this last weekend was very windy and we noticed a lot of the caravanners with thos large storm guys on their awnings (the big single, flat webbing straps) that go across the front section.
Although our camper seemed fine, as did the awning there were a few moments when I did worry as to whether we were going to take flight!!
My question is does anyone use these on their campers and/or awnings or even frame tents in windy weather and if so how good are they and do they give you piece of mind?
We have a line that we use on the centre awning pole and peg that down, it works ok but i think the storm straps are a much better option and something we will probably invest in this winter
Yes, we have storm straps, but a different ype. The system consists of thre straps, to be hooked on the frame, one on each side and one in the middle. I kook them on the frame, when the awning is totally closed, you hook them across the those little metal point sticking out through the roof.
They are fastend by metal D-rings to very large metal pegs.
This way all three essential points are supported, but no chafing or other damage.
It has proven its worth this summer, during fierce thunderstorm with strong windghusts, getting under the awning/canopy (I kept it open, just for shade). It remained nicely on its spot, no damage, everything OK.
So, yes, I now feel secure.
P.S. the other half was critical, she thought I was making a fuss about it, tying the straps and hammering the three big pegs in during beautiful weather. That night she listend to the roaring outside and -spontaneously- said: good you went your way, you were right about the straps (and also told that to her daughter on the phone!). Tells you something about different appraisals during seemingly perfect weather.
We've been using the storm straps(flat webbing type) for about two years now and thet've ertainly proved their worth. As We've got a 4 metre awning on the front of our sunncamp we use two straps , one at the front and one just prior to the main zip that joins the awning to the trailer section.
We have had at least one occassion where our tent was held solidly to the ground whilst othr tents and caravan awnings were trying to take flying lessons across the site.
One thig we did change though was the pegs that came with the staps to the big corkscrew type stakes that are usually used to keep dogs on a lead. Much easier to put into and take out of the ground when you want to and far more secure in astowm than the original pegs
I just put extra storm guys on the three front poles where they stick through the awning. The only time i use a webb strap is for what it was originally intended storm to huricane force winds or when leaving the awning up for long periods when you won't be there ie seasonal camping
Storm straps are on my shopping list for the Pathfinder - my parents have them for their Dandy and wouldn't be without - I don't fancy that brute of a Pathfinder awning taking off! I do like the idea of using 'dog pegs' for the storm guys - I have always thought that the straps would only be as reliable as your pegging skills.
Don't forget to put a tie round the strap to curve it otherwise the wind sets up a beautifull hum and vibration through the whole unit and much to disgust of other campers
Ooooh eeer storm straps this is something else I will have to learn about camping, I will get my first folding camper with awning this Saturday and have sort of got the idea how to put it up (the lady is going to show me) but I had not got a clue you needed storm straps to, she says adding to ever growing list of equipment needed lol.
I used a storm strap on the awning of my last caravan & it gave great peace of mind especialy when we went out for the day during very high winds.
For my present caravan I only have a Bradcot Portico porch awning with aliminium poles but Bradcot states that if I were to use any kind of storm strap it would invalidate the warranty
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Hi Rikster that seems daft the manufactureres dont want you to protect the awning from being blown away and damaged in high wind, well if it gets damaged you will have to have a real go at them for preventing you from keeping it firm in wind,
The camper and awning I am getting is not new so I will happily be able to put storm straps on without worrying (once I've figured out where they go lol) spied some on ebay I am watching, will check out the online shops first to see if that is a good price Yvonne.
We put guys on the four corners of the pathfinder but it didn't come with them we had to buy the rope and DIY it we peg the corners of the awning with guys but I only put the storm guy (flat webbing type) on for one night at easter when it was bad. I am not convinced they don't do more damage to the canvas than good if they are used unnecessarily.
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Topic: Awning storm guys
Belinda
