A better tent stake
rfuss928
Member Posts: 1,192
I have not pounded in a tent stake or struggled extracting one for a few seasons. I have switched to 5/16" lag screws and a 1/2" socket that fits the power drill I carry for raising and lowering the stabilizers. The lag screws easily drive into virtually any ground I have encountered, hold firmly and extract just as easily when taking things down.
Generally 6 inch length works very well for holding the corners of my T@B awning in place even in the windiest conditions. Adding a S hook and captive washers under the head make it easy to grab the loops on the awning corners.
I use 4 inch length for the corners of our patio mat with large fender washers under the heads and grommets added to the mat. These can be driven flush with the mat avoiding any tripping hazard.
A short length of heat shrink tubing below the washer on the shank of the screw prevents the washer from sliding down while installing and from falling off when extracting and packed.
Give it a try and I think you'll be converted too!


Have Fun!!
Bob
SUNT@B
Generally 6 inch length works very well for holding the corners of my T@B awning in place even in the windiest conditions. Adding a S hook and captive washers under the head make it easy to grab the loops on the awning corners.
I use 4 inch length for the corners of our patio mat with large fender washers under the heads and grommets added to the mat. These can be driven flush with the mat avoiding any tripping hazard.
A short length of heat shrink tubing below the washer on the shank of the screw prevents the washer from sliding down while installing and from falling off when extracting and packed.
Give it a try and I think you'll be converted too!


Have Fun!!
Bob
SUNT@B
7
Comments
-
Very nice, Bob!!2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)0
-
Yes sir! They even work in frozen ground...
Chan - near Buffalo NY
2014 S Maxx (ie: "320")2011 Tacoma 4cyl... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya0 -
Glad you pointed this out, great idea!

States the T@Bpole has camped, so far
Nathan & Becky... 2013 Ford F150 FX4 TAB HLR... 2012 LG T@B T@Bpole.
Sterling, VA0 -
I have been using timber lock screws, fender washers too. Much easier than the old stakes.
2007 T@B
Rockford, IL
0 -
Thanks for the info. I tried it using a 1/2" x 8" lag bolt with the hook, washers, and shrink wrap and glad to report good news. Tried to pull one out - it took a LOT of effort to do so. I used the 1/2 x 8 because it has the same size hex head as my stabilizer screws so I don't have to keep track of additional sockets. I am using these for our stand-alone canopy.
Thanks!
John & Cheryl
2007 T@B ClamShell by Dutchman "Goli@th"
2018 Chevy Colorado V-6
Edmond, OK2 -
Late to the party but, thanks Bob. We were at a campsite last weekend and couldn’t get our pegs thru the gravel. I made these today...

Terry & Jody... 2025 Honda Ridgeline RTL
2016 NuCamp 320 T@B Max S
T@bbey Road
Appleton, WI1 -
Here's a hand driven anchor that's made in USA from 100% recycled plastic -- https://www.orangescrew.com/
I saw them at an outdoor event where they were selling singles to dog owners as a leash anchor.
Spendy but well made and designed like a pocket corkscrew for wine.
You may be more interested in their textured paracord available in stealth gray or 3M reflective orange (no stumbling in the dark).
2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)0
Categories
- All Categories
- 12 Cirrus Truck Campers
- 128 Dutchman and Vintage TaB Archives
- 3 Forum Rules
- 3 nüCamp & Forum Contacts
- 971 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- 2.7K Battery/Electrical & Solar
- 1.2K Camping & Travel
- 145 Events & News
- 220 Factory Comments
- 30 "FOR SALE" - New/Used Trailers
- 15 “FOR SALE" - Camping & Trailer Gear
- 2.4K Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing
- 138 Help - Computer & System
- 925 Introductions
- 409 Looking to purchase a trailer?
- 2.2K Modifications & Upgrades
- 1.4K Products and Accessories
- 428 Service/Maintenance & Recall Notices
- 37 Solo Travelers Hints & Tips
- 1 T@G Forum
- 78 Teardrop Groups & Links
- 78 Testimonials
- 922 Tips & Tricks
- 1.5K Trailer & Towing
- 27 Owners Manuals/PDF Files/Videos & Resources
- 56 üCamp Rally - News & Information




