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Awning installation

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 1975 mallard GoldenEye 25' TT. I'm looking to install a new 15' awning on it. Question is the rail that the awning slides into on top of the camper is flush with the top of camper. Can I mount the top of the awning arms below the rail for the awning fabric. It's supposed to go over the top rail but I'm wondering if it'll work mounting below.
11 REPLIES 11

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
aulee42, going back to your original question about where to mount? I'm not sure about your specifics, but under the rail will probably work OK. Here's a few photos of my awning I just took. Hope this helps you:





GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Explorer II
If there is enough top plate to attach it securely, I can’t see how it would affect the operation of the awning. I think it would be fine.
Kip
2015 Skyline Dart 214RB
2018 Silverado Double Cab 4x4
Andersen Hitch

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer
This is the only picture I have at the time on my phone

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer
I'll get some inside pictures. I did have to reupholster everything inside. But camper has zero water damage and is in great shape. I recently installed a brand new 13.5 btu ac unit..

With the awning. Let's say there is plenty to mount to under the gutter rail.. does it affect the function of the awning if it's mounted below the gutter instead of over the top

2012Coleman
Explorer II
Explorer II
Just last night, I was reading Trailer Life and saw an ad for a TT that had the awning arm splitting a side window. Thats where I'd put it - as long as the window could still be used as an emergency exit, and there's a good chance you will find a stringer in that location. Otherwise, the door is going to be hitting it.

Nice Old School TT by the way - would like to see some inside pics.
Experience without good judgment is worthless; good judgment without experience is still good judgment!

2018 RAM 3500 Big Horn CTD
2018 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer
I should Mention I have the awning Arms tube and new awning fabric.

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer
What I figured for awning size was 15 feet. That goes from the rear storage hatch to just right of the door. That's small window next to the door is only an emergency exit so it never gets used. There is another emergency window on the other side of camper.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
You need to hit solid wood for those upper brackets. That means you need to mount it within about an inch of the top of the trailer. I would think you could install the lag bolts directly under the gutter.

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Looking at your photo, I wonder if you have enough room above that small window and the roof to actually put an awning roller without interfering with that window, or covering it.

The second problem I see, is where do you put the uprights. There's no room forward of the door and I'm pretty certain you would want the awning over the door.

Those older campers were designed for the awning, usually a fabric of some sort, had to slide in that slot and was supported with tent poles and rope. Every time you took the awning down, it had to come out of the slot and put away. They were a real pain in the neck, for sure. I remember my parents 1963 Phoenix. Dad was over 6 feet tall, but still had problems sliding that canvas into that track. After a while, they quit using the awning completely because it was just too much work.

An alternative, and a much more logical and cheaper approach would be to use a "quick shade". We carry 2 of these with our camper all the time. Opposed to the expense and the unknown of how to attach the awning to the camper without causing damage, this is a much better solution.

Click here.

These are currently available at WalMart, priced between $45 and $110, depending on how big you get.

We are on our 2nd and 3rd quick shade. We got our first for our pop-up camper. It lasted 15 years and finally the fabric just shreaded one day. We replaced it with 2 more. They are 12 foot instead of the smaller 10 foot. We use them with our awning for added shade, or to make shade elsewhere, depending on how and where the sun is shining.

So, as an alternative, you might consider something like this. Cheaper, easier, immediately ready to go, and no modifications needed to your camper.

GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Explorer II
I would follow the manufacturer’s instructions, though the only problem I can think of would be nothing in the wall to attach the arm to.
Kip
2015 Skyline Dart 214RB
2018 Silverado Double Cab 4x4
Andersen Hitch

aulee42
Explorer
Explorer