Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 15:49:10 EDT
Reply-To: Perrinvan@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Jim Perrin <Perrinvan@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: vanagon awning wanted
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
In a message dated 98-07-27 14:22:16 EDT, you write:
<< ...retractable awnings made by Dometic and/or E&E. The model I'm looking
at is a Catalina, I believe. It clamps to the rain gutter above the cargo
door. >>
I have an A&E Model 2500 ( which I believe is called the Catalina). I believe
A&E is the same as Dometic. I bought it from a large mail order RV place. I
am VERY pleased with it, and almost always get questions from other Vanagon
owners about it when I go to VW swap meets/shows.
I bought the optional clamp kit, so I could clamp it to the rain gutter
instead of drilling holes. On a curved rain gutter such as the Vanagon, some
people only use two of the three clamps that come in the kit. However, you
can install two of the three clamps right next to each other, thereby getting
support from all three. (With vans having a straight gutter, you can space
them equal distances apart.)
One length extends from the rear of the van to near back edge of the front
door. Another model is 16" or 18" or so longer, and extends from the rear of
the van to a point over the front door. I choose the longer one, and am very
glad I did.
Hope this helps. If you decide to get one, email me directly and let me know
your experiences. I found the installation and operation instructions were
OK, but left out a few details that I learned as I went.
You can install it with either the two outboard poles vertical and resting on
the ground
or you can attach fittings to the side of your van so that the poles make a 45
degree or so angle, and attach to the side. I use the poles in the vertical
position, which I prefer. If it starts raining very heavily while it is up,
you can shorten the pole on one side a foot or more, which allows the water to
drain off to the side rather than collecting in the middle.
The first several times I opened it up or closed it, I had a second person
help me. However, now that I've figured out exactly how it works, I open it
or close it by myself.
One other thing is that I occasionally check the clamps to be sure they are
still tight.
Jim Perrin
