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Old 06-15-2018, 07:14 PM   #21
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It is better to have an awning and not use it than to need an awning and not have it.

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Old 06-15-2018, 07:19 PM   #22
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I've rolled like this for many moons . The VW is phasing out of my life soon and will be replaced with the Club Wagon. Pretty much same setup. Awnings are welcomed here in sunny NorCal. That, along with an EZ Up and the Renn tent, we're all shangri la
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Old 06-16-2018, 01:18 PM   #23
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Awning attachment not good for rough roads

Sure the awning can be convenient to have, but at least with the stock installation provided by Sportsmobile, it's not sturdy enough for off-pavement use. I drive a lot of washboard dirt roads, and my awning would shake such that, after only two years, my sheet metal had cracked where the awning rests against it. The majority of the awning's weight is taken by the Ford van's rain gutter, but for stability it also rests against the body side of the van. This sheet easily flexes as the awning shakes.

I soon ended up removing my awning, and then only periodically reinstalling it again when I knew I was going to want some long-term shade (Burning Man, etc.). It is too heavy for one person to reasonably manage. These days I have it removed for good, and there are big ugly epoxy patches plugging the cracks to avoid rust.

Here is what my van looked like when it was only two years old. The cracks have since doubled in length.





And in the forest, it catches on vegetation:



-- Geoff
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Old 06-16-2018, 01:22 PM   #24
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These days I use an easy up.
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Old 06-16-2018, 02:41 PM   #25
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Good thing you don't use a roof cargo basket with all that bush wacking.
We might be finding you swinging from a tree or something.

I find it comfy to have something tied off to the van to prevent rain from entering the side door, excess sun and use that footprint to extend living quarters.
In the end, I'm just as happy with a tarp, vice grips, ropes and poles as much as the box awning. YMMV
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Old 06-20-2018, 03:57 PM   #26
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Or, as the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers said...Times of dope will get you times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope...
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:09 AM   #27
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In 10 years of owning our SMB, we haven't really missed the awning, but maybe you don't know if you haven't had one. We just try to find shady places to park. Plus, an awning on the side might convince my HOA that it's really an RV and make me park it somewhere else.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:20 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve_382 View Post
Plus, an awning on the side might convince my HOA that it's really an RV and make me park it somewhere else.



...Having just installed a Fiamma from the group buy..that concerns me a little too.....
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:17 AM   #29
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Fiamma awning

All depends on how and where you mount it.
Sometimes you got to get creative.
I love mine, a one man operation and it deploys in minutes.
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:37 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffff View Post
....And in the forest, it catches on vegetation:



-- Geoff
Seems like someone could fab/craft an "armored end-cap" for the awning, perhaps steel or aluminum....awning armor, haha...
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