Roof Mounted Caravan Canopy Awning

[Johnb]

For those still interested in fitting a Thule Omnistore to a caravan roof - in our case a Swift Eccles 480.

We decided to go ahead in spite of Swift making it clear they do not advise mounting an awning on the roof and doing so would invalidate the water ingress warranty.

My view is that the van is a 2019 model and completely dry. If a leak were to develop anywhere - particularly the roof - then the way the van is constructed makes rotting wood etc an impossibility. Fibre glass exterior and interior with closed cell hard foam between does not rot. We wanted a canopy for camping in sunny climes and the Fiamma had had its day.

We considered the wind-out version but for the sake of an extra 1kg decided to indulge in the motorised version - definatelty the right decision I can say now having lived with the canopy for 6 weeks in Europe.

I'll add a pic below but for us the Thule length is 3.75m. That fits exactly between the crossways taped joint at rear and front of van roof - a perfect fit. Sizes above 3.5m also include the extra tensioners built in so that was an extra bonus.

We also asked for the optional LED light strip to be included. This operates from its own switch (with red indicator near the van door. The control switch for the canopy is sited close by and again at the side of the door. Operating "box of tricks" is hidden inside upper cupboard by door next to original equipment (radio etc)

Putting out is easily a one person job but since I have a wife she managed the switch and I simply opened the legs from their housing and let hang vertical, then supported the canopy front "box" to walk out until full extension was achieved. The motorised version extends fully with slack canopy but then immediately winds itself back a little to set tension - very clever.

Only task left was to add "storm" straps and a peg through the vertical corner posts' feet.

We have also bought what Thule call a "rain stopper" which is an end "wall" that takes a matter of two or three minutes if needed.

To ensure stability and strength (I'm sure this is overkill) I also bought a central leg and a roof pole. When set up and pegged down in my view nothing below a gale would move the awning!

Size 3.75m * 2.5m and weight 28.5 kg

If anyone needs more information please just ask.

 

[Johnb]

Yes. I also have had a roll out bag canopy and on one occasion the wind caught it and ripped it out of our hands as we were rolling it up. .It landed on the roof with bent legs. I repaired it and used it for a few more years. . But please keep us informed. What is the structure of your roof? I have Swift with a fibreglass skin roof.

I did ring Rose to enquire as you suggest. They were my first choice of Dealer. The journey down etc made fitting there rather difficult so ended up using a local place. I did however buy the "extras" from Rose and can say confidently their customer services are first class.

 

[IanB1485]

See this youtube video

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jrqQJlqKK0&t=49s

.It shows the long fixing plates to which the awning is attached to , which spreads the load over a larger area. it shows a long awning affixed to the roof of a Bailey and the correct way to wind it out in stages with the legs down to avoid stressing the attachment to the roof. The fixing plates are bonded to the roof with Sikaflex 252 or 554 , both are very high modulus adhesive/sealants( can't remember which Thule/Fiamma recommend).

 

[Johnb]

See this youtube video

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jrqQJlqKK0&t=49s

.It shows the long fixing plates to which the awning is attached to , which spreads the load over a larger area. it shows a long awning affixed to the roof of a Bailey and the correct way to wind it out in stages with the legs down to avoid stressing the attachment to the roof. The fixing plates are bonded to the roof with Sikaflex 252 or 554 , both are very high modulus adhesive/sealants( can't remember which Thule/Fiamma recommend).

Rose Awnings seem to me to be the Dealer of choice if distance from home is no difficulty.

I think Sikaflex 252 was used with mine and although I expected only one hole for electrics I ended up with 4 (3 to fix and 1 for electrics).

The Dealer used Sikaflex to bond to roof but used 3 of the holes in the mounting bracket (You can see a couple in the video) to make the fit a "belt and braces" job.

I'm in no way upset this extra fitting was done, in fact I aplaud it. In spite of what Rose say I contacted Swift and was told:

"Good Morning

Thank you for your email.
I can confirm Swift do not recommend the use of roof mounted awnings and this will invalidate the Body Shell warranty.
Swift recommend channel fed awnings only for Caravans".

Kind Regards
Jason

I have no doubt that bedding the bolts in Sikaflex will completely seal against water ingress. Inside the van are 3 flat plates hidden away in upper cupboards and these are fitted with snap on plastic covers. Wires are hidden in the the existing wiring channel.

All in all a neat job and, in my view, extra secure.

The crucial thing I think is to support the awning as it is extended - easily done as described earler - and thus remove any leverage against the fitting. I have seen people (Youtube videos) extend the awning completely with no support - I don't think that is sensible.

Rose showed a wind out version being extended - it's even easier with the motorised ones as described previously. The extra cost of around £400 is not cheap but we are really pleased we made that choice.

The only decision that was a little difficult was to accept the loss of "Body Shell" warranty. For us the benefits of changing from a Fiamma bag awning to the Thule was a "no brainer".

Totally happy with our decision but perhaps others would decide otherwise?

 

[Buckman]

The only decision that was a little difficult was to accept the loss of "Body Shell" warranty. For us the benefits of changing from a Fiamma bag awning to the Thule was a "no brainer".

Totally happy with our decision but perhaps others would decide otherwise?

Surely the loss of the body shell warranty would only apply to that area?

 

[RogerL]

Surely the loss of the body shell warranty would only apply to that area?

Loss of statutory rights would only apply to that area - but warranty is a concessionary extra over and above statutory rights so they can exclude whatever they want.

 

[Buckman]

Loss of statutory rights would only apply to that area - but warranty is a concessionary extra over and above statutory rights so they can exclude whatever they want.

In other words they can still claim, but not using the warranty.

 

[borderbilly]

Seems a bit of expense and pa lava to hang fairy 🧚‍♂️ lights.

 

[IanB1485]

I have fitted several awnings to campers/motorhomes as per my previous posts.Watching the video showing a roof mounted type and the longer attachment plates ,gives me confidence in fitting one to a caravan , after all thule bike racks are regularly fitted to the rear wall of caravans and I have yet to see one thats come off .Still might fit internal plates, just to be on the safe side and cover with the same as the Thule bike rack internerl screw covers.

 

[Johnb]

Seems a bit of expense and pa lava to hang fairy 🧚‍♂️ lights.

Huh! Wait until you see the new fairy lights fopr 2026.

 

[Johnb]

Surely the loss of the body shell warranty would only apply to that area?

Read the quote from Swift. But like you are suggesting were I to find a leak at a front lower corner for example, I'd be rather upset if Swift claimed the roof mounted awning had caused it!

Having said that we are talking about caravan manufacturers so expect anything or nothing!