 |
|
09-10-2019, 05:52 PM
|
#1
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 45
|
Dometic Awning Tie Down
I have a 2016 335DL with the Dometic power awning.
The electric awning is convenient, but does not handle wind well, anything over a strong breeze and I worry about it being damaged.
I removed the two 1/4 20 bolts (1 in each awning arm, at the top of the arm) and replaced them with a stainless steel hook. I tied a loop in two lengths of rope, hooked the loop over the stainless hooks and secure the ropes to stakes (or vehicle, picnic table, etc). I use my windshield washer handle to hook the rope over the hook.
While I still wouldn't leave the awning unattended, I've had it fully extended in some fairly heavy winds and it's done very well.
Another advantage of tying the awning down is that I use the ropes to adjust the height/slope of the awning as opposed to having to use a step to reach the adjusting knobs which don't hold well anyway.
Hope this helps a few folks....
I forgot the photo, just added it - sorry.
Cheers,
John
|
|
|
|
09-10-2019, 09:26 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Posts: 592
|
I like that. I'm awning shy since the one on our previous Surveyor ended up on the roof covering the air con.
__________________
 John & Susan, Olivia the dachshund
2011 Georgetown 337DS
2003 Dodge Dakota
Hampton Roads VA
2016 174 Days camping, 2017 66 days 2018 24 days 2019 48 days 2020 25 days 2021 6
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2019, 09:35 PM
|
#3
|
|
Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,146
|
If you really want to help your power awning in the wind, search the site for 'awning hold down brackets/poles'
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=90
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2019, 09:37 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5,712
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogman
I like that. I'm awning shy since the one on our previous Surveyor ended up on the roof covering the air con.
|
I'm with you. Never lost one but I've seen dozen's in the CG dumpsters. If mine can't handle the wind as is...I put it away.
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2019, 10:43 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,632
|
The power awnings are made to fold back in the wind. unlike the fixed sail of the manual awnings. they also automatically dump water in the rain. tying it down could cause the material to tear in a high wind.
__________________
2012 Georgetown XL 350TS, Hellwig front/rear sway bars, Sumo Springs, Blue OX True Center steering damper
2013 Ford Explorer LTD toad, Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP><Tow Brake
Better to have a bad day of camping than a good day at work! 
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 06:26 AM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 505
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge Guy
The power awnings are made to fold back in the wind. unlike the fixed sail of the manual awnings. they also automatically dump water in the rain. tying it down could cause the material to tear in a high wind.
|
Not all power awnings. Ours does not do this.
__________________
Pete Githens
Reading, PA
2019 Georgetown GT5 31R5
2018 Chevy Spark
Formerly - 2007 Itasca Navion (Sold and gone)
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 06:28 AM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 505
|
Dometic Awning Tie Down
Quote:
Originally Posted by Outtahere100
I have a 2016 335DL with the Dometic power awning.
The electric awning is convenient, but does not handle wind well, anything over a strong breeze and I worry about it being damaged.
I removed the two 1/4 20 bolts (1 in each awning arm, at the top of the arm) and replaced them with a stainless steel hook. I tied a loop in two lengths of rope, hooked the loop over the stainless hooks and secure the ropes to stakes (or vehicle, picnic table, etc). I use my windshield washer handle to hook the rope over the hook.
While I still wouldn't leave the awning unattended, I've had it fully extended in some fairly heavy winds and it's done very well.
Another advantage of tying the awning down is that I use the ropes to adjust the height/slope of the awning as opposed to having to use a step to reach the adjusting knobs which don't hold well anyway.
Hope this helps a few folks....
I forgot the photo, just added it - sorry.
Cheers,
John
|
Funny you mention this. We just Camco tie downs this week. We’ve had 5-15 mph winds all week that would have prevented us from having the awning out at all without them. It jumps around too much otherwise.  
__________________
Pete Githens
Reading, PA
2019 Georgetown GT5 31R5
2018 Chevy Spark
Formerly - 2007 Itasca Navion (Sold and gone)
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 07:55 AM
|
#8
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge Guy
The power awnings are made to fold back in the wind. unlike the fixed sail of the manual awnings. they also automatically dump water in the rain. tying it down could cause the material to tear in a high wind.
|
Maybe yours does......
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 08:41 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,632
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. October
Not all power awnings. Ours does not do this.
|
Maybe not. But I’ve seen ones tied down where the wind ripped the awning material along the trailer.
__________________
2012 Georgetown XL 350TS, Hellwig front/rear sway bars, Sumo Springs, Blue OX True Center steering damper
2013 Ford Explorer LTD toad, Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP><Tow Brake
Better to have a bad day of camping than a good day at work!
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 08:47 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 505
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge Guy
Maybe not. But I’ve seen ones tied down where the wind ripped the awning material along the trailer.
|
I certainly wouldn’t leave mine out in wind that strong but it’s nice to be able to leave it out in light winds that otherwise make it bounce and slam down. It doesn’t take much wind to lift it up.
__________________
Pete Githens
Reading, PA
2019 Georgetown GT5 31R5
2018 Chevy Spark
Formerly - 2007 Itasca Navion (Sold and gone)
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 02:10 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 1,098
|
Right now we are at Arches NP, Devils Garden Campground and the wind gust are not to bad. I tied the awning down similar to the photos that Mr October posted. Only I added a short bungee cord at the end of each strap so it would not be so rigid. I only have the awning out in the afternoon to keep the sun off the frig..
