CampaMate Practical Guide

Using Your Wind-Out Awning in Bad Weather

Rain, gusts and changing weather can put enormous strain on an awning. This guide shows how to pitch it, secure it and recognise when it is time to wind it back in.

Before the weather turns

An awning is not an all-weather shelter

Wind-out awnings are mainly designed for shade and lighter weather. In strong wind, heavy rain, hail or snow, the safest option is to retract the awning.

Rain set-up

Give the water somewhere to go

In moderate rain, lower one support leg so one side of the awning is clearly lower than the other. This creates a proper fall and allows water to run off instead of forming a heavy pocket in the canopy.

Choose the lower corner carefully: direct the water away from the doorway, chairs and electrical equipment.

Stop water pooling

A water pocket becomes very heavy. Keep the fabric tensioned and use a suitable tension or curved rafter if your awning model supports one.

Secure the legs

Do not rely on the weight of the awning. Secure support legs with the correct pegs or anchors for the ground conditions.

Motorhome awning with wind anchoring straps

Add a hold-down kit

A compatible tie-down or hold-down kit adds stability. It helps control movement, but it does not make an awning storm-proof.

WHEN THE WIND PICKS UP

Do not wait until it becomes a struggle

Wind can get underneath a large canopy like a sail. If the awning starts lifting, snapping, flexing or moving noticeably, retract it while conditions are still manageable.

Move loose chairs, tables and equipment away.
Do not assume storm straps mean it can stay out.
Wind it in before gusts make handling difficult.
Keep people clear of a violently moving awning.

THE SIMPLE DECISION

Heavy rain, storms, strong wind or snow: wind it in.

Heavy rain can create water pockets quickly, snow adds weight, and gusty wind can damage the canopy, arms, cassette or mounting points. No strap or peg makes a wind-out awning safe in severe weather.

Overnight

Think about the forecast while you are asleep, not just the conditions at bedtime. If significant rain or wind is possible, retract the awning before bed.

Leaving the pitch

Going walking or sightseeing for several hours means the awning could be unattended if the weather changes. Wind it away before you leave.

Winding it in wet

Retracting it wet temporarily is safer than leaving it exposed. Reopen it when conditions allow and dry the canopy thoroughly before longer-term storage.

Before driving

Check that nothing is trapped, the canopy has rolled evenly into the cassette and the awning is fully and correctly closed before moving the vehicle.

Keep it easy to reach

Your bad-weather awning kit

Carry the correct pegs or anchors, a compatible hold-down kit, an approved tension rafter where appropriate, and keep the winding handle immediately accessible.

CAMPAMATE GOLDEN RULE

If you are wondering whether it is too windy, wind it in.

Avoiding damage to the awning, its mounting points, your vehicle and people nearby matters far more than keeping the canopy out.