I have to get one!!!!

[harleyrider]

I`am at the northest rally at Pine Hill as I type.Last night a storm came in.Thankfully a guy let us all know before it hit.He said a storm is brewing and any one who doesn`t have a awning tie-down should go to their rig and retract their awning.Well that was me.

With some help from david-of David & Jo-anna i got the awning up just in time.All the smart MOC members who know a lot more then I had awning tie-downs already in place.None with the awning tie-downs had a problem.

These awning tie-down systems really do a good job in keeping your awning where it sould be.The wind blew pretty good and every one that had the tie-downs had no problem with their awnings.

[stiles watson]

I use the screw in or spiral anchors. Even then, if I hear of severe weather coming, I retract the awning.

[sreigle]

Even with the tiedowns you need to protect the fabric from tearing away from the attachment on the Montana. For years I've used three deflappers on each side. But last year in the RGV with the constant wind I bought some more and now use five on each side. The awning withstood some pretty strong winds without a problem. However, if prediction is for very strong winds, the awning comes down. I'd rather do that before the storm than be out in the storm bringing it in (which we have had to do a couple of times).

[richfaa]

Place little trust in any kind of awning tie downs..When bad weather comes up...roll up the awning. we just use the de flappers in moderate winds..

[bncinwv]

Ditto Stiles and Steve, I use the screw in anchors with springs and straps, de-flappers, and watch the springs for movement when I am at the rig, if there are winds in excess of 30mph at night or if I am leaving the rig, awning comes in!! Knock on wood, haven't had to replace an awning yet.

[carlson]

The problem last night with the screw in ones. is that with the rain and the ground getting soft they pulled out of the and was the start of the problems.
If the ground is hard, or with large stones they are hard to get it.
What works the best is a 12 to 16 inch long piece of concrete re-enforcement rod with a washer welded on it put in at an angle.
Also paint them with red florcent paint

[wileecoyote985]

When you think about it, the awning has more surface area than the sail on some small sail boats. It can catch a lot of wind and generate more force than the attachment points or fabric can handle.

I always put mine down when I'll be gone for any appreciable time (unless I'm very certain the weather forecast is for calm winds)or when I know a blow is coming. I have been known to be outside at 3am, shirtless and getting wet, putting mine down though. LOL

[kerry]

The new Big Sky has an electric awning, I don't think you can use tie-downs or deflappers. Kerry

[sreigle]

Carlson, I agree. I have a tripod with a bar about that same size for tightening the tripod. I use that with the anchors for the awning tiedowns. Without it I'd never get them in and out of the ground in most places.