Our reasoning and expectations behind this, & in-use reviews.
We have fitted an awning more as an umbrella than a sun canapé, and knowing rain seldom comes down vertically (especially in the UK) we opted to fit as long an awning as possible, 3m approximately the length of the roof.
To fit the awning we first looked at the gutter bracket but decided it would be preferable to spread the load a bit more, so have used the brackets designed to bolt to a flat surface, mounted on the roof rack supports. We also needed the awning to be fitted high enough for the slope of the canopy to clear the front passenger door when opened, which the gutter brackets don’t achieve.
Long term we plan to modify the roof to a pop-top and intend to integrate an awning into the structure of the roof.
The Awning, (until pop-top is fitted).
The brackets.
The awning extended.
The awning in use (not fully out).
It needs a good clean ss-nuts & a rain baffle fitting to the roof rack underneath (all on my to-do list)
More info and Photos and a full write-up to follow soon.
Pros.
Always available.
Can be used partly extended.
Only needs one person to erect.
Cons.
Heavy (23 kg).
Not good in high winds, (possibly the same for most awnings).
Our conclusions.
Other related or affected items.
4 bar Roof Rack.
Rain baffle under wind-out awning case.
Recessed pole mounts on side of the van, (will need pole extensions, see bodywork).
Extensions for awning support poles.
Awning side & end panels, (under consideration).
Awning integrated into the pop-top roof structure, (planned long term).
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