Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 23:24:04 -0700
Reply-To: MC <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: MC <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Shady Boy Awning - Punctures
In-Reply-To: <BD2DFB00.5E71%steeles@horizonview.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Stephen,
I have indeed bought and installed my Shady Boy. I am very impressed
with the clearly very thoughtful design, the uses of very best material,
and the superb workmanship. The attentions to details can be found in
every aspect. For example, the proper clearance to the top of the front
door, The optimum width of the awning WRT to Vanagon length, The use of
stainless steel and 6061 aluminum tubing and milled/machined blocks.
Needing mention are the high quality faberglass battens (poles).
May be my concern with the fabric tearing is unwarranted. The fabric is
not your common cheap material found in low cost tents but the very best
I've seen. Because it is so thin you cannot help but wonder if it will
fair well under such intense tension. On the other hand I am very
familiar with the modern sail cloth's extreme tentile strength.
Given Wolfgang is such a perfectionist I have no reason to think he
under-design the cloth and the batten pockets.
This awning is like high performance sports gears require good care in
operation and avoid abrasion.
- Vince
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Stephen Steele
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Shady Boy Awning - Punctures
Listees:
I feel the need to address the comments on the fabrics/wear of the
ShadyBoy(SB) awnings.
I think Karl said it correctly, "I don't know what the PO did...". And
because of that it is unfair to question the workmanship or quality of
the fabric. Vince, I am sorry that I can't recall if you already have a
SB or are just contemplating a purchase. But I have used mine in every
kind of normal weather/storms for two seasons now and aside from a very
minor amount of abrasion from my improper packing of the poles, I have
no tears, rips or holes. As with any tent-like product, a little careful
assembly and takedown goes a long way to ensure a long lived product. In
closing, I am VERY PLEASED with my SB and consider it one of the best
investments that I have made to an otherwise stock Westy.
--
Stephen
Chillicothe OH
on 7/28/04 22:17, MC at gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET wrote:
> Karl,
>
> I am a bit concern also on the fabric tearing at the stitching near
> the pockets. Some stitches in those areas are under extreme stress and
> I feel there should be better spreading of the point load like the
> technique use in sail making. I understand that will add cost but I am
> more than happy to pay more for a stronger and longer lasting fabric.
>
> I am seeing some enlarge holes around the center pocket though they
> are not tears. I don't know the yeild point of the fabric though I
> would like a piece of sample to test with and find out. According to
> Wolfgang the standard fabric is extremely tough and very resistant to
> tear (with rip-stop characteristic).
>
> - Vince
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Karl Ploessl [mailto:ploessl@sunmac.spect.upenn.edu]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 11:33 AM
> To: MC; vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> Subject: Re: Shady Boy Awning - Pictures
>
>
> this is a word of caution: I too have the shady boy awning installed.
> I don't know what the PO did, but one of the pockets in the fabric
> where the center pole goes, has a hole; probably the pole went through
> the fabric at one point due to too much tension? I 'reinforced' the
> fabric there with duct tape.
> --
> Karl
> '81 Westy "Jenny"
> Wilmington, DE
