Awning Tie Downs

[Shylerbrew]

First time wintering in Florida (in our 2005 34' Bounder) and as such we are keeping our awning out much more than when on the road. Currently, we don't extend the awning legs, leaving them attached to the coach. However, I see many of my neighbors with the awning legs down and using tie-downs. Are there real advantages to doing this? I currently bring our awning in when the wind gusts are forecast to exceed 18-20 MPH (or during severe weather.)

 

[Neal]

I can do that with mine as well using an extension I installed but I still would be afraid and cautious with winds. Even if tied down it can balloon and rip off the RV side. Wind can be very damaging depending on speed, as you know. You'll have to use your best judgment.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Our awning automatically retracts when the wind gets too high. The sensitivity to wind gusts is adjustable.
We just live with it set to 15 mph.
Typically if the wind is gusting that high, we are either away from the RV or inside with awning retracted. Consequently we never use any type of tie down.
BTW we do not leave the awning extended when away from the coach nor overnight.

 

[Gizmo]

Our rule is we don't leave the RV with the awning out----we only did that once.

 

[John&Andrea]

I have seen a lot of people use tie downs. I have not. It seems it could cause more damage with tie downs. When the wind pics up and the canopy comes in.

 

[STANDERSON]

Depending on which way our RV is facing determines if we use the extension and/or the tie downs. Like someone above said, we never leave the RV with the awning extended.