This isn’t a review. It is just a first impression.
As I shared yesterday in my 20+ year review of the Camco Awning Hold Down Kit, I have been happy with the product. However, there are two things I don’t like about it:
- The strap that runs over the top of the awning can be difficult to set-up and usually requires the use of a step ladder and often assistance from Joyce.
- The strap applies force on the rafters, somewhat twisting them. Of concern is potential damage to the plastic pieces that lock the rafters into place.
The Camco Awning Anchor Kit solves both of these problems.
I used this kit on our last camping trip. It looks like the kit is going to work out well.
What’s in the Kit?
- two “twist” anchors
- two springs
- two quick adjustment buckles
- two nylon straps
How it Works
Each strap wraps around the round roll header. Clips on the strap makes this easy. Each strap is connected to the adjustable buckle, which in turn connects to the spring, and finally the spring to the anchor.
Steps for Set Up
These are the steps for our roll-up awning and manual rafters. Other designs might require a different sequence.
Deploy the Awning
Open the awning and lock all the components. Do not raise the awning to normal height yet. This makes it easy to attach the straps. No helper or step ladder needed. Problem #1 solved!
You want the rafter poles to be extended all the way out and locked.
Attach Straps to the Roll Header
Really easy to do. And it solved Problem #2 — no more twisting of the rafter poles!
Set the Anchors into the Ground
The anchors need to be far enough away from the awning, to form a 45° angle. This was a problem at our campsite. There was a bush in the way on one side of the awning, so the angle wasn’t optimal. But it worked.
Another issue was the ground was loose sand and the anchors would not hold. Instead, I used the 15″ stakes from the Awning Hold Down Kit.
Leave the straps loose, so the awning can be raised to its normal height.
Raise the Awning to Its Normal Height
Once the Awning is raised, tighten any adjustment hardware and lock everything down.
Tighten the Straps
The buckle is much easier the use than the hardware on the Camco Awning Hold Down Kit.
Summary
Because of the loose sand, I placed two large rocks on top of the 15″ stakes.
Everything stayed in place during our two-week campground stay.
The straps are not as heavy duty, nor as wide as the strap on the Camco Awning Hold Down Kit, but are plenty strong enough. However, I suspect they will be more prone to UV damage from the sun.
Looks like I’ll be retiring our old Hold Down Kit and using the Anchor kit going forward. I’ll still keep the old kit in the trailer as a back up.
This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.
Camco 42593 Awning Anchor Kit with Pull Tension Strap
26% Off $33.99 $25.10 (as of October 17, 2024 22:15 GMT -07:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)