Awning question during WINDY tailgating events...

[bigwapitijohnny]

All,

What are you guys doing when you use your awning at places where tent spikes cannot be used? Are you using sand bags? dumbells? I needed to use my Kirkham auto canopy at an event that was in a parking lot one time, and it was not as 'turn key' as I would have liked. I have tried some 25 lb dumbells, but it was not too steady in the wind...What do you guys use? Thanks in advance!

Regards,

BWJ

 

[JohnMcD348]

I haven't had the problem with regular awnings but I do use my EZ-Up type awnings that I use at BBQ competitions. Mostly they are on pavement and I have found a few different ways to keep them steady in a storm.I have used buckets filled with sand to act as planted anchors before. It may not be the best solution but it works. Place 2 opposing legs into the buckets and fill with sand. You can also use the handle of the bucket as a tie down point if the wind is really bad to keep the legs from being pulled out of the sand. Also, I have some heavy bar stock that weigh perhaps 5-10lbs each that I can tape to the base of the legs to act as weights. That works if your just expecting light winds and breezes.

 

[kai38]

Pep-Boys sells some 5lb weights with cuts in them, they look like a Pacman that slip down on the legs and hold the pop up in place. Sold in packs of 4.
Ive also tied the ice chest to opposing legs

 

[Arvin G]

If the spikes have no place I usually tie some rope to my coolers at each corner or at least two corners. I also use ratchet straps to my scepter and jerry cans at each corner. Never had a problem and they work well in beach conditions as well.