awning tie down kits

[sian_5062266]

my Bradcot awning instructions say that usual tie down kits are not suitable for use with this awning (its a bradcot classic) can anyone advise if it is necessary to have one, how effective they are and if so what type to get? is there any advantage of having a tie down kit as opposed to guy ropes on the 3 main supporting poles?

sian

 

[Damian]

Sian, I also have a Bradcot awning, and they say quite plainly NOT to use any tie down straps, but just to guy the main poles around the upper joints to the floor, otherwise it will invalidate the guarantee.

Tie down straps/kits involve some kind of strap going over the materialof the waning and being pegged down, which, when the awning material moves, causes abrasion against the strap, and consequential damage to the awning material.

 

[mikeE]

Sian,

The usual tie down is a strap that passes over the awning and is pegged down at either side - the strap can chafe the awning material due to movement of the awning in windy conditions. My Dorema awning has clip/buckle devices sewn into the upper front part of the side walls into which the Dorema tie down straps fasten thus eliminating any chance of rub or chafe. I imagine your awning maker provides something similar as an accessory too.If you can get to an awning showroom and view one on display you should be able to see what I mean.

 

[AnnM1]

We considered using tie-downs on our awning but were advised against this if at all possible. The tie-downs put a large stress load on the awning poles and can cause them to buckle, bend and even break!

 

[Matthew_5040954]

Hi Sian

I have a bradcot Classic and really wish I didn't I've now had 2 occassion where the awning has collapsed (it was windy but only affect mine on site (very embarrasing)), this is irrespective of how I've tied it down as it's the poles that have bent. Do you have the steel poles, I'm thinking of changing them or getting extra support poles.

With regards to tie downs the best I've seen which won't damage the awning were internal straps that followed the line of the pole and were anchor with large screws at the point where the poles touched the ground, the couple who's awning it was said they'd never had any problem,s and they had there van on a sesson pitch. But first I need to change my poles, this seems the cheapest option.

 

[BobT_5041460]

I use tie down straps during windy weather as I live in North East Scotland where strong winds are quite common. I used to have the strap on top of the material but on one occasion decided to feed the strap under the material but over the awning poles. As this does not damage the material in any way I have decided to continue to do it this way.

 

[CaptainKangaroo]

I only use tie down straps when the missus agrees to it!

 

[sian_5062266]

Mathew, my poles are steel poles, the awning is large, we have three main poles and two support poles inbetween on both upright and accross the roof. Last time we were out it was very windy and our van was shaking from side to side.(I didn't sleep!!). Next day our bracer pads had completely come away from the awning piping and were dangling. I've now been advised by the retailer that the Dorema awning bracer pads are better and although he said that loads of Bradcot owners had bought them to replace the Bradcot ones he wouldn't admit that there was a problem with the Bradcot ones. I bought 3 to put on istead of my Bradcot ones because you can screw them in place and they look much more substantial. The only thing I can say about the poles is that the time before when we were out and it was also pretty windy, there was a guy on site with a brand new Isabella awning which had the superlight frame and he took it down because it was bending and buckling. I was thinking of changing my poles to lightweight ones, but have now changed my mind. The steel poles definitely do not bend in the wind, my concern is the canvas flying away!! Any other useful comments will be greatly appreciated because I'm off to Cornwall in September for the winter on a seasonal pitch and want to be prepared!!

Thanks

Sian

 

[Neil_5041165]

The Dorema System of a "buckle" seams to work well and with lightweight poles I've never got close to poles bending under stress.

 

[Barney2]

I only use tie down straps when the missus agrees to it!

Andy, you'll be getting your wrist slapped again, you know what happened last time.

Barney.