Onsite Van and Annex - Adding an awning

[SAA]

Hi All, this maybe a silly question, so ok for this to be closed as quick as I put it up. 

We have an on-site van and annex. I constantly see retractable awnings on standard caravans and was wondering if possible to install on the exterior annex wall at our on-site van (The gazebo can be difficult for my wife when I’m not with her). So was looking to install a manual retractable awning for ease of use. I know the annex walls are pretty hollow with little to no studs etc and don’t have the anchor points actual caravans have, so was wondering if installing one was doable or worthwhile. Conscious that an awning probably weighs maybe 20 to 30 kilos and is added to when the wind is up. Intent would to be only up when in use. 

Appreciate any thoughts but have not seen this done anywhere and there may be good reason for it. 

Thanks

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @SAA,

Apologies for the delay in response, we've been dealing with a high volume of enquiries at the moment.

I imagine it is doable; however, you would need to be able to mount it to the studs. 

If the studs don't line up well with the mounting points on your awning, you can attach a timber cleat that spans 2-3 studs and then attach the awning to the cleat.

You could use a piece of H3 timber such as this 70 x 35mm Treated Pine as your cleat. You could then attach the awning to this cleat.

Allow me to tag @Jewelleryrescue and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Jacob

[SAA]

Thanks @JacobZ much appreciated. Sounds like a sensible approach. Interestingly, I spotted the attached not long after I posted here. Looks to be secured to roof lip. 

 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @SAA 

I think this project is doable a couple of ways

1   There are many many awnings designs for cars and caravans out there at decent prices that are light weight in nature and usually pull out like a retractable blind and have two camping poles and ropes holding it in place.  You may cement these posts into the ground so   there are no ropes and all you do is pull awning out and hook over the tent post. would be reasonably user friendly.  The tricky part is finding a mounting point on you caravan

I may outdoor builders glue a  timber cleat along the roof line of your van for a light weight awning this will save  hunting  for internal studs and no holes for water ingress (but seal able.)

2  How about a  expanding  easy crank out hand  awning.?  $299  3M x 2Meters from bunnings.

This will require a sturdy mounting point on the van directly into the frame as a must.

OR

Plan  2a 

Besides your van install 2 large H4 treated pine posts with a solid 50x 200 Sleeper in between looking like a soccer goal posts/

A rectangular frame parallel to your van with sturdy posts and top rail sleeper will have plenty of support for the above awning.

Time to leave chain saw the posts off at ground level .

They have these in electric models, and they have larger manual versions 5.8M x 3M  $2197

[JacobZ]

Hi @SAA,

It's not an ideal way of doing it as the awning would likely just be attached to an aluminium trim, but it may be worth knocking on the door and asking them if they've had any issues.

If it is working for them, it may work for you.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @SAA 

I would be reluctant to install a retractable awning to a van wall or edge. 😕 I would install some posts into the ground if at all possible to mount it on.

I have seen theses type of awnings mounted on brick walls and eves of houses and the instructions say "retract in wind and it wasnt strong wind". I really dont think that a vans walls even if you find the studs are strong enough to withstand some forces without distrubuiting the force over a large area.

If you are allowed to install posts (or can use the post in a metal garbage bin filled with rocks as an option) it opens up how you could have an awning? As in sails, shade or even slats.

Dave

[SAA]

Thank you @Jewelleryrescue  appreciate the options here. 

thanks 

[SAA]

Thank you @Dave-1 

will consider all these options now. 

Thanks again