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 via mobile 15/4/2023 at 4:26am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
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Joined: 24/8/2009 Diamond Member 
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What type of awning do you have?
When we had vans, we preferred a traditional awning and ended up with an Isabella with CarbonX frame. I think the pole securing system etc on that gave us an advantage over other awnings we'd had. So, awning type, construction and frame may have an immediate bearing in storm situations.
We used
Isabella Storm Securing Kit, which are straps and very long, strong metal pegs. The straps fit around the rafter joints (corners and middle) on the inside of the awning, not over the top like other brands. Indeed, Isabella claim that fixing a strap over the top of the awning can damage the awning.
I think good pegs, at the usual 45 degrees, is imperative, whether it be on an awning or a tent. And, use every guy rope (how often you see them not attached, or still bundled and tied up, especially on awnings). For added awning stability you could add extra rafter poles and / or front legs.
Ultimately, the way you're pitched / exposure to the storm might be implicated. Once, we were in a tent during a violent storm in France. We were unscathed but, in the morning, the campsite was littered with fallen tree branches and some caravan awnings were quite literally over the roofs of caravans or torn off completely.
You can only do what you can do, and hope for the best. Maybe better to take an awning down if high winds are forecast but we all know that's not an easy or quick task, especially when you've got it set out with all your gear.
It sounds like you've been very unlucky. It must have been scary. Glad nobody got hurt and neither the awning nor the van were damaged.
(Edited to add link)
Post last edited on 15/04/2023 04:37:14
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15/4/2023 at 12:05pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
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Quote: Originally posted by SimSel on 15/4/2023
Quote: Originally posted by moppetsdad on 15/4/2023
When you use awning straps again make sure to put a twist in them, because it stops them viabrating in the howling wind.
Thanks for that, I've never thought about twisting the straps,
Neither did I!
Shall try that with the storm straps on my awning next time.
Mind you, I put the awning away if it is windy, and do not leave it out when I am not on site or at night when I am asleep, unless I can be certain of no to very light winds only.
DK 
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* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
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* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
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15/4/2023 at 1:42pm
Location: London
Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524
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I've got a couple of awnings and the instructions BOTH advise NOT to use (take down if necessary!) in strong winds! They are simply not capable of nor designed to withstand strong winds.
I've used mine in winds far stronger than sensible (they were already up before the winds started!) and they've survived OK.
My Kampa Air awning has all webbing guys and the optional storm straps are even bigger webbing BUT with an elasticated section to allow a bit of flexing on the awning. The storm straps affix to the dedicated attachment points near the roof/rail.
My Sunncamp lightweight poled (single hooped pole) awning has very few guy ropes but they are cord, I've used the webbing storm straps on that when necessary.
My Kampa has survived a gale that blew up from nowhere, it trashed adjacent tents and windbreaks, and was blowing in the walls of my awning, but did no lasting damage. It was far too windy for me to attempt to take down the awing on my own as that would have been dangerous to both myself and the caravan, it just had to take it's chances until the wind passed. The best I could do was move the car close into the awning to provide a bit of shelter and shield from the wind as much as possible.
The manufacturers intention is that you don't use an awning in strong winds, but that is easier said than done when it's already erected! Beyond fitting storm straps, and pegging ALL points with decent pegs, ensuring guys are taught, not really sure there is anything else you can do.
If you put on too strong guys that have insufficient elasticity, you risk over straining the attachment points which may fail! Ropes and webbing are often intended to have a little give under load, and are deliberately chosen to protect anchor points.
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Topic: Storm straps
