Awning Security.

gillybob
gillybob Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited March 2019 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice, we are planning on leaving our van on a small secluded site for 6mths, but because its small and quiet it doesn't always have people on the site.. there are a few seasonal vans but again they are rarely used...

We would ideally like to leave our full awning up to make things easier on arrival as we would be mostly only doing long weekends.

So does anyone know of any type of security locks that could be fitted to the ends of the awning to prevent it from being stolen!!!!

Any advice will be great, apart from the obvious of dont leave the awning up....

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2019 #2

    I can only think that if the awning was stolen that the damage done to overcome an awning rail fitted security device would be significant

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited March 2019 #3

    With the unpredictable weather that seems to becoming more severe I would be more worried it would sustain damage which would more than likely also damage the caravan ,when not in attendance,  than the likelihood  of it being stolen 

    Ps If the site is secluded I would also be thinking about damage by the local wildlife the furry sortsurprised

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #4

    Yep, you’d be looking for a new awning rail as well, if not more.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,046 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #5

    I cannot think of a single way that an awning could be made thief proof. The simplest of knives would gain access, as would lifting a few pegs and crawling inside. Once out of plain sight, a potential thief  would only have to lever up one side of the awning rail and no lock at either end could prevent removal.

    Once stayed on Hexham Racecourse. Lots of seasonal vans, many unoccupied had left their awnings up. Cue one good windy storm, awnings blowing all over, many had smashed windows and sides with poles. 😱We walked across to tell site manager. His response was that it happens regularly, despite all the warnings, and he never touched anything, just contacted the owners. His description of these owners was “plain stupid”, so sorry, but in this case, I would have a serious rethink. 🤔I doubt any insurance would pay out either. 👎

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2019 #6

    Probably 7 years ago we stayed on a site when there were some moderately heavy winds. Known far worse. We stayed in most of that day as OH had injured her knee a little. The couple across the way had a nearly full size awning - often referred to as a three quarter. They were out for the day and their awning pegs were loosening and pulling out. I repegged and, having a spare box of pegs, double pegged their awning. The pegs still would not hold and so I sought help from the warden and between us, despite the wind, we were able to dismantle and load the awning onto the wardens trailer so he could store safely in the site garage. He had apparently done similar with two other awnings that day. Our awning was fine. If the awning had been locked on the rail we could not have done that

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2019 #7

    The OP was looking to prevent the awning being stolen .... not the contents TDA

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited March 2019 #8

    That could have been the same year we were there ,we were lucky as we we in the lee of a building and did not suffer damage but I remember it wellsurprised

    It was a TRAX site  back then

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,046 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #9

    It was indeed. We have stayed there numerous times, in tiny camper van, with caravan, and on tent site. Weather was so atrocious one night when camping, my sister and I rigged up a kitchen in the laundry or pot wash room. It was only way we could safely cook! Loved the Trax Sites.

    Contents or awning Easy, neither would be there after a howling gale!😂

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #10

    We have come across the results of a theft where the only things (multiple) left were the awnings, cut from the stolen caravans.

    Sorry, OP, but when these dirtbags can steal caravans by circumventing almost any fitted locking device then an awning security device won't have any chance.

     

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited March 2019 #11

    agree, and if the awning covers the wheel lock/s then this gives them more time to cut off any lock and even break into the caravan while under cover.

  • gillybob
    gillybob Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited March 2019 #12

    Thanks everyone for your input, we are new to caravanning and have seen many an awning left up on busy sites.. hence the original question, but yes we will be rethinking our idea of leaving it up now...cheers and happy caravanning everyone :) 

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #13

    Perhaps a smaller porch type awning that can be put up quickly might better suit your needs?

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #14

    The wheel lock should be on the other side where any attempt to overcome it can be seen by anyone about. If it is in the awning you are correct the awning will give them cover but they still have to cut the awning which on a site is a similar risk.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited March 2019 #15

    Nice bit of cheeky free advertising wink

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #16

    Not for the first time either.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #17

    Can't say I'm too bothered about this bit of advertising. It's obvious that AHM started out inventing something to help himself and top marks to him if it works and helps with cope with stabilising his awning as he is disabled. As long as things don't get out of hand and becomes a regular thing then I would turn a blind eye, as sometimes is needed with rules.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited March 2019 #18

    very easy to cut with a Stanley knife from inside. who will see if curtains closed.

  • Rob2CathDavies
    Rob2CathDavies Forum Participant Posts: 145
    edited March 2019 #19

    Hello.  Presume this is not a CAMC site as you aren’t allowed to leave your awning up when the van is unoccupied.  

    As a retired warden, I wouldn’t advise leaving an awning up.  A storm can soon loosen pegs and straps, and cause damage to yourcaravan.

    Hope you enjoy your seasonal pitch, it is a great thing to do, especially with theroads getting busier and busier.  Less towing but still enjoying the great outdoors.  Enjoy!

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited March 2019 #20

    Sharp metal edge like that would cut through straps in no time. Poor design.

  • rayjsj
    rayjsj Forum Participant Posts: 930
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    edited March 2019 #21

    I have done this with a high quality Isabella awning, forget security.

    Biggest threat is rodents, we had rats invade ours and set up home.

    They destroy and defecate/urinate over everything, ate a hole through the awning side.

    A lot of damage, beware.

  • AWNINGHANDYMAN
    AWNINGHANDYMAN Forum Participant Posts: 57
    edited March 2019 #22

    Thank you for your kind comments ‘Wherenext’ as I was truly trying to help a fellow camper and was not promoting my products for multiple orders. 

    I am not a 9-5 person as past customers will tell you. I have helped many, especially when they thought their holiday was to end abruptly, even late on Sunday evenings.

    I take offence to your comment Cybreyacht, how can you describe my product as a, quote, ‘Sharp metal edge like that will cut through straps in no time’ Poor design! unquote.

    You have not seen my product or taken the time to contact me and ask about the high quality stainless steel used or even read my statement that they are safe for persons of any age to walk on safely. Do you think that I have invented this without many tests and lengthy trials in all weathers?

    For the record everyone, after 9 years of giving fellow campers my 50+ years experience in this leisure and with my 72nd birthday fast approaching, I am ending my support and will close at the end of my financial year.

    Happy 2019 camping to you all.  Dave

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited March 2019 #23

    I may not have seen the product 'in the flesh' but I based my comment on the photo you posted.

  • AWNINGHANDYMAN
    AWNINGHANDYMAN Forum Participant Posts: 57
    edited March 2019 #24

    Poor decision! 

    Should you ever you ever come across one from my happy customers, ask them what they think and then swallow your ‘uncalled for’ words.

    I was always under the impression that ‘Club Together’ was a friendly, helpful site where help and constructive advice is always on hand, which is why I posted my first ‘helpful advice’ to Gillybob.

    I thought wrong again.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited March 2019 #25

    AHM. Don't tar everyone with the same brush. Those that criticise have nothing better to do.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #26

    Why so angry, AHM? 

    CY said what he saw, rightly or wrongly, but why that makes you think we're unfriendly, I don’t know.