I am now the proud owner of a Gobur folding caravan. It has an awning. I have seen awnings with ratchet type storm straps whilst on camp sites before. Are these a necessary item? and do I fit just one across the front end or is it better to have two? My extensive experience as a tent camper is of no use to me in this situation!
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Some awnings have storm strap connectors already built in, and others, (Isabella), connect to the poles on the inside of the awning. Check yours.
You may also see straps going from left to right, and over the roof, at the front, of the awning. This may result in chafing of the awning by the straps.
Have a look at these images:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=awnings+with+storm+straps&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRpM_GwujWAhXLL8AKHd-GAUUQsAQImgE&biw=1247&bih=766
Must admit that I have never seen the ratchet style before on an awning, I've only ever seen the buckle type as seen on here.
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I too have a gobur caravan with an isabella awning, this comes with 3 storm straps that go on the 2 front and 1 front centre poles, however we have experienced a lot of high winds this year and have used a couple of the universal tie down kit with the springs, I always put a sponge/foam type material between the strap and the awning material to eliminate the strap chafing, you can buy the sleeves, we have been out this year in 40/50 mph winds and have had no problems although it was pretty hairy, hope you enjoy your gobur ours is a cracking bit of kit.
I guess the rachet straps you saw were load straps used as awning straps. They will do the job but a proper awning tie down kit is better. The type of tie down kit that goes right over the front of the awning is best used only in high winds. Using the kit at all times can chafe the awning material.
I put mine on as a matter of course, no good waiting until it gets windy as you may not be at your caravan, as stated I put a sponge,foam like substance between the strap and the canvas which means there isn't any chafing.
I also used the spring type for our Pennine awning ... three strips of corrugated cardboard to stop chaffing at the three main contact points (never got too wet!)
We'd leave them on all the time if there was the remotest chance of poor weather ... having been 'away on a day trip' and returned to find a flash storm had created havoc!
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Topic: Storm Straps for Awning
