
Installing an awning on your camper van can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. It's important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific awning model. This article will provide a general overview of the process, from purchasing the right awning to carrying out the installation and maintenance.
First, you need to purchase an awning kit. Measure the height and width of your camper van to ensure you get an appropriately sized awning. When measuring the width, start from a point beyond the door, ensuring that the awning will not block any windows or compartments. It's also crucial to measure the floor line, as this is where the bottom brackets will be attached.
Once you have your awning, the next step is to install the mounting hardware. Mark the placement of the mounting brackets, ensuring they are positioned on a wall that is thick enough to support the weight of the awning. Drill holes for the mounting bracket screws, using the recommended drill bit size from the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a water-tight sealant, such as silicone, to the screws before attaching the brackets to prevent water leakage.
Now, you can hang the awning over the mounting brackets by sliding the attachment hooks into the awning. Extend the awning and adjust the tension using the tension knobs. Pull out the support legs to position the awning canopy correctly. You may also need to make torsion adjustments using a knob at the side of the awning to control the tightness of the fabric.
To protect your awning and extend its lifespan, consider purchasing an awning deflapper to reduce flapping, which can cause damage over time. Additionally, use tie-downs and stakes to secure the awning properly and provide extra support. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the awning with a vinyl cleaner and applying silicone spray to the tension arms, will also help keep your awning in good condition.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Awning Kit Contents | Stainless steel mounting brackets, silver reflective material, and extra fiberglass poles |
Awning Location | Front of the camper above the door, or any wall that is long and thick enough |
Wall Thickness | At least 1 inch (2.54 cm) |
Installation Tools | Felt tip marker, drill, mounting brackets, screwdriver, stepladder, awning installation tool, sealant, tape measure |
Installation Steps | Place and mark the mounting brackets, drill holes, coat the screws in a water-tight sealant, attach the mounting brackets, hang the awning, extend the awning, make torsion adjustments, skew the awning slightly |
Maintenance | Open the awning at least once a month, clean both sides of the awning, use an approved cleaner and soft-bristle brush to scrub the awning, adjust the awning's pitch to remove excess water, retract the awning in high winds or rain |
What You'll Learn
Choosing and buying an awning
When choosing and buying an awning for your camper, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of awning you want. The three basic types of RV awnings are manual, electric, and slide awnings. Manual awnings require physical effort to open and close, while electric awnings operate with the push of a button and can be more convenient. Electric awnings also often have wind-sensitive safety features that automatically retract the awning in high winds. Slide awnings, also called slide toppers, are permanently attached to the top of slide-outs and protect them from UV degradation and debris.
Another important consideration is the size of the awning. Measure your camper to determine the appropriate awning size, ensuring that the awning does not impede the operation of the entry door, windows, or other features. The largest RV awnings are typically around 21 feet long, but the size you choose will depend on the dimensions of your camper.
The material of the awning is also a key factor. Acrylic fabric is a popular choice as it offers good air circulation, handles various weather conditions, and dries quickly. However, it is not fully waterproof and may stretch or sag over time. Vinyl fabric, on the other hand, is waterproof, scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and blocks UV rays. However, vinyl can attract dirt and dust and may develop mould if not properly aired out.
When purchasing an awning, you can either buy an awning kit, which includes most of the necessary parts, or purchase the parts separately for a custom size or colour. Awning kits are generally recommended for convenience, but separate parts may be preferred for customisation. Remember to check the dimensions of all parts to ensure they fit your camper.
Finally, consider the ease of installation. Installing an awning can be a complex process, and it may be advisable to seek professional assistance or refer to detailed installation guides. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of your awning.
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Preparing the camper for installation
Before you start installing your awning, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your camper. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Measure your camper: Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of your camper. This will help you choose the right size awning for your vehicle. When measuring the height, start from the ground and measure up to the top railing/track of your camper. For the width, measure from a point beyond the edge of the door, ensuring you don't include any windows or compartments that the awning could obstruct.
- Choose the right location: Most awnings are placed on the front of the camper above the door, but you can also put it on any wall that is long and thick enough to support the awning. Mark the location with a felt-tip marker, ensuring the walls are at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick to ensure the camper can bear the weight of the awning.
- Gather the right tools: You'll need a few tools for the installation process, including a power drill, drill bits, a screwdriver, a stepladder, and an awning installation tool (optional but recommended).
- Purchase an awning kit: Look for a kit that includes stainless steel mounting brackets, silver reflective material, and extra fiberglass poles for stability. You can also buy the parts separately if you want a custom size or colour, but it's generally easier to get a kit. Make sure to check the dimensions of the parts to ensure they fit your camper.
- Prepare the mounting hardware: Place the end mounting brackets approximately three inches inside the end marks and use a marker to indicate where the holes should be drilled. Then, place the middle bracket directly in the centre of the chalk line and mark the drilling spots.
- Drill the holes: Use a drill bit size recommended by the awning manufacturer, usually 3/16". Drill straight through the marked spots.
- Apply sealant: Coat the provided screws with a water-tight sealant, such as silicone, to seal the holes and prevent water from entering your camper.
