We have used the Camco Awning Hold Down Strap Kit for over 20 years. The majority of our trips are in deserts, and deserts usually means wind is fairly common. Wind wreaks havoc on RV awnings. Our Camco Hold Down Kit has saved our awnings many times!

Our Awning was Saved by the Awning Hold Down Kit

Many years ago we were camping at a county campground along the Colorado River. We had gotten up early for a day-long outing on the river in our inflatable boat. When we arrived back at the campground in the late afternoon, we were shocked to see extreme wind damage to many of the RVs — awnings tore apart and destroyed.

Fearfully we approached our camper. Our awning was the only one in the campground that was still intact, thanks to our awning hold down kit. We later found out that a “freak” localized wind event had occurred. The Sheriff’s department had even come to the campground to warn the campers of this short storm.

I must point out that the awning was an 8 foot long Fiamma F35 on our 1992 Starcraft. Awnings act like sails when it is windy, and the larger the awning the bigger the sail. I am not sure that the hold down kit would have provided the same positive outcome on a larger awning.

What Awnings Does it Fit?

It probably fits most RV awnings. We have used the same kit on our 1992 Starcraft Meteorite, 2006 Fleetwood Niagara, and 2014 Milan travel trailer.

What’s Included in the Kit

• two heavy duty 15″ stakes
• long nylon strap fits awnings up to 25 feet wide, plus extra length to connect to the stakes
• one spring
• strap hardware

Installation

Stakes need to be placed so the strap makes about a 45° angle from the ground to the awning. This is ideal, but obstacles or ground hardness may require less that optimal placement. Also, the stakes need to be “behind” the front of the awning, as most set-ups will have the strap going over the top of the awning.

Step 1

Next, connect one end of the strap through the spring connection hardware and then attach it to one of the stakes.

You want to use the spring! Should a strong gust of wind hit the awning, it can damage or bend awning parts if the awning is connected rigidly to the ground. The spring allows some movement to help prevent damage.

Step 2

The awning strap needs to be drawn across the top of the awning for most installations. I usually need to use a step ladder for this. If there is any wind at all, I need Joyce to help me. Once the strap is on top of the awning, then hold it with one hand under tension.

Step 3

Thread the strap through the hardware, attach to the stake, and then adjust the tension by pulling the strap. Note that after the first set-up, the hardware can be left attached to the nylon strap.

What I don’t Like

First, is trying to drag  the strap across the top of the awning. Usually I can do this by myself if there is zero wind. I usually have to drag the step ladder out of the storage area of the trailer to install the hold down kit.

If I remember correctly, on our Fiamma awning on our 1992 Starcraft, I was able to run the strap over the awning rafters and under the awning material. On our other two campers, it was better to run the strap on top of the awning material.

The second thing I don’t like is related to the Dometic awning on our 2014 Milan. The rafters have a sliding mechanism that allows the awning to be folded up. When the awning is deployed, the rafters slide to attach near the front of the awning. This “attachment” consists of a couple of plastic pieces. Once the hold down strap is installed, the tension from the strap causes the rafters to twist a bit. Although we haven’t had any problems in the 10 years we have owned the trailer, I am somewhat concerned that the tension could cause the plastic pieces to break — to the point that I keep spare parts in the camper.

Summary

The kit has worked well for us for over 20 years. It is more difficult to set up on our travel trailer, which has the longest awning of any trailer we have owned, than the previous two.

I figure that if a piece of equipment lasts for twenty years without any failure and does what it is designed to do, then it is a pretty darn good product.

I should point out that the hold down kit is probably not appropriate for “high winds,” whatever high winds might be. It is probably best to retract any awning when the wind speed exceeds 10-15 mph.

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Awning Pull Rod Use with Optima Tension Rafter Systems Length: 46" Dometic part number: 830152.102