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 02:24 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 473
|
Awning hold down
My experience after having an awning ripped from my TT left out overnight - Never, Ever leave it out. If I'm gone, it gets rolled up. Can never know when a storm my hit or the wind picks up. Have also used tie-downs and in a wild/rainstorm I was outside hanging on for dear life as the anchor pulled out of the ground. Better to be safe than sorry as repairing damage is not cheap.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 02:35 PM
|
#13
|
|
DW's 401(k) Plan
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Western MD
Posts: 2,372
|
Awning brackets (Thanks Old Coot!), ratchet straps with my adjustable poles, wind deflappers with eve supports (Once again, Thanks Old Coot!). Never had a problem, and we've had some pretty stiff winds during our Western Maryland/ PA thunderstorms!
Larry 
__________________
"Sunny" the 2017 Sunseeker 3010DS
2006 Jeep Liberty Toad
.... and lovin' life........MOST of the time.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 02:41 PM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: ALASKA (World's Biggest Campground)
Posts: 6,740
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge Guy
Maybe not. But I’ve seen ones tied down where the wind ripped the awning material along the trailer.
|
X2. I've also seen where the wind has ripped the brackets off the side of the RV. The tie-downs remained in-place, but rest of the awning was a mess! No, if there that type of wind, it's coming in!
__________________
'07 K3500 Silverado LT Crew Duramax (LBZ)
2016 Salem 27RKSS
1984 CHEV SCOTTSDALE K20 2GCGK24J0E1XXXXXX (Chevrolet Legends-Class of 2019)
"...exhaust fluid? We don't need no stinkin' exhaust fluid"
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 03:15 PM
|
#15
|
|
Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,146
|
.. 
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=90
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 03:31 PM
|
#16
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,916
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge Guy
The power awnings are made to fold back in the wind. unlike the fixed sail of the manual awnings. they also automatically dump water in the rain. tying it down could cause the material to tear in a high wind.
|
Prolly on you MH boys... Us trailer trash(ha ha) don't usually have that feature
__________________
2017 Puma 297RLSS
2005 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel SMOKER!!
I love puns, irony and tasteless jokes...
born in Texas.... live in Arkansas 
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 03:40 PM
|
#17
|
|
DW's 401(k) Plan
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Western MD
Posts: 2,372
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iwannacamp
Prolly on you MH boys... Us trailer trash(ha ha) don't usually have that feature
|
I had a power awning on my trailer before the Sunseeker.... no auto dump feature on that one! Wish it would have had that feature. Ruined an awning because I didn't have enough slope - my bad. Lesson learned. But the wind didn't flip it over the trailer... had the same setup as I have on my Sunseeker with the toe down brackets.
[emoji106]
__________________
"Sunny" the 2017 Sunseeker 3010DS
2006 Jeep Liberty Toad
.... and lovin' life........MOST of the time.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 05:36 PM
|
#18
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 19
|
The Claw has been the answer for me
When we got our 2016 Rockwood 8329ss it was our first travel trailer with an electric awning. A few of our friends used a tie down system called the claw.
The install at each camping spot was simple and straight forward. We have been using this system for three seasons and find It to be fairly bullet proof. Although not inexpensive. It takes about 15 minutes to install or remove for travel.
It comes in a nice kit with its own travel bag and hammer for putting the stakes in. I now use a 22 oz framing hammer for the stakes, makes the install and removal go faster.
The cheapest price that I have found seems to be my old standby Amazon.Com.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 05:54 PM
|
#19
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 648
|
Camco tie downs
Quote:
Originally Posted by Outtahere100
I have a 2016 335DL with the Dometic power awning.
The electric awning is convenient, but does not handle wind well, anything over a strong breeze and I worry about it being damaged.
I removed the two 1/4 20 bolts (1 in each awning arm, at the top of the arm) and replaced them with a stainless steel hook. I tied a loop in two lengths of rope, hooked the loop over the stainless hooks and secure the ropes to stakes (or vehicle, picnic table, etc). I use my windshield washer handle to hook the rope over the hook.
While I still wouldn't leave the awning unattended, I've had it fully extended in some fairly heavy winds and it's done very well.
Another advantage of tying the awning down is that I use the ropes to adjust the height/slope of the awning as opposed to having to use a step to reach the adjusting knobs which don't hold well anyway.
Hope this helps a few folks....
I forgot the photo, just added it - sorry.
Cheers,
John
|
Using Camco tie downs is much better because they drop into you awning groove and will not allow the awning to spin. No holes to drill. They are very simple and easy to use.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2019, 06:45 PM
|
#20
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 505
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by markb422
Right now we are at Arches NP, Devils Garden Campground and the wind gust are not to bad. I tied the awning down similar to the photos that Mr October posted. Only I added a short bungee cord at the end of each strap so it would not be so rigid. I only have the awning out in the afternoon to keep the sun off the frig..
|
It is hidden in the photo but the camco ones include a spring that connects between the strap and the anchor.
__________________
Pete Githens
Reading, PA
2019 Georgetown GT5 31R5
2018 Chevy Spark
Formerly - 2007 Itasca Navion (Sold and gone)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