Once you've completed these steps, you'll be ready to start installing your awning. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during the installation process.
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Installing the mounting hardware
Step 1: Marking the Bracket Positions
Place the two end mounting brackets approximately three inches inside the marks indicating the awning ends. Use a felt-tip marker to mark the holes on each bracket. This will indicate where you need to drill. Next, position the third mounting bracket in the middle of the chalk line and mark it as well. You can find the middle by measuring the distance between the two end marks and dividing it by two.
Step 2: Drilling the Holes
Drill holes for the mounting bracket screws. Refer to the awning manufacturer's instructions to select the appropriate drill bit size, as different awnings may require different screw sizes. Typically, a 3/16 drill bit is used for these holes. Drill straight through the marked points to create precise holes for the screws.
Step 3: Applying Sealant to the Screws
Coat the provided screws with a water-tight sealant, such as silicone. This step is crucial to prevent water from entering your camper through the screw holes. Ensure that the sealant is applied evenly and generously to all screws.
Step 4: Attaching the Mounting Brackets
Now, it's time to attach the mounting brackets to the camper. Using a screwdriver, carefully screw the brackets into the pre-drilled holes. Avoid using a power drill for this step, as it may over-torque the screws and weaken the structure. Securely fasten each bracket, ensuring they are firmly in place.
Step 5: (Optional) Using Backing Plates or Steel Plates
If your camper's walls are too thin to support the awning structure, you can enhance the stability by using backing plates or 0.25-inch (0.6 cm) thick steel plates. Drill holes in these plates using a carbide bit drill, and then attach them to the camper walls before securing the mounting brackets. This step will provide additional support for the awning.
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Attaching the awning
Now that you have your awning and the required hardware, it's time to attach the awning to your camper. Here are the steps to do this:
- Place the two end mounting brackets approximately three inches inside the end marks. Mark the holes on the brackets with a marker. This will indicate where you need to drill.
- Position the third mounting bracket in the middle of the chalk line and mark the drilling spots.
- Drill holes for the mounting bracket screws. Use the drill bit size recommended by the awning manufacturer. Usually, a 3/16 drill bit is used for these holes.
- Coat the provided screws with a water-tight sealant like silicone. This will seal the holes around the screws and prevent water from entering your camper.
- Attach the mounting brackets using a screwdriver and the provided screws. Avoid using a power drill as it may over-torque the screws and weaken the structure.
- Hang the camper awning over the mounting brackets by sliding the attachment hooks on the brackets into the awning.
- Extend the awning by pulling out the support legs until the canopy is in the correct position.
- Make torsion adjustments, usually with a knob located at the side of the awning. This will let you adjust the tension of the awning while it's extended.
- Consider purchasing an "awning deflapper" to reduce flapping. This will increase the longevity of your awning by preventing wear and tear.
- Slightly skew your awning so that one end is higher than the other. This will allow water to flow off to one side instead of collecting on top.
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Adjustments and maintenance
Once your awning is installed, there are a few things you can do to ensure it stays in good condition and functions properly. Firstly, it is important to inspect your awning for any damage before and after each camping season. Open the awning completely and visually inspect it for tears, holes, or mould and mildew growth. This can be done from the ground, but using a ladder or climbing onto the roof of your RV will allow you to inspect the top of the awning more thoroughly. It is also recommended to open your awning at least once a month to allow it to dry if any moisture has accumulated on the fabric, especially if you store your RV in a humid climate.
To clean your awning, start by opening it completely and spraying the top and bottom with clean water using a garden hose. Then, use an approved cleaner and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub both sides of the awning. Finally, rinse the awning to remove any remaining cleaner and debris. It is important to choose a cleaner that is safe for your awning fabric; look for a product with UV protection and avoid those that contain bleach, as this may cause discolouration.
To adjust the pitch of your awning, first unlock the pitch arm if necessary, then simply pull down or push up on the arm to adjust the angle. Be careful not to overextend the arm, as this can stress the strut and cause it to break. Additionally, if adjusting the awning near an entry door or slide room, ensure that the awning does not obstruct the door's path.
To protect your awning from wind damage, it is generally recommended to retract it if winds exceed 20-25 mph. However, it is important to note that wind gusts can be stronger than the reported wind speed, so it is best to retract your awning whenever it begins to bounce or shake.
Finally, to keep your awning in good condition while travelling, consider using velcro straps or bungee cords to secure it and prevent it from accidentally opening.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a strong pair of work gloves, a flat-head screwdriver, a power drill, a tape measure, and a stepladder.
You can either purchase an awning kit, which will come with most of the parts you need, or you can purchase the parts separately if you want a custom size or colour.
Most awnings are placed on the front of the camper above the door, but you can put the awning on any wall of the camper that is long enough and thick enough.
First, use a felt tip marker to mark where the ends of the awning will be and where the mounting brackets will go. Then, drill holes for the mounting bracket screws and coat the provided screws in a water-tight sealant before screwing the brackets into the holes.
You will need to slide the attachment hooks on the brackets into the awning. Then, pull out the support legs until the awning canopy is positioned properly.