Last year in Florida, I got really frustrated with the lightweight electric awning on our Winnebago Minnie as it would start bouncing in very slight breezes. I ended up ordering a tie down kit and started using it. The straps had a hook and a loop so they were very easy to quickly disconnect when I felt the awning needed to be retracted. I think it's OK to use tie downs as long as you are on site. When turning in for the night or leaving the site, I always retract the awning...I saw how fast things can change years ago while camping near Detroit.