Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 06:35:51 -0700
Reply-To: MC <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: MC <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Shady Boy Awning - Update
In-Reply-To: <002201c47118$a69d58a0$4c657d18@ce1.client2.attbi.com>
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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
