Date:         Fri, 12 Aug 2005 12:20:47 -0700
Reply-To:     Jim Kurpius <jkurpius@CAL.BERKELEY.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Kurpius <jkurpius@CAL.BERKELEY.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Bus Depot awning
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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