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Date:         Mon, 25 Aug 1997 07:49:03 8
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Wes Neuenschwander <wesn@eskimo.com>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Digest - 23 Aug 1997 to 24 Aug 1997

> > Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 21:41:20 -0700 > From: Stuart Redford <scr@PACIFIER.COM> > Subject: Who makes a good awning for '85 > > Anyone know of a manufacturer of a good awning for an '85 Vanagon? > > scr >

A&E (the parent company of Dometic, mfg. of the standard Westy fridges) makes a very nice awning specifically for small RV's and vans. I have a Catalina Model 2500 in the 8' length mounted on the rain gutter (using the special van mounting kit they provide for this purpose) and have been very pleased with it so far.

Quite nicely constructed and a very clever design: All components fit snugly into a solid (and fairly compact) aluminum case. Surprisingly, very quiet on the road (no rattles to date). Easy to mount and dismount, though so far I've just left it in place. Tight clearance to the van though, so it does require some care in extending/retracting the awning (the van door must be closed to allow the struts to clear when dropping them down from the case). Spare parts and/or repairs are available from local dealers or the factory (though probably pretty pricey).

Got mine from Camping World for about $300 w/ van mounting kit. A couple of tips: 1) I highly recommend that you do the installation yourself rather than let the hack RV techs at CW decide on placement and mounting methods. 2) Cut small strips of protective vinyl to cushion the van mounting brackets in and around the rain gutter attachment points (I used 3M "Safety Walk" Home & Recreation Tread - a very useful product, BTW). If you mount them bare, you will chip the rain gutter paint. 3) If you're not satisfied with the color selection offered in the catalog, ask about special ordering 'custom' colors. Many additional colors are available - for no additional charge - from A/E, that may go better with your van than some of the typical cheesy/festive colors from RV palette.

Only real question to date has been whether to mount the support strut clips to the Vanagon body (requiring 4 holes to be drilled!!) or continue securing the support struts to the van wheels (using an elastic shock cord device I made), which limits the extension of the awning somewhat. Any feedback from other Vanagon awning owners would be appreciated.

-Wes

Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA wesn@eskimo.com


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