Date:         Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:57:49 -0800
Reply-To:     Ben T <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: ISO North Westy Stainless Steel Bracket for ARB awning
In-Reply-To:  <0707201B-F13E-4A19-9F2F-648BAD60FA19@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

The issue with adding the third bracket is the curve in the gutter towards the front of the van. Most brackets are derivatives of the original Fiamma brackets. I feel the NorthWesty units are the better built option. Some people object to the plain stainless steel finish. That’s the only complaint I have ever heard.

There have been a number of postings about modifying a third bracket in the Vanagon Cafe Facebook group to fit the front part of the van. The late Dan Beatty showed me that drilling an extra a couple of mounting holes solved that problem. Dan was a retired field engineer from Mercedes and held a doctorate in engineering. I trusted his opinion on solving such problems more than anyone else I know.

Just about any of the aftermarket awning brackets can be drilled or the hole “ovaled” to fit the third position. However, the unpainted stainless steel lends itself well to the process because you are not breaking the finish on a powdercoated part.

Another modification Dan did which I have not seen by anyone else, is cutting a corner on the rearmost bracket in order to allow mounting it slightly over the front edge of the rear side windows. This adds stability to the rear and spreads the load better. 


BenT


> On Nov 17, 2021, at 11:00 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Yes, I’d love to be able to touch the different options to see the differences. 
> 
> I opted for three brackets as well for a 10 foot awning.  I am using the GW ones.  I’m currently not drilling into the van as the same brackets only recently added the direction to do that they used to be optional.
> 
> If the awning works out well for a extended time I may actually do the Nutsert but for now it seems rock solid with the three clamped brackets. 
> 
> I was interested in the VC version as they are reported to be taller but they are powder coat and I seem to see lots of wear on painted items like that, so I prefer the stainless option.
> 
> Most of my observations are that people are using two brackets, but I wanted three for security and because I’m not drilling into the body.
> 
> Eric 
> 
>> On Nov 17, 2021, at 11:58 AM, Jim. Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> 
>> I already have two of the north westy brackets which by the way do not
>> require drilling into the westy body metal. The two brackets along the 8
>> foot awning are marginal, I feel that rough driving and weather will put
>> too much stress on the two attachment points of the relatively weak westy

>> gutter. Three points of attachment is suggested by north westy— I don’t
>> know why they don’t sell them in threes in that case.
>> 
>> Jim
>> 
>>> On Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 10:39 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Jim,
>>> 
>>>       not sure what your need is, but GW sells a ARB stainless bracket
>>> in a single version.
>>> 
>>> eRic
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Nov 17, 2021, at 10:44 AM, Jim. Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>>>> 
>>>> I only need one, but I'd buy a pair to get it and sell the other. North

>>>> Westy is out of stock. I've written them but thought I'd see if anyone
>>> just
>>>> happened to have one lying around LOL.
>>>> 
>>>> Jim
>>> 
>>>