Attaching the awning to the 'van!

[richardpalmer]

I have poles that have a sort of 'hook' at the end, but the awning that came with my avn doesn't have the double profile and no housing clips on the outside of the 'van. Will rubber/suction pads be OK? To me that sounds a bit risky as surely the frame's not physically connected to the 'van?

 

[emmerson]

The poles don't need to be "attached" to the van. Tensioning them is all that's needed, so yes, the rubber suction cups will do. Saves drilling the van too.Remove the hooks from the poles first.

 

[richardpalmer]

OK Thanks. Problem #2!: The awning came with a second hand van as seen. some of the frame is broken, particulary two of the 4 or 5 way front corners. Can these be replaced or will I need to buy a new awning :-(

 

[emmerson]

Depends on the age and make of the awning. I'd suggest you google the makers to find a website.
If the parts are still available, the cost of them might make it more feasible to buy a second-hand awning.If you could find one of the same make, then you'd have spares as well!

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi what awning is it sounds like it could be a dorema if so you need these http://www.bowenawnings.co.uk/awnings/dorema/quicklockpad.html

 

[emmerson]

hi what awning is it sounds like it could be a dorema if so you need these http://www.bowenawnings.co.uk/awnings/dorema/quicklockpad.html

Colin, I'd forgotten about those fittings, as it's so long since I used an awning.
But note that they will only work if the awning has the requisite beading fitted inside.

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi, Yes Emmerson thats is abolutely correct and the reason I asked if it was a dorema because if it is, it will have the fixing rib.
if it is not then the suggestion of removing the steel hooks and using suction cups would be the best way to go. untill the OP comes back to tell us, there is little else I could suggest, but a very good point none the less.
colin

 

[paws]

I'm a bit late in posting up my comments on the "RubberSction Pads" but like you Richard, I found that the awning that came with my second hand van had the hooks on the ends of the poles but no attachment points on the caravan!
I didn't want to drill my van to fit attachment points, so considered the advisability of suction pads as an alternative... after reflection and a deal of thought, I bought the Rubber Suction Pads and after removing the hooks from the pole ends substituted the Rubber Suction Pads.
Tthey have worked perfectly.
They have been used for the last 6 years including some pretty "bumpy" weather conditions without a problem.
Sometimes it's possible to braze or weld the poles if a "joint area" has broken ( assuming metal poles of course!)
and this can provide a very quick fix... (I have only done this on a 15 year old set of poles..... it maybe that modern poles may be a bit lighter and perhaps not quite so amenable to brazing/welding etc.... however its worth considering.
Regards
paws