tent and visor foldup

I will second you on that ericnliz!!

I take the stuff sack approach for our awning, after an attempt to fold. Laying it on the ground to fold and keep it clean seemed harder than just stuffing it in the sack it comes in, being careful to brush away twigs or dirt as it went into the bag. It fit perfectly in 'stuff mode.' 

rfuss928 said:

A fellow I knew that designed for a major tent manufacturer once told me that folding a tent the same way each time you pack it is similar to folding a piece of paper the same way over and over.  The folds are stress and lead to failures on those lines long term.  Stuffing was the recommended method for packing.
That said, we pack our original T@B awning similar to ericnliz.  Although it seems to go a little differently each time, as long as it fits in the bag, success!
Have Fun!
Bob

I was told the same thing decades ago. Also have seen people's long term gear that have been folded over and over. I agree with the "stuff" technique. YMMV. Probably not as contentious as the coffee opinions, but probably "to each his own" sorta thing!

@rfuss928, it happens, and I made it disappear

@SAM, great idea! The bags that came with mine are way too big. Sometimes, my XLVisor is a wee damp, so I just sorta lay it on the top of it's bin to air out some (under tonneau cover prior to getting the bed cap). 

Does anyone have a magic formula to get leaf imprints and stains out of the nylon fabric? It's only on the top side, so it's not like anyone can see them. My OCD wants it perfect, however (hides labeler and backup labeler).

While we are talking about awnings... When we first opened ours we took one look at the supplied tent pegs and just shook our heads. Those plastic ones just do not cut it here in our rocky northeast campgrounds. We immediately replaced those with the Coleman metal spike pegs we've used tent camping. 

You will want to put them in a sturdy bag to protect the awning from the sharp points. I made a nylon ditty bag since a stake bag was not supplied with the awning.

Photomom - you may want to check out my post "A better tent stake".  You won't find me pounding or tugging a tent stake anymore.

For our mat stakes away from the T@B, we use cheap solar lights. They have a stake you can pound in and the post with light slides on top of the stake.

With any of these pieces of gear I'm meticulous about caring for it and this applies to the folding/drying out process as well.  I always fold my tarps, tents and gear into "thirds" if you will and will fold each side into the center of the piece being folded up.  I inspect the item, clean off any dirt/bird droppings/tree sap, etc., dry it completely before stroring it and actually had to take my visor and wash it with mild Palmolive dish soap to remove the sticky tree sap from the maple trees and let it dry out after my last trip up to Northern Michigan.  I used a soft bristle brush on the end of an extendable paint pole and was able to work the soap around and spray it off nicely with a hose, then dried it out completely before folding/stroring it in the bag.  

It also depends (and as noted previously) on the size of the storage bag.  By noting the size and with the Keder rope edge sewn into these items I fold the gear in accordance to the size of the storage bag and roll it up, removing the air as I go and ensuring there is no sand or grit in the piece being stored.  I do my best to remove all air and allow for easy placement into the storage bag and normally tuck the fiberglass poles in after this is done.  I know that we are all different and would agree, try out each suggestion and do what works best for you.