Installing a new awning

[MandKJohns]

So currently my TT does not have an awning installed on it. I know come summer time I will want some extra shade outside. Is it difficult to install an awning? Any special hardware or tools I will need?

It's a 25' Dutchmen TT for what it's worth.

[SoundGuy]

Boon Docker wrote:
^ I know everything. 😛

Of course! What was I thinking?!! :W

[Boon_Docker]

^ I know everything. 😛

[SoundGuy]

Boon Docker wrote:
^ Because it was a really good deal and the lack of an awning was not a deal breaker.

And you know this how? :h The OP is in Florida, presumably he wants to use this trailer in Florida, but WHO would do so without an awning? Apparently not the OP, as it seems he now has decided he does need one. "Good deal" or not, installing a new awning, particularly if there's no rail, won't be inexpensive, particularly if pays to have it installed. :R

[Boon_Docker]

^ Because it was a really good deal and the lack of an awning was not a deal breaker.

[SoundGuy]

korbe wrote:
In looking at my awning, it appears the key is to connect the side arm brackets into part of the structure, and not just the side panels.

Depends. A manual awning will have brackets at the top and bottom of each vertical arm secured to the frame of the trailer with lag bolts but the vertical support arms for a power awning are shorter and secure to the trailer sidewall. I'm just finding it hard to believe a travel trailer in Florida wouldn't have ever had an awning on it and 2) why, considering were talking sunny Florida, why anyone would buy a trailer lacking such an expensive accessory. :h It's one thing to buy a used trailer and later discover the fridge is faulty, especially for a newbie, but it's pretty hard to miss the fact the trailer doesn't have an awning. :R

[korbe]

In looking at my awning, it appears the key is to connect the side arm brackets into part of the structure, and not just the side panels.

[rockhillmanor]

MandKJohns wrote:
So currently my TT does not have an awning installed on it. I know come summer time I will want some extra shade outside. Is it difficult to install an awning? Any special hardware or tools I will need?

It's a 25' Dutchmen TT for what it's worth.

Since you are in Florida. I found the mobile RV Repair guys are THE most economical way to have an awning replaced and/or installed.

I lost mine in a tornado. And RV Mobile Repair had it replaced in last than an hour AND I couldn't have bought the materials for the price I paid to have them order one, pick it up and replace it!!

There are soooo many RV'ers in Florida and many RV mobile repairs so to be competitive their prices are REAL affordable to have work done right where you are at on your RV. I have ALL my maintenance and repairs done by RV Mobile Repair now. Can't beat their prices and the convenience of not haveing to leave your RV for days for repair is priceless to me.

[sele]

try looking at a youtube video installing an awning on my rv this should give you a lot of information

[SoundGuy]

MandKJohns wrote:
No it does not look as if it has ever had an awning. There is what looks like a gutter running down the TT. If that's the awning rail then yes it has one.

Though not impossible it's unusual for a travel trailer to never have had an awning mounted to it but certainly if it did it would have a rail. Gutters and rails aren't the same thing, sometimes separate, sometimes integrated, these being examples ... pics of your trailer would help identify just what you have.

[MandKJohns]

No it does not look as if it has ever had an awning. There is what looks like a gutter running down the TT. If that's the awning rail then yes it has one.

[SoundGuy]

MandKJohns wrote:
So currently my TT does not have an awning installed on it.

The question is - did this trailer ever have an awning and if so - manual or power? make / model? If the answer is it did previously have an awning then it would only make sense to install the same type. If it never did have an awning does it have an awning rail? - if not, you'd have to add one.

[Bill_Satellite]

Do you have an awning rail available where you want to install it?

[donn0128]

Fairly easy to do. It does need two people to slide it on the top rail. From there on locating the arm mounting points and bolting them in place and a few adjustments and your ready to camp.