Putting up awning - having a mare

Does the fact I have a roof rack affect my ability to use the pole and clamp method??

I'm having a nightmare.

Got awning up beside van but can't work out how to attach tunnel to the van.

I have a figure of 8 kit and a pole and clamp kit.

Does the roof have to be up to use either???

Doing this as I type.........

Yes the roof needs to be up to allow access to the gutter.

If your pole is longer than the distance between the rear leg of the roof rack and the back of your T2 then it won't fit. Use the figure of 8 attachment.

Thanks Tim

Yes the pole is too long.

If it sticks out a bit is that a problem????

I will attempt to use the figure of 8.

It's not too much of a problem if the pole is too long. Just let is stick out the back of the guttering. If you can use the pole and clamp I would suggest that. It's a lot easier than using the figure 8.

You could always cut the pole to the right length.

I am now seeing what people mean by the roof rack being a problem.

My 3 figure of 8 strips won't fit either. 2 will but 3rd doesn't due to roof rack.

Question: when using pole and clamp, does the fabric just go in the clamp? Does the metal pole fit onto the van without any covering? Dies this not scratch?

Sorry if questions crap.

I'm just here practising in school field. Good job kids ain't around.

Your awning may have a sleeve that the pole slides into - with a few openings - that's where you fit the clamp. The clamps should have rubber protection pads preventing any damage to the paintwork.

Right, it's my own fault for not researching this enough but the sleeper plus doesn't work with pole clamp as no hole to slide it in. Just spoke to attwools man on phone and he said I'm going to have issues with any awning due to roof rack.

Help??????

I've attached 2 of fig 8 strips but I've just got a bit hanging cos third wont to on due to roof rack.

Oh dear??? Have I wasted £400???

No - just cut the 3rd length of figure of 8 so that in total you have the majority of it from the back of your Kombi up to the rear leg of the roof rack. Then use the remainder within the 2 legs of the roof rack. You'll probably need some bulking strip there to give it some strength.

Or ditch that aerodynamically pointless shelf on top of the front of your T2. I'm not a fan - you can probably tell.

What's bulking strip?

Have a look HERE

About halfway down the page you will see 3m bulk strip. It makes the figure 8 fit better to the gutter.

Is you awning a Khyam? If it is there should be a sleeve for the pole to fit through. It's the flappy bit next to the beading that the figure 8 goes over

The sleeper plus doesn't have that place for pole. Only just found that out ((

Yes it's a khyam.

And a wasted afternoon gets worse, I can't for the life of me get the damp thing remotely back in the bag!!!!!!

Watch this vid:

EvoFylde wrote:

And a wasted afternoon gets worse, I can't for the life of me get the damp thing remotely back in the bag!!!!!!

Fold the awning up on the floor as compact as possible - ties and ropes all on top - now take the empty bag and fit it over the awning on the floor. Gather the awning into the bag and then turn it over.

Thanks Tim.

I've got it back in.

Ha, it resembles the way it came in the bag originally in no way shape or form. The khyam guy on the YouTube clip makes it look simple. Grrrr.

Right, will Attwools take a tent back after it has been erected once???

I'm guessing not

So, to recap:
1. Roof rack caused issues with awning attachment
2. Can't use pole and clamp
3. I'll have cut figure of 8 attachment to get it on the rest of the gutter where the rack is
4. I'm inept
5. I did loads of research and still bought the wrong one, it seems
6. Going away camping for first time next weekend for 2 nights. I think we may have to sleep in van????

Thanks to everyone who replied to my problems so quickly.

Yes, I watched that vid a few times. Looked so easy.

I'll try again tomoz!!!!

Need to sort the roof rack problem out.

We've all been there to some degree.

We've got the Motordome Sleeper and no issues with the pole and clamp. I cut it to length and it fits fine with the roof rack.

Our first try.

I think the Sleeper Plus is for Coach built Motorhomes rather than the T2. That may be your issue.

Sleeper plus doesn't have a place for the pole.

((((((

Other forums said it did. Oh well.

Absinthe
Did the pole have a sleeve to slide in to?

The sleeper plus doesn't.

Yes the Sleeper does, with cut-outs for the clamps.

The Kyham instructions can be found here Instuctions

Hope this helps

I think we should have an awning class at the Sleepover. What do people think?

Looks like there are two versions of 'Sleeper Plus' one for coach built motorhomes that come with figure 8 strips and the '780' that also includes pole and clamp etc.

I think I've Mae the error between the 780 and normal sleeper. I knew the 780 had pole and clamp capabilities. Another forum said normal plus did as well. And the nice guy at one of the stores told me the normal plus was a better bet for my van.

Doh!!!

Not sure what to do now?

I've now cut the 3rd figure of 8 to fit between the roof rack. Will try again tomoz. Attwool website says they won't accept returns after 7 days and if not faulty and if its been used.

Grrrrrrrrrr. Seems like I may have made an expensive error????

Sell it and get the right one for your van!!!! You may take a slight hit ,but at least you can move on , sorry to sound harsh ,but at least you will know you will have no further problems with the right one.