How to Tie Down a Camper Awning in a Storm

Storms pose a serious threat to your camper. High winds, rain and hail can permanently damage the exterior surfaces. They can also rip an awning off of a camper and shred it to pieces. Because awnings are expensive to replace, it is important that you use discretion when determining the appropriate course of action in a storm. If you are dealing with wind, you can tie the awning down while keeping it extended. If you are dealing with hail, snow or heavy rain, you should close the awning.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Chalk or stick
• Large metal stakes
• Hammer
• Heavy duty rope
• Shears
• 2 Cinder blocks

Instructions

1. Open the awning fully. Find the approximate center point of one side support arm using the measuring tape. Mark a line on the ground directly below this center point with chalk or a stick.

2. Measure 3 feet in front of the mark on the ground and drive a large metal stake into the ground in this spot with a hammer. The metal stakes used to tie large dogs outdoors work well for this purpose. Repeat on the remaining side of the awning.

3. Measure the distance from the center point of the side arm to the stake in the ground and add 5 feet to this measurement. Measure and cut two ropes at this length.

4. Tie one end of one rope around the center point of a support arm in a square knot, and tie the remaining end of the rope in a square knot around the stake peg that is flush with the support arm. Repeat on the remaining side of the awning.

5. Drive the stakes into the ground as far down as the stakes will go. Position a cinder block on top of each stake.