Thanks to all that responded with their positive experience. I installed mine on Friday afternoon. Because I have a huge Thule Westy roof rack I could not use the SS brackets it shipped with. I fashioned a 10" long steel bar that, when combined with 2 socket head bolts and the awning casing, acts as a clamp against the foot of the roof rack. I then proceed to deploy the awning. It is awesome! Every thing is perfect. All fabric fit onto each fiber pole with just the right amount of tension. The entire awning is cantilevered from the aluminum case. I now really appreciate the strength of every thing especially the poles and pole attachment points. Imagine that an entire 80 sq. ft. of awning is cantilever. Also image taking all the poles and try to deflect them in the same degree when the awning is set up. There is al lot of static force. The two guy ropes each exerts 6/7 lbs at outer corners. I use a big industrial fan to simulate stiff breeze for testing it's performance. It withstand it very well. I am updating my site and will have the pictures coming soon. - Vince -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of caverat Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 5:54 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: RE - Shady Boy Awning - Initial Impression
"The two mounting bracket are made out of stainless steel and are more than 1/8" thick. They will definitely outlast every part on the camper." Don't make the same mistake I did. I don't know what I was thinking at the time, but for some reason I decided to pull down on the extended awning at the end of the fabric in the middle. I think I might have been trying to get some of moisture of a recent rain to run off somewhat so I could pack it up quicker. I found out that doing this bent the brackets at the "U" seam and my brackets were now like "V" instead and the awning was now permanently at an low angle. I didn't even realize the brackets were bending at the time. I called up the place I ordered it from (I believe I spoke to Wolfgang), told them what happened, and they quickly sent out a new set of brackets. I don't remember the details, but I think I might have either gotten them for shipping only or for a very reasonable price. Other than my stupid mistake, I've been pleased with it. caverat 89 westy |
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