> I use the ropes that attach the outer corners of the awning to the bumpers
> and have had no problems, even in heavy winds with gusts up to 35 MPH.  I
> don't need no stinkin' poles!

 I also attach the ropes on the corners to my bumpers, & w/o the poles it
allows the awning to bend down in the wind & bend the brackets on the
roof!!! Must be some serious winds to do that, but I only thought they were
30-40 mph when it happened at Buses By the Bridge 2 Januarys ago. Were you
facing into the wind or w/ the wind in those 35 mph gusts?

FWIW,

Tom Buese