Was surprised when unpacking our bradcot active awning that unlike our old awning it didn't have clips (car seat belt type clips) that storm tie down straps could be attached to.
I went to the bradcot site and they don't even show guy ropes - maybe our old awning needed them ?
They do stock an internal kit that somehow strap on to the poles - I think
They do also say not to use external straps as it could damage the fabric.
I bought my old strap kit as i had a nasty experience of the wind picking up the sides of the awning and pulling out the pegs and them thrashing about like knives.
How do others strap down bradcot awnings - mine is the small active with easy alloy poles.
On another point i bought the smallest one 780 (secondhand) and my caravan is a bailey hunter lite 350/2 - which mentions awning recommendation 763, so thought the 780 would be fine.
Have put it up in the garden and the awning edge that goes through the gutter on the caravan is smack on with the length BUT when erected the sides are too low - am going away this weekend to see if I can do a better job but i think the centre will have to go up higher than the caravan to fit!
Hi we have the Active and the internal tie down kit which works very well as long as you position the central straps carefully so not to block access to doorway. Can't use external straps as the rubbing on roof damages the waterproof/UV protective coating on roof. They screw in with long corskscrew pegs.
Quote: Originally posted by FionaW1971 on 12/6/2013
Hi we have the Active and the internal tie down kit which works very well as long as you position the central straps carefully so not to block access to doorway. Can't use external straps as the rubbing on roof damages the waterproof/UV protective coating on roof. They screw in with long corskscrew pegs.
Thanks that answers the question fine, the reason i like the external ones is that we use the awning also for our dog to sleep in and would hate here tying herself in a knot during the night but i guess i could just put the tie down straps away from her - once they are in use is the awning usable? ie; could i just use them every outing rather than wait till the wind gets up?
Have just ordered some - expensive postage though but i guess you only pay once!! - was tempted to buy some strapping and dog tethers but wouldn't have a claim if it blew away!!
Some awning manufactures have dropped the clip on awning straps due to the eventual damage they can do by putting additional tension on the the corner stitching.
Quote: Originally posted by alpiner on 12/6/2013
Some awning manufactures have dropped the clip on awning straps due to the eventual damage they can do by putting additional tension on the the corner stitching.
interesting didn't know that.
I have noticed lately when going on to sites the lack of guy ropes too.
We use the internal tie down kit on our Bradcot classic with the Carbon fibre(IXL)? frame poles. A corkscrew peg goes in the ground and a hooped strap goes on the poles at each corner and in the middle.There is another strap attached to the peg and you just pull the two together. They're tucked well out of the way so dont cause a trip hazard or anything getting tangled round them. With the awning pegged out correctly it would take quite a strong wind to dislodge it.
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Topic: tie down straps - bradcot - bailey cara
