Awnings - Using on shore - wind problems

MarianY · 07-27-2011, 09:30 AM

We camp on the riverfront most of the summer. When the tides come in so does the wind - in gusts - we have had problems with gusts lifting the awning fabric up and down. We always lower it when this happens but would like to be able to use it even in windy conditions. Does anyone have suggestions for anchoring an awning down to combat this problem? We have used 4 of the awning anchors that you clamp on the awning arms....that doesn't seem to help.

Thanks for any suggestions.

PNWGirl · 07-27-2011, 10:01 AM

Hi Marian,

Here are a few things, that I have been taught, that seems to work well. I've ended up leaving the awning up, during squals (I wasn't there) and came back worried but found everything fine.

I have a Carefree, your awning might be a little different. I pull out the awning then the arm Rafters. But before I tighten the rafter knob I put some of my weight on the end of the arm (right where the latch is to roll up the awning) to tighten the canvas. While I am holding the awning down, I tighten the rafter knob. Do the same to the other side. Then I put my awning clamps on (I use four too). After that I lift the awning.

If I know which way the wind will be coming, I tip the awning on that side (like you do for rain) to help the wind go over the top of the canvas instead of below to lift it up.

I also use awning anchors. If you are parked on/near grass/dirt, you just screw them in and then run your line to the end of each side of the awning. If you are parked on a hard surface, you can use two, 5 gallon, water carriers, like these: Coleman - 5 Gallon Expandable Water Carrier -

The more weight, the less chance of the wind picking up the awning. You can also use milk jugs but I've found these to be easier as you can just empty out the water, when you are leaving, then it makes it easy to store them for the next time you need them. I've found them on sale for 5.99 so you are not out-of-pocket very much for a few of them.

I do not know how strong the winds are, where you park, but this has worked very well for me and while other people's awnings were lifting up, mine has stayed in place.

Sheila