46 replies to this topic

[ntsqd]

There are two basic wrap-around awning designs; one is self-supporting and the other requires support poles. Go with the self-supporting design. It is much simpler to open and close, and you only need poles for it if you need it open in really heavy weather.

[Skey]

Mainline overland has indicated that they will mount the shadow-awn to the campers frame with their provided brackets. I am driving up to NH from SC to have this installed so hopefully they aren’t full of it. I’ll find out when I get there and update here. Install is going to be in August.
Regarding ease of setup I just say look into setting up the shadow awn. It’s a snap compared to other 270deg awnings.

Edited by Skey, 26 May 2020 - 08:30 PM.

[camper rich]

I like my Eezy Awn Batwing.  Although I am not tall, I use a short ladder to deal with it, and I find it is extremely easy to deploy and it gives me that awning over the door that is really nice when it is raining as well as a huge amount of shade.  In Baja, I deploy it and stake it down for long periods of time and it has survived many severe winds.  If I know in advance that a big wind is coming, I will stow it away, but that is not always possible.   Sometimes, if there is no threat of wind, I will just unzip it and deploy it without putting the legs down, but generally I do put the legs down and hang some cloth grocery (or book bags) full of sand or rocks on each leg to hold it down from any unexpected gust.  When pulling it in, I can pretty much do it myself, even if there is a wind blowing.  If the wind is blowing from the front of the truck to the back is probably the hardest situation, but I fold it in and then need to pull the loops of fabric into the correct position to then fold them.  

 

What I like most about my Batwing is that all the parts that get stressed are metal and will not break like I have had happen on my Fiamma's (I own two of them on different campers).  There is a big rivet at the end of each Batwing rafter that I hang an "S" hook over and then a cord with a truckers' hitch to a good long stake to tie it down.  I also have a couple of 6' x 8' nylon tarps that I can hang from the ends of the Batwing rafters to block any sun coming in from the side.  

 

For me, one of the bigest considerations in an awning is survivability in the wind, and that includes how to roll, fold it up in a high wind by myself and the Eezy Awn Batwing works well for me.   

Edited by camper rich, 27 May 2020 - 04:11 AM.

[journeygirl]

Thank you everyone! There's a lot to consider here, and I appreciate your input. 

[buckland]

Skey, Over a year ago I tried to have the Alu-cab installed at the Bow NH FWC Overland dealer. He said he couldn't do it...though I had sent him an install pdf made by another WTW member. It looks very sturdy. If indeed they have changed their minds I would go that route.  

[Skey]

Skey, Over a year ago I tried to have the Alu-cab installed at the Bow NH FWC Overland dealer. He said he couldn't do it...though I had sent him an install pdf made by another WTW member. It looks very sturdy. If indeed they have changed their minds I would go that route.

Thanks for the input. I will review it with them explicitly before I head up there.

[Oilbrnr]

Here is how one guy did it. 

 

https://expeditionpo...batwing.196140/

[craig333]

Installing the Alu Cab was right at the limits of my fabrication skills and that was more or less following Hodakaguys install. 

 

Its much faster to deploy than my fiamma (non crank out version) and puts away very quickly. I do have to use a small step stool to put it away. I'm concerned about the bag holding up over the years. So far so good. I also use 303 on the bag. 

[Skey]

Really appreciate the heads up on the alucab install everyone.
I have alerted Mainline Overland of my concern and it went straight to one of the owners. They are going to come up with a plan for oversized brackets and noted the PA dealership has installed one on a FWC before. That sounds about right after looking at Hodakaguy’s post. Install date is August 13 so I’ll update with any updated plans. I see it requires a heavy attachment point near the rear and want some clarification on how they plan to support the hinge knuckle. Really glad I joined this site before the install as it has already been so helpful. Thanks again.

[craig333]

I opted to bolt instead of weld and mild steel instead of stainless since thats what I had laying around.

 

 

Brackets are one of those reasons I'm really going to miss Blue Collar Supply. Surplus off who knows what but they were perfect for my project.