Attaching awning string lights (without metal hooks?)

[54Fun]

How is everyone attaching their awning string lights? I thought it was a simple solution, and bought the Camco kit that has the fabrics sliders that go in the awning track exposing a nice grommet, then hook the metal S-shaped hooks into them. Easy enough. I told myself that as part of the ritual of taking down the lights, I just take the hook with it. However, in breaking down and trying to beat a storm on our last camping trip, I started rolling up the awning with the hooks in it. The center one punctured through the awning. @$);$&!!? Not huge damage, should be an easy patch, but never using the metal hooks again. Does anyone have any better solutions that they use? Thanks in advance

[idnative1948]

Originally Posted by 54Fun

How is everyone attaching their awning string lights? I thought it was a simple solution, and bought the Camco kit that has the fabrics sliders that go in the awning track exposing a nice grommet, then hook the metal S-shaped hooks into them. Easy enough. I told myself that as part of the ritual of taking down the lights, I just take the hook with it. However, in breaking down and trying to beat a storm on our last camping trip, I started rolling up the awning with the hooks in it. The center one punctured through the awning. @$);$&!!? Not huge damage, should be an easy patch, but never using the metal hooks again. Does anyone have any better solutions that they use? Thanks in advance

The few times we have used ours, we held them up with small binder clips.

[mudpuppy]

Use the same system for a sunscreen to hang down. I closed the end of the s hook wit a pair of pliers on the sunscreen side so I can't leave them in the grommet of the awing part.

[Normal_Dave]

We use these:
Commercial Electric 8 in. UV Releasable Tie - Black (10-Pack)-GTR-200STB(10) - The Home Depot

Zip ties are great for most anything, even better when you can push the tab, release them, and reuse them. Our awning is a free standing, but we use these to hold our string lights, no metal, rust, sharp edges, etc.

[54Fun]

Originally Posted by Normal_Dave

We use these:
Commercial Electric 8 in. UV Releasable Tie - Black (10-Pack)-GTR-200STB(10) - The Home Depot

Zip ties are great for most anything, even better when you can push the tab, release them, and reuse them. Our awning is a free standing, but we use these to hold our string lights, no metal, rust, sharp edges, etc.

I like that idea. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as reusable zip ties. I like the fact that I would also be forced to release and remove them. Thanks for the tip!

[Bob_C]

What I did was buy after market LED 16'4" light strips....SuperNight brand, waterproof, and for the roller, used the sticky tape that comes on the light string, and after using alcohol to clean roller, stuck the strip right on roller....stays there when roll'n up....the plug in end is toward the front of trailer, and using a led extension cable, fed it thru the awning arm following the awning motor wiring, then bought a RF controller, mounted that inside storage area, and can operate lights from inside trailer or outside.....on trailer side, up underneath the awning rail, I have another string....but for that one, I bought the aluminum track and a couple lengths of clear cover...the tracks I screwed up into the awning rail, cut the clear covers into pieces, spaced those along the track, leaving a place to reach into to help guide the light string....then using what they call a splitter, hooked that string into the other....picked up power off of storage light wiring

[Noelj]

Wooden clothes pins, if anyone knows what they are. Don't think Walmart has them any more. Plastic one break.

[54Fun]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

What I did was buy after market LED 16'4" light strips....SuperNight brand, waterproof, and for the roller, used the sticky tape that comes on the light string, and after using alcohol to clean roller, stuck the strip right on roller....stays there when roll'n up....the plug in end is toward the front of trailer, and using a led extension cable, fed it thru the awning arm following the awning motor wiring, then bought a RF controller, mounted that inside storage area, and can operate lights from inside trailer or outside.....on trailer side, up underneath the awning rail, I have another string....but for that one, I bought the aluminum track and a couple lengths of clear cover...the tracks I screwed up into the awning rail, cut the clear covers into pieces, spaced those along the track, leaving a place to reach into to help guide the light string....then using what they call a splitter, hooked that string into the other....picked up power off of storage light wiring

Interesting. I've got LEDs mounted on the coach under the awning, and not a fan of them at all. I have seen them (from the factory) at the awning end as you're talking about, and it makes much more sense where you have more control of it- especially with a dimmer. Thanks!

[Bob_C]

Another option...they make a double track that slides into the groove in the roller when a sun shade normally goes....understand that it also can be eft in when retracting awning without doing damage.....they come in 5' lengths

[Bob_C]

I have also installed the light strings on their side in that groove, which cuts down the light....a little clear silicone here and there helps hold 'em in

[Rovito]

We use these. I get them at the dollar store. 8 for a buck.https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8

[chaps2018]

These are my favorites. I use players to ensure they stay with the lights not the awning.
JR Products 05205 Stainless Steel Party Light Hanger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001THQP84..._z3tBzbMK6TP61

[fagnaml]

I use the Valterra "Twin Trak" insert for my awning --> https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-A30-.../dp/B0023UXPPW


The twin track product then allows me to use my sun shade AND hand my globe lights. I use the Valterra awning hooks for the lights --> https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-A770...AJB2RADTQBB4YA


These are my purple and gold globe lights for LSU football tailgating weekends --> RV Globe Lights Purple\Yellow 6 Pack