How to choose the right caravan awning pegs based on the conditions.
Most awnings come with two types of tent pegs: plastic stakes and metal skewer pegs. But what’s the difference between pegging out in soft grass, hard ground, shingle, mud or rock? And what if the awning sits on hard ground, but the guy lines are on grass?
This guide highlights eight caravan awning pegs and explains where to use them.
The awning pegs to have in your collection are:
- Metal skewer pegs
- Groundsheet pegs
- Plastic stake pegs
- Metal stake pegs
- Spike pegs
- Tarzan rock pegs
- Screw pegs
- Delta pegs
1. Metal skewer awning pegs
Metal skewer pegs work best in firm soil. They help peg out your groundsheet or footprint, but avoid using them on guylines, as they can twist and shed a line in windy conditions. Ensure you hammer metal skewer pegs flush to the ground to avoid creating a trip hazard.
2. Groundsheet pegs
Groundsheet pegs are mushroom-headed plastic or metal pegs that fit flush to the ground. They are ideal for pegging out your groundsheet or footprint in soft to firm conditions. Unlike metal skewer pegs, groundsheet pegs are easy to remove and don’t sink into soft grass if trodden on.
3. Plastic stake pegs
Plastic stake pegs are ideal for pegging down the awning side straps or guylines into soft to medium ground. The pegs are typically bright yellow, which makes them easy to spot when walking around an awning at night. Most plastic stake pegs have a moulded hook, which helps straps and guylines stay in place in windy conditions.
4. Metal stake pegs
Metal stake pegs typically come in short, medium and long sizes. They have a V-shape or U-shape spike, which won’t rotate in windy conditions. These pegs are ideal for securing straps and guylines into hard, stony ground when a plastic stake peg isn’t strong enough.
If the awning straps sit on hard ground and the corner lines stretch onto soft, muddy or sandy ground, use shorter stakes for the straps and longer ones for the lines.
5. Spike pegs
These caravan awning pegs are versatile and can cope with most ground conditions. They have a round metal spike and a plastic head, generally with a moulded hook. Spike pegs are ideal for securing the straps on your awning’s side walls.
6. Tarzan rock pegs
As the name suggests, Tarzan rock pegs are perfect for securing the awning corners, side straps or guylines into hard, stoney ground or shale pitches. However, if the guylines land on softer ground, use plastic or metal stake pegs for the lines.
7. Screw pegs
Threaded plastic screw pegs are ideal for gravel hard standings where skewer and stake pegs can easily pop out in windy conditions. You can also use screw pegs in soft to medium ground for added security if you expect stormy weather.
These pegs come with a flat-moulded head that you can screw in by hand or a bolt-style head for use with a cordless power driver.
8. Delta pegs
Delta pegs are perfect for securing corner storm straps in soft and medium ground. The number seven shape means they absorb tension more effectively than a straight peg and are less likely to work loose.
Using the correct hammer or mallet
Using the correct tools makes it easier to hammer your pegs home and prolongs the life of the mallet and pegs. The golden rule is to use plastic on plastic and metal on metal.
Top Tip! Never push an awning peg into the ground with your hand or shoe. If you hit a stone or hard patch halfway in, the peg can easily damage your hand or pierce a soft sole. Use a hammer or mallet, and you’ll also achieve a deeper, more secure fixing.
Here’s a summary of the peg types and their uses in a handy table:
Now you know the best pegs to use where and in which conditions, you won’t get caught out if the ground isn’t as expected or if the bad weather rolls in.
If you pitch in a field, you may only need to take a couple of peg types. But sometimes, you may pitch your awning on shale surrounded by grass, where some of the grass is soft, but other parts are rocky underneath.
If you have the space, take your whole peg collection on every trip. If not, call ahead and ask the site owner what type of ground you’ll pitch up on.
Happy caravanning!