Awning Security When Extended

by Robert ("Jess") Jessup
(Kalispell, MT at present))

Avoiding RV Awning Damage

Mine is a manually extended awning. After I extend it, I use two ratchet straps around each end of the roll bar, attach the bottom hooks nearest the ground to springs and the spring to metal auger firmly screwed into the ground. So far it has withstood 50 mph wind gusts w/o damage. The downside is, of course, that I cannot quickly retract & stow it, especially since I also attach privacy screen fabric to create a "room" effect.

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Awning Security When Extended

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Aug 20, 2009

Ratchet Straps
by: Sharon

Hi Jess,

Using the ratchet straps around each end of the roll bar is an excellent idea.

We had some severe storms here in Houston, and the only extended awnings that survived the storms are those using the metal augers and ratchet straps.

Others had their awning either completely torn off or severely damaged.

Like you mentioned though; you can't quickly retract and stow your awning so you will have to ride out sudden storms and hope your tie downs hold.

How do you like your attached privacy screen? We have considered using one to block the hot afternoon sun from the side of our trailer and give us a little outside living space.