… I tie a rope from the middle framework to a stake or tub of cement…

The tubs of cement and concrete blocks are popular with some of the new or not-so-bright Rvers to keep their canopies and awnings tied sown during high winds.  Also makes some nice flying projectiles when the awning/canopy turns into a kite.  I’ve seen more than one RV with a nice hole punched into the side from a hunk of cement.

Go to someplace like Dollar Tree and buy the cheap screw-in-the-ground pet tie out.  You will need one for each corner.  You will need a bungie cord for each corner plus a little extra roope to extend the bungie (we use the racheting cargo straps because we just have plenty of them on hand… I would suggest RED if you need to buy them, so folks will see them).  you don’t need real long bungies as you are only using them as “shock” lines.  The wind will catch up under the canopy, and the bungie will stretch and then pull back as the wind escapes from under the awning.  You need to attach the corners at the strongest point of your canopy… do not attach to the weaker hinged side bars.  On our First UP (10X20) we attach at the upright pole bracket… we do not attach at the center ridge section as it is not a strong point. This is how you secure on grass and fairly solid dirt.  Loose, sandy soil does not want to hold too well in strong wind.  On pavement you will want to use the same system but change the tie outs to sand bags or water buckets.  The sandbag/water buckets do not hold down as well, so if the winds get fierce, you will want to drop your canopy. The give & take that bungies extert can be a little disconcerting if you aren’t used to it.

I’ve used the bungie cord/tie outs on large cabin tents, freestanding canopies and RV awnings for over 30 years.  I left one freestanding canopy up in our back yard near Chattanooga TN for one whole summer (I was working on our popup under it).  You need a good heavy framed canopy (too many aren’t) to do this.