Tips For Using A Vehicle Awning In Windy Conditions
A three-sided vehicle awning can be a handy accessory to use during all sorts of outings. A lot of people use this device when they're camping, keeping it up for several days at a time. It can also be useful for shorter stints, such as taking a quick picnic during a road trip. If you're shopping for a vehicle awning that you plan to use frequently, there's a good chance that you'll occasionally have to set it up in windy conditions. Doing so presents some challenges compared to using the awning on a calm day, but you can handle this task with ease by keeping these tips in mind.
Park Selectively
You want to reduce instances of large gusts of wind blowing against your vehicle awning and potentially causing damage. The first way to achieve this goal is to park selectively. When you're choosing where to stop your vehicle, look for barriers that can prevent gusts of wind from making direct contact with your vehicle and its awning. For example, if you're parking for a picnic, parking beside a row of hedges can create a barrier if the wind is blowing from the other side of the hedges. You won't always have the ability to find a barrier against the wind, but it's a good idea to look for one when possible.
Use The Guy Wires
Most vehicle awnings come with a set of guy wires, and while you won't typically have to use them during calm conditions, you'll certainly want them when it's windy. The guy wires will add strength to the awning and prevent it from moving excessively during wind gusts. There are two different ways to use the guy wires. One option is to tie one end around something solid, such as a tree or even another vehicle. Alternatively, you can use heavy pegs to secure the guy wires to the ground.
Retract It When You Don't Need It
While the tips above can be useful to prevent damage to your awning, it's also important to understand the value of retracting the awning when you don't actively need it. If you're going to be away from where your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, it's wise to put the awning down. This way, if there are intense gusts of wind that occur, you won't need to worry about damage taking place.
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