Fleetwood Mods and Upgrades--Post 'em here!

[Brian W]

Trying to figure out a way to support my shade end panels WITHOUT drilling in to the side of the coach. My first try was an epic fail, but have two ideas and was looking to see if someone could critique my ideas.

These are the instructions:



This is the bar that slides in the top of the panel and the end connections:





Decided I am okay with drilling in to the awning tube, so the biggest obstacle to overcome is how to mount the other bracket to the coach. My first thought is to mount it with 3M VHB which claims a holding strength of 400 ounces per square inch or 25 lbs per square inch. I am guessing the bracket has about 2 to 3 square inches. The end panel weight with support is about 8 pounds so I think it would hold.

The other way would be to take the end cap off the top of each awning rail, drill holes through the end caps and then bolt the bracket using the two bottom holes. Hopefully the pictures give a better idea of what I am looking at doing. Sorry for all the pictures.





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[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Brian W

Trying to figure out a way to support my shade end panels WITHOUT drilling in to the side of the coach. My first try was an epic fail, but have two ideas and was looking to see if someone could critique my ideas.

These are the instructions:

Attachment 62547

This is the bar that slides in the top of the panel and the end connections:

Attachment 62548
Attachment 62549
Attachment 62550

Decided I am okay with drilling in to the awning tube, so the biggest obstacle to overcome is how to mount the other bracket to the coach. My first thought is to mount it with 3M VHB which claims a holding strength of 400 ounces per square inch or 25 lbs per square inch. I am guessing the bracket has about 2 to 3 square inches. The end panel weight with support is about 8 pounds so I think it would hold.

The other way would be to take the end cap off the top of each awning rail, drill holes through the end caps and then bolt the bracket using the two bottom holes. Hopefully the pictures give a better idea of what I am looking at doing. Sorry for all the pictures.

Attachment 62551
Attachment 62552

That looks like a "Macgyver" job for sure. Good luck, Brian!!!

[Brian W]

Shade end panel mod:

Extreme mounting tape


Clean area to attach bracket and mount using tape (make sure in proper position with awning closed to ensure no interference first before mounting)



Drill hole in awning tube


Finished product.



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[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Brian W

Shade end panel mod:

Extreme mounting tape
Attachment 62606

Clean area to attach bracket and mount using tape (make sure in proper position with awning closed to ensure no interference first before mounting)
Attachment 62607
Attachment 62609

Drill hole in awning tube
Attachment 62608

Finished product.
Attachment 62610

Success! Looks nice, Brian. I hope the adhesive in that mounting tape will be heat-resistant.

[Brian W]

Says to 200 degrees so we shall see. First use comes starting this Wednesday in Louisiana, so should be a good test. If it doesn't hold I will go with the VHB which will.


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[mojoracing]

Looks good. I read the instructions and looked at your idea of mounting it through the lower holes on the arm bracket. I think that would work and is a great idea. The support rod might be on a bit of an angle though but should not be a big deal. I think the tape will hold but like you said, heat is a concern. The side of that black motorhome can get extremely hot. I can see it sliding down the side. I think Sarah had that happen with the adhesive on some velcro used for her front shade. Granted the tape is better than the adhesive they use on velcro but I would bet the side of that motorhome can get hotter than 200 degrees. Love the shade! Is it possible to shorten it up to get rid of the access or would that require a seamstress?

[Brian W]

I don't extend my awning as far as it will go so its a little long. I was taught to only extend until the frilly stuff hangs down. I am going to just push it more to the top to get rid of the overhang.

As far as the bracket and the heat, that is definitely a concern, but not a great one while the panel is up as due to the angle it almost holds it against the wall from the pressure. The only time it will be up is when I am there as I don't leave awning out when gone. Don't trust the wind sensor thingy.

Will post how it holds up after upcoming trip.



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[Brian W]

Mojo,

Your post got me to thinking and while not worried about the bracket when panel is up, I now am worried if it comes off going down the road and cuts a tire. Think I am going to go to my dealership and just have them put the screws in. At least that way it's them that put the screws in and not me. My service department is excellent and they will do it for me with no charge, or at least I hope.


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[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Brian W

I don't extend my awning as far as it will go so its a little long. I was taught to only extend until the frilly stuff hangs down.

I have never heard this. What's the reason?

[Brian W]

I don't know the actual reason, but I was told it was to prevent placing extra strain on the awning material. It makes sense since they have the frilly part and if you look at the pictures on Dometics website it shows the frilly part hanging down.




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[NLOVNIT]

Never heard of that either, Brian. That pic seems to show the awning fully deployed.

L-

[SarahW]

Hmmm--ours goes all the way out with the "frilly part hanging down." Plus, it seems you'd want the fabric taut, not dipping so that rain water won't pool.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Never heard of that either, Brian. That pic seems to show the awning fully deployed.

L-

Plus, that pic appears to be a manual awning. (Or at least a different design than ours.)

[Brian W]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Never heard of that either, Brian. That pic seems to show the awning fully deployed.

L-

Mine will extend past this point.


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