped on top the trailer roof with lots of damage to the awning and trailer, and I don't need the headache of that.