Yes, similar to @grannygump, we too made our own. I had a couple paint roller extension poles and cargo straps. I needed some decent tent stakes, and a way to "cup" the awning roller. For the "cup", I found a 3" PVC with a 1" knock out. I just used a sabre saw and cut about 2/3 of the 3" portion, then added a couple felt buttons at the top of the knock-out to protect the roller since the paint roller extension end didn't scratch up the awning roller.
As others can attest, it certainly does provide stability, however, if it's quite breezy, and certainly while sleeping or away, I wouldn't trust them to hold the awning secure. You can imagine the force if a gust of wind were to catch it...there's no way any awning poles could hold a "sail" of that size!
Pics for your viewing pleasure...
