Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
I see on some RV photo's, people will take a rachet strap and connect it to the corner on the awning.. I assume the bottom side goes to something heavy or those screw into the dirt anchors..
Does it work well?
Mine flop in when then get a good breeze .. at about 10mph.. I would like to leave them out all the time..
Thanks
__________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss
After researching.. It seems the best solution to leave the awning out all the time is the straps , with the springs, and the screw in dirt anchor. I have 5 gal buckets w/ tops I will fill with water, if on concrete... Gonna hit home depot for the stuff today. have the straps already.
__________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss
We have the awning straps that connect to the screw anchor. We still don't leave the awning out all the time though. If we are going to be gone we bring the awning in. Mother Nature can still do her damage despite having the awning secured. We err on the side of caution.
It's my understanding (based on reading forum posts) the newer style awnings without legs are more susceptible to damage if strapped down. The springs help for light wind gusts. But for strong gusts or winds the frame and arms can be damaged/tweaked.
We have the old style awning- I set the posts out and use long stakes to secure them in the ground. I use ropes from each outside corner secured to additional stakes in the ground. I also have the deflappers attached to the awning material to keep it from billowing. Everything is stretched tight so it will withstand gusts. I will put the awning away if the prediction indicates wind speeds/gusts above 30MPH
__________________
"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
I concur completely with The Bear. There is no way that we would tie down the awnings on our Mobile Suites. I'd think that the way the arms are designed, if a good gust came along, it could easily bend an arm and then it may never retract correctly again.
In the park were we are near Colorado Springs, some folks took off for the day and left their awning out. It was damaged when they returned, although they did manage to "roll it back up" in some fashion. It still isn't right, but it is rolled up.
Terry
__________________
Terry and Jo
2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 2008 Ford F450 2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout
I just want it for small gusts... to like 15-20 mph..
These things start flopping back at around 10.. Thats just too low..
If it calls for storming or heavy wind, I will pull them.. Put with all the rain we are getting here, I need the awnings out.. and shade sometimes too.
I check the weather every morning.. and Have a pretty high end weather station thing.. that shows past, and current wind speed.
Thanks folks..
Was just wondering if there maybe options for solutions for these...
__________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss
We use bungee cords (two per side) and screw in anchors to tie the awnings down. If it gets very windy we unhook the bungee cords and roll up the awning.
I have the old style manual awning...I leave the legs attached to the trailer, so it doesnt need to be tied to the ground. I find the fabric still flops around, so I have these awning clamp thingies....keeps it nice and tight.
Unless you are in a place that simply does not get wind - like our lot at Diamond Campground in the tall pines - then you should NOT have an awning out if you are not actively using it and under it. Put it in if you leave - even for a short time. That is why electric awnings are so highly recommended - they make that process simple. Do not leave your awnings out if you are not there, or you WILL eventually have an issue. Even awnings that can be well tied down will easily be destroyed in large gusts.
__________________
Jack & Danielle Mayer PLEASE USE EMAIL TO COMMUNICATE
http://www.jackdanmayer.com, 2009 Volvo 780 HDT, 2015 New Horizons 45'Custom 5th, smart car New Horizons Ambassadors - Let us help you build your dream RV.....
Went and bought small straps, screw anchors, springs... then went to a swap meet yesterday and found a bag of cheap heavy duty long bungies..( $10 for 12 ).. So I did it as the thenewhalls do.. Most of mine is on patio right now.. I have 3 5 gal buckets with me, with gasketed waterprrof top.. filled 2 of them with water , and used them for anchors on 2.. ( the center on both awnings are connected to one bucket )
Just light tension on them.. something to keep it from flipping up on my roof.. I know these are designed to do that, to avoid damage from wind, But I think that , that would cause more damage..
As stated.. if it's calling for gust above 15mph.. I will close them.. Otherwise, Out they stay .. 24/7
Thanks folks !
-- Edited by The Junkman on Sunday 12th of October 2014 04:22:48 AM
__________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss
Personal opinion, I believe you will be buying an awning soon. We never tie down and never leave out if we leave.
__________________
2003 Teton Grand Freedon 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift, hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
Had the camera out to take a shot of the roof, for the drv fourm.. took a pic..
Nice picture. Our bungee setup is similar.
Yep.. was your post that put me on it..
Thanks! It's working fine. Just picked up a tan screened tarp to connect onto the rear awning to block the sun on the tv in the wall..Will use the bungees on the sides to connect as well.
__________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss