Adding a second awning to fifth wheel?

[Nlambert]

We are trying to determine whether or not we can add a second power awning to our 2020 Chaparral 392MBL. Currently there is no awning over the outdoor kitchen, where we spend most of our time if we're sitting around. The tv is above the fridge and grill, so if we are watching the weekend football game we are either sitting in the sun or we have to set up a pop up tent. This is ok when it's not too hot, too sunny, or too rainy. It won't work well when we take it to the beach next year.

We would like to add an awning either to the slideout itself, or above it. I have called our dealer and asked if there was supports in the walls. They had no clue. I have contacted Coachmen and the person there wasn't sure either. He was going to get back to me 3 weeks ago and has yet to respond.

I'd love to know if anyone has this model or a similar model and knows whether or not adding a second awning is safe to do.

[Edd505]

Try calling CareFree awning or Lippert and ask them. They make most of the awnings and may have your answer. My KZ came with two.

[hamm2018]

One way to find the wall supports is to go out in the morning when there is a heavy dew and you can see the frame outline on the outer wall. Use a marker and place a mark where you see the studs.
Then the next trick is to find an awning that will fit the space you want. For the electric supply consider running off the lights/outlet in the slide. You should be able to install a switch inside the outdoor kitchen area for the awning.

[Nlambert]

Originally Posted by hamm2018

One way to find the wall supports is to go out in the morning when there is a heavy dew and you can see the frame outline on the outer wall. Use a marker and place a mark where you see the studs.
Then the next trick is to find an awning that will fit the space you want. For the electric supply consider running off the lights/outlet in the slide. You should be able to install a switch inside the outdoor kitchen area for the awning.

I’ve considered that as an option, but I believe there may also need to be a backer in the walls for it, but not sure. I plan to pull power off the outdoor kitchen slide (if I can mount directly to the slide). I may call Lippert today and see if they have any info.

[shane wood]

Originally Posted by Nlambert

I’ve considered that as an option, but I believe there may also need to be a backer in the walls for it, but not sure. I plan to pull power off the outdoor kitchen slide (if I can mount directly to the slide). I may call Lippert today and see if they have any info.

We have 2 and the rear is mounted on the slide

[Bob_C]

If you mounted it to the slide, it'd be a slide topper and not extend out far enough to create shade.......there are what's called exploding rivets that would hold the arms of an electric awning to a wall, 1/4" dia.......there are no backers in my walls....I've replaced one arm assembly do to parts not being sold separately........mine is a Dometic brand......

[shane wood]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

If you mounted it to the slide, it'd be a slide topper and not extend out far enough to create shade.......there are what's called exploding rivets that would hold the arms of an electric awning to a wall, 1/4" dia.......there are no backers in my walls....I've replaced one arm assembly do to parts not being sold separately........mine is a Dometic brand......

Look at my picture bob the rear awning is mounted on the slide

[Bob_C]

Now I see it....and that'd be perfect for using the rivets.....

[shane wood]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Now I see it....and that'd be perfect for using the rivets.....

Ours is installed with lag screws
Rivets into a stud would work to

[DHE]

I am thinking of adding a second awning as well. However I am toying around with the idea of installing a manual awning rather than an electric awning. Might be something to think about. DHE.

[chunker]

Originally Posted by DHE

I am thinking of adding a second awning as well. However I am toying around with the idea of installing a manual awning rather than an electric awning. Might be something to think about. DHE.

My suggestion is the manual awning because getting power to the location likely will be a big issue. We've all mostly become lazy, me too, but a manual awning is easy and a smaller one especially. Manual awnings also have an advantage of being able to more readily adjust to shed rain. Yes I know about "automatic water dumping" but that feature is less than desirable in what I've experienced and can scare the hell out of you when it does dump.

[Nlambert]

Power would have been really easy with our layout, however Coachmen responded this weekend and said that the walls nor the slideout are braced for a second awning and suggested that we do not add one. That was a bummer. Oh well, guess we will continue to use one of the pop up tents.