I purchased an awning from BD (basic model) and have only used it once. Here is what I found: For the price, coverage, and adjustment/location possibilities it seems good. However, upon first set up the stitching on one of the velcro closures blew out. Doesn't bode well for the long haul. Also, when the sun hit it, the canopy tightened up and pushed the metal canopy poles out the ends past where they should have been secured by the velcro enclosures. Finally, the metal support pole (parallel to the side of the van) on the outside edge (not resting in the raingutter) was flexing quite a bit (2-4") toward the van. Seems like this pole is too wimpy. Instructions could be improved but were adequate. This has been posted by others... I agree with those who recommended setting it up once before trying it on a trip. A little tool dip on the raingutter attachments would ease the potential for scratching the paint. Once it was up, worked quite well. Seemed stable even with the poles protruding past their enclosures. My experience was in benign conditions though. Also, check the archive as there are some informative posts there from a few months back. Jim K. 84 westy SF CA |
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