Wanting to install awnings over windows help from anyone thats done this

[Camping4fun]

We are want to have awnings installed over the living room slide and bed room slide. I been looking at A&E since this is what we have on our 09 Bounder, I'm not wanting power awnings just manual ones. Not sure if I need the 8500 or 9500 awnings. Has anyone else done this and how hard was it to do?
Thanks

[johnboy545]

I installed A&E window awnings on all of my windows myself..........Easy job.......Make sure you measure the width of the windows and get awnings that are much wider that the window itself.....Maybe 6 inches wider on each side if you can, so that you maximize the shade you cast over the glass.......Wide awnings also let you leave the windows open when it's raining and the rain water won't come in from the sides.......

LEVEL the coach and put the awnings in place on the window you are working on and mark for the screws...........I was lucky that there was a green stripe running around the coach up near the roof, so to make the awning straight all I had to do was measure down from the green line to attach the metal rail that will hold the awning fabric (Awning centered on the window, of course)........If you don't have a factory installed stripe to go by you will need to level the awning from side to side and measure down from the roof to place the top rails in the same place on all the awnings.......

Use caulking to seal each hole you drill for each screw or just use putty tape applied to the back of the rail you are going to attach above the window....The screws should be placed UNDER the rail so they are covered by the awning fabric when rolled up......Doing it this way also makes the screws invisible when the awning is rolled up......

After the top rail is secure, slide in the fabric after you have attached the arms for the awning and make sure the arms are PLUMB by using a level then drill for the hardware that holds the arms to the side of the coach.........Use putty tape for all the holes you make for screws........When you pull the arms down they should be at a 90 degree angle to the coach when the awning is all the way out and tight....

Once the awning is secure top and sides, pull the strap out and figure out where you want the pull down strap to attach to the coach under the window to hold the awning out tightly.........Again, use putty tape or caulking to attach the hardware that holds the pull down strap......

If you are careful and put the top rail on straight and make sure the side arms are plumb, the awning will open and close nicely using the internal springs..........

I got Acrylic Vinyl material awnings from A&E through PPL MOTORHOMES.com.............

My awnings are now 10 years old and have not faded at all.......The green color I chose still looks nice and the hardware still looks new........I seal the fabric about every four years using a spray that A&E sells.........

All of these awnings will come with instructions and pictures that describe the process better than I did...........Just make sure you measure the width carefully, so you maximize shade and rain coverage on each window.......Once you place the order for custom size awnings you can't send them back........

John

[LadyFitz...]

Originally Posted by Camping4fun

We are want to have awnings installed over the living room slide and bed room slide. I been looking at A&E since this is what we have on our 09 Bounder, I'm not wanting power awnings just manual ones. Not sure if I need the 8500 or 9500 awnings. Has anyone else done this and how hard was it to do?
Thanks

Are you wanting an awning over the entire slide or just the windows on the slides? If the entire slides, various manufacturers make slide toppers that attach to the wall of the RV and the top of the wall on the slide. The toppers are spring loaded and automatically extend and retract with the slide.

If you just want awnings over the windows, then follow John's instructions.

[ga traveler]

John about covers it. The only thing to add, would be to make sure of your measurements. The rail has to be the right height over the window and centered. Be careful with the arms. make sure they are straight and the same distance from the window.