Community Forums

gazingm42 · 05-03-2013, 11:02 PM

Picked up our 2014 Dutchmen 261BHS yesterday.

It has a electric awning which we really like. But the question is when
its extend do you need to use some tie downs to help it with the wind?

Dwayne & Shara · 05-04-2013, 01:26 AM

yes but if it gets real windy pull it back in. Wal-Mart has some cheap. all you need is the tabs that go from the side to the fabric but again if it gets real windy pull it in or off it can go

allenhpycmpr · 05-04-2013, 06:06 AM

You won't be able to use side clamps on a power awning. You could stake it to the ground, unless it automatically retracts with a wind setting, then no. We just retract ours if it is too windy.

jesilvas · 05-04-2013, 08:53 AM

I wouldn't risk potential damage in the thousands if it breaks loose.

SmokeyWren · 05-04-2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazingm42

But the question is when
its extend do you need to use some tie downs to help it with the wind?

If the wind is blowing more than about 5 to 10 MPH - enough to make you ask the question - then roll up the awning instead of attempting to tie it down.

If you plan to be gone more than an hour or so, and the wind might get up to over 10 MPH while you're gone, then roll up the awning in before you leave.

An awning is a like a huge unbrella, and if a stiff breeze gets under it, it can easily go bye bye. A little sunshine on the camper door is less irritating that a big awning that goes bye bye in the wind.

Selah · 05-04-2013, 01:43 PM

The electric awning is so,easy to store that we simply store it if we leave the coach and before going to bed. Kind of like making sure all the lights are off.

gazingm42 · 05-08-2013, 12:06 AM

@Selah, That a great practice to get into..

Thanks

tuffr2 · 05-08-2013, 06:52 AM

I want to use the awning so I use ground screws and sun shade attachment. Never had a problem but I have only been in 35 mph winds. Once you get the awning secured and it starts to get windy I always have been able to ride out any storm.

I bought medium long ground screws from Home Depot. I have 5 attachment points to my sun shade that attaches to the awning track. I have seen others use springs to help cushion the awning. They attach a spring to the ground screw then attach their sun shade to the spring.

For the most part this method is used for seasonal RV'ers that set up and stay 3 to 5 months in one area.

I have not RV'ed out west yet. That might be a whole different thing as I heard there are usually strong winds that blow most of the time. Where I stay I am usually protected from the wind.