I have a Columbus 5th wheel with an electric awning that I tie down with ratchet straps. I was told you shouldn't do this because you can bend the tube unless you have a spring mounted on the end of t...
I anchor mine down at each end but agree with some others that it's not just a set it and forget it. When it gets too windy I close it up.
fwiw, I also agree that I'd love to have my old manual awning back. Waaaaay easier to set the tilt where I want it (shield the sun, get rain to fall off the end I want, etc.) plus no electrical parts to break.