Thule rack with box awning, Chevy

[regis101]

This is how I'm gonna roll for a while with the NTM van.

Everything is uber strong. I contemplated adding a third bar for the middle but will wait.
The reason I have a wide spread for now is to allow the next step of adding a skirt along the backside of the awning since it lays just right with the gutter. This will add support strength and help keep rain from coming inside through the side door(s).

I drilled/tapped the cross bar so the bolt will always be there. The awning simply lifts on and off. It secures with a wing nut.

I left just enough play with hole size regarding the angle to awning mounting to allow the awning to drop down enough to rest on the locking handles.

The hardware is 1/4x20 . I also have some 5/16 stiff on hand. But as long as I keep the shock load to zilch all will be well. But since I am human, I'll add a safety chain to each side from the angle iron to the cross bar.
Just my hang up.

As always, a work in progress.

[marret]

Looks nice.