Date:         Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:58:52 -0500
Reply-To:     Bill Glenn <idahobill@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Glenn <idahobill@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Anyone ever use standard awning rails on a vanagon?

Jim,
When I wrote, I had not seen the photos from Richard Jones.  The extrusion
shown in his pictures is identical to the extrusion I used, referred to by
the tent and awning shops in Australia as "sail track".  As I said, that
may be a colloquial expression because the item resembles a sail track, or
perhaps it is one; regardless, the extrusions are identical.

As noted, a track was installed on each side of the van.  Unlike the track
in Richard's photos, these extend the full length of the van, including
over the front doors.  Neither the main awning nor the off-side mini awning
are full length, but due to the nature of the system, each can be
positioned anywhere along the track--all the way forward, all the way aft,
or anywhere in between, and moved as needed without too much bother.

The hybrid system I described, the third option, results in a rolled-up
awning of about four inches in diameter hanging on the side of the van,
which is somewhat rigid due to the dowel or tubing at its core.  I can't
imagine how you would make that disappear up into the poptop; even if it
would fit, and I doubt it would, many hands would be needed to stuff it in
there as the pop-top is coming down.

If you desire an awning but you don't want it hanging on the van because
you use the van as a daily-driver, the removable awning under discussion
would seem to be your only option, no?

Bill