Secure awning to stock roof rack

[JeratBP]

I'm installing my 6.5' awning to the stock roof rack with 'L' brackets that came with it.

My question is, what did you use to secure the awning to the vehicle to keep anyone from trying to steal it? Yes, we have issues in our neighborhood with car break-ins.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Brackets secured to stock roof rack. They aren’t moving.

 

[BendRunner]

I've seen people do it with U-bolts

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[JeratBP]

I need to lock the awning to the brackets / vehicle.


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[cbelisle]

not really 'stock' but i'd recommend these if you can. stronger cross bar option as there is no plastic connection, and it gives you a ton of mounting options for an awning and the basket.

 

[hstexan]

I need to lock the awning to the brackets / vehicle.


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There's not an easy solution out there, you're going to have to be creative and even then it won't fully fix the issue. If it can be installed with hand tools then it can be removed with hand tools and nothing will stop a determined thief who is properly equipped. The design of awning mounts doesn't lend itself to easily being locked on, there will always be a weak point. If you lock it to the brackets, then they'll just use a socket to remove the brackets. If you lock it to the side rail then they can just use a socket to remove the side rail (or just saw it off). There will never be a fool proof system, you're better off removing the awning completely from the brackets when you're not using it and put it on for trips if you are that worried about it being stolen.

All you can do is make it more difficult, use torx instead of allen, phillips, or flathead...maybe do some tamper resistant nuts or something as well

 

[blackoutt]

I use luggage locks on the awning zippers with bike lock cable back to the roof rack. Not un-stealable but makes it not as easy.

 

[RobD]

Drill an extra hole on each part of the bracket and run a padlock through it. Or lots of Loctite.

 

[JeratBP]

There's not an easy solution out there, you're going to have to be creative and even then it won't fully fix the issue. If it can be installed with hand tools then it can be removed with hand tools and nothing will stop a determined thief who is properly equipped. The design of awning mounts doesn't lend itself to easily being locked on, there will always be a weak point. If you lock it to the brackets, then they'll just use a socket to remove the brackets. If you lock it to the side rail then they can just use a socket to remove the side rail (or just saw it off). There will never be a fool proof system, you're better off removing the awning completely from the brackets when you're not using it and put it on for trips if you are that worried about it being stolen.

All you can do is make it more difficult, use torx instead of allen, phillips, or flathead...maybe do some tamper resistant nuts or something as well

So I called around today about these tamper resistant (or security) nuts. They're not too expensive however the security socket is. One company quoted me around $62 for the (4) nuts and security socket.

I ended up buying a cable lock with key.