Awning fixings

[Len_Cuff]

Just bought a 2000 ABI Yorkshire Rose 520EJ but the awning supplied 'fixes' against the van using flat plastic plates. Typically during a recent outing in high winds, they came loose, fell off the awning poles and we ended up with some scratching on the side of the van! I've managed to get the marks off but would like to put the proper awning fixings (which were supplied with the awning!) on to the side of the van. Question is, how do I know where to fit them and make sure there is something behind the skin of the van to screw them into to make a solid fixing point?

 

[PaulHull]

When I set ym awning up I just make sure that the poles are stretched out as far as the material will allow - I've never had a pole slip.

I've never come across an awning that requires screwing to the van either! Maybe just check the tension of the material to make sure its enough to hold the mounting point in place.

 

[Len_Cuff]

I'm not talking about screwing the awning to the van just the fixing points! Those small plastic pieces which the awning poles clip over and connect to.

 

[trucker]

Len, if you screw these fixings to your van and you get a strong wind with the awning not tensioned correctly you could end up with some pritty big holes in the side.

Check the size of your awning is correct hight included and that it is tensioned correctly These pads have been sucesfully used now for some time, if they were no good they would not be sold with the awnings.

Kevin

 

[Len_Cuff]

OK fair enough. Maybe we just didn't tension it enough and the combination of strong gusty winds loosened them off. Will have to try a bit harder next time !!

 

[BurtonRob]

Hi Len,

I've got sympathy for your problem. I'm just wondering exactly which awning fittings you have got. In most modern awnings the awning fittings are clipped to the inside of the awning itself and have a flat plate that takes the awning pole hooks. Older awnings had hooks on the van end of the pole which hooked into a plastic clip that was indeed scewed into the side of the caravan. The alternative for this second type was to have a large sucker on the end of the pole whicj gave a little more grip to the side of the van without the need to screw in fixings. If your awning has flat plastic plates they may be the the type that clip to the internal side of the actual awning canvas by means of an internal plastic rail? If so have you fitted them correctly? If they are not then you might be better off getting the suction type pole ends. I agree with what others have said about tensions and the preference for not using screw on fixings. Might be worth double checking with an accessory shop, they can show you the different types and make suggestions.

Best Wishes

Rob

I'm sure you will sort it.

 

[Len_Cuff]

I've contacted the dealer I bought it all from. He had not seen the awning or fittings supplied as they were 'extras' not included in the warranty etc. He has also suggested I change the flat plates for the rubber suction type cups as these will hold better to the side of the van and also allow for the awning poles to slacken slightly without becoming totally detached from the van. Agreed?

 

[Len_Cuff]

Forgot to say that there are hooks on the end of the awning poles which suggest they 'should' clip into the old style fittings screwed to the van and they were actually supplied with the awning but the previous owner never fitted them. All I found in the awning bag was those flat plates and the hook is a real pain to get to fit inside it for a proper fit.