New Awning Brackets?

zaralps · 03-22-2010, 12:48 PM

I just bought a 2006 RB50 4x4 and would like to put an awning on it. I've read all the previous posts on the bracket problems and am looking at my options. I emailed Peter at SMB West and here's the Q&A:

"Question: Also, there are quite a few complaints on the Sportsmobile brackets...specifically the stress put on the body leading to cracks. Have they been redesigned recently to address this issue?

Answer: The awning brackets have been dealt with and redesigned."

Does anyone have the newer brackets and if so, are they holding up okay?

On a side note, I did check with Eli and unfortunately, he's out of complete sets of his brackets and would need a total of 10 more parties to put in an order.
Thanks,

Jeff

**daveb** · 03-22-2010, 01:23 PM

Well, I think it's the plates that they did on mine. You can call SMB and ask if the new mods are the same as Dave's from Turlock. SMB's first attempt was not so good and they re-did mine. If you ask my opinion, unless they have made a few changes, I would shoot for Eli's solution. But I have yet to see any problems from their repair.

scatter · 03-22-2010, 09:44 PM

I just purchased and installed an awning from SMB and was also told that the brackets have been redesigned. I couldn't see anything different (from photos posted here) and that's why I removed the interior on the passenger side and put plates on the inside to stiffen it all up. I posted that here somewhere. Time will tell if I've solved the problem.

**daveb** · 03-23-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scatter

I just purchased and installed an awning from SMB and was also told that the brackets have been redesigned. I couldn't see anything different (from photos posted here) and that's why I removed the interior on the passenger side and put plates on the inside to stiffen it all up. I posted that here somewhere. Time will tell if I've solved the problem.

Yes, I agree, there needs to be something on the inside backing up the outside plate. So far I haven't had a problem but besides the poor support, the four holes are so close to the edge of the plates (on mine) that I worry about water coming in from the edges. I just don't like the idea of holes in the side of the van that supports something that vibrates so much.

surfgeek33 · 03-23-2010, 07:11 PM

This was the "Re-design" prototype, just like Dave's. We took it to some rough roads after and seemed to work OK. Windsurf555 now owns our Rig, maybe he can chime in if the brackets are still holding up. I agree with Scatter. Once we get our next SMB either from SMB or Used, I will ONLY put an awning on if the brackets are re-enforced with a steel plate inside the Rig.

Ray