Anyone mount ARB 2500 Awning to stock roof rack?

[James Bentley]

I am going to try @RET2 's suggestion and make my own.
I did not easily find 3/16" thick 6061 that was 6 inches wide, so I got 1/4"
It came 1/4" x 6" x 12" for about $14 bucks
I mocked up some cardboard and took some measurements.
Looks like 11/16" hole height will align with the slotted channel (just a bit more than RET2's drawing)
For me, I am going to try and maximize material use and will first try 6" cuts...instead of 7" x 5 1/2"
I also ordered a set of T-bolts from Rockler in both 1/4" and 5/16" sizes x 1 1/2"
(Likely to use 5/16 and they come 5 - to a bag)
I ordered matching size T-knobs from Rockler as well.
I have yet to pull a plastic end cap off a side rail or even get my awning, but will be shopping for one soon.

 

[RET2]

Whoa wait no need to remove end caps!! I'll PM with details

 

[abuck99]

Whoa wait no need to remove end caps!! I'll PM with details

Please post it for other interested peep's (like me)

 

[James Bentley]

Whoa wait no need to remove end caps!! I'll PM with details

Maybe a little bump and grind on the short edge of the T-bolts?

 

[RET2]

Sure, probably best way. The T Bolts from Rockler have an oval head so using a 4" angle grinder to remove a small amount of both shoulders to facilitate entry to existing rack slot. The slot concept was the result of wanting to be able to install the awning by my self. Getting the two bolts on the awning to align in the bracket in holes would have been hard so I went with a slot. In reality a simple L shape would be easier to make. I moved the existing crossmembers in a bit so the new brackets could be spaced as far apart as possible and close to end supports.

 

[87warrior]

This is the T-bolt kit I purchased. The T-bolt head pops into the factory rail with a little persuasion and leverage without removing the end caps.
Amazon Link: Amazon product ASIN B079JN1DSK
*Product number on Amazon since Mud screws up the links: B079JN1DSK

 

[RET2]

That is Chit hot, I had to wander and imagine and had to explain to a woodworker clerk that my items were for a vehicle and would be used outdoors, he shamed me. Where did you find this treasure?

 

[87warrior]

That is Chit hot, I had to wander and imagine and had to explain to a woodworker clerk that my items were for a vehicle and would be used outdoors, he shamed me. Where did you find this treasure?

Amazon I haven't had them very long, but they haven't rusted yet... I do coat the threads with a little wheel bearing grease to make sure they don't seize up.

Also, the t-bolts will fit snugly at the very end of the rail against the cover bracket. They do not move around thus making the awning and custom bracket install super easy since the t-bolt isn't moving around and you only have to line up the other one to the bracket.

 

[RET2]

This idea just keeps getting better and better as more people chime in, thanks for the info.

 

[abuck99]

Do those knobs loosen while driving; ie. are you constantly re-tightening them while on the trail?

I figured that getting the Bolt into the factory channel would require boring out a little opening at one end of the track with out having to remove the ends. Good to know you can work them into the channel.

 

[RET2]

Never had any loosen up but I didn't apply any lubricant. I chose to make the bolt head conform to the rail not the other way around.

 

[87warrior]

Never had one loosen up, but the awning doesn't stay on the cruiser full time.

 

[catastrofe]

I am going to try @RET2 's suggestion and make my own.
I did not easily find 3/16" thick 6061 that was 6 inches wide, so I got 1/4"
It came 1/4" x 6" x 12" for about $14 bucks
I mocked up some cardboard and took some measurements.
Looks like 11/16" hole height will align with the slotted channel (just a bit more than RET2's drawing)
For me, I am going to try and maximize material use and will first try 6" cuts...instead of 7" x 5 1/2"
I also ordered a set of T-bolts from Rockler in both 1/4" and 5/16" sizes x 1 1/2"
(Likely to use 5/16 and they come 5 - to a bag)
I ordered matching size T-knobs from Rockler as well.
I have yet to pull a plastic end cap off a side rail or even get my awning, but will be shopping for one soon.

View attachment 2006710

You'd have to confirm hole spacing, but you might be able to save some fab effort by using stock 80/20 brackets or mounting plates:

10 Series Brackets and Plates | TNUTZ

10 Series Brackets and Plates

www.tnutz.com

Some of their drop-in hardware may also work in the factory rail slot, but I'm not sure of those dimensions.

 

[Luke111]

Never had one loosen up, but the awning doesn't stay on the cruiser full time.

I've had a Fox Wing awning on my 80 for 5 years... I used those star knobs and they stay tight

 

[mallard75]

 

[mallard75]

Drilled factory rack at first but ended up with Yakima round bars Drilled through them and it’s better. Used the arb brackets

 

[mallard75]

Here it is with the enclosure

 

[Humpzilla]

This is the template of the bracket I made. Link to Google Drive. The PDF is not dimensioned, but print it at 100% scale and it will print out actual size.

87warrior, am I understanding correctly that if I print this template out at 100% scale the dimensions and spots for the holes to be drilled will be accurate?

Asking because this seems to be the PERFECT solution for me in conjunction with that T-Bolt kit from Amazon (I want to be able to attach and remove the awning quickly as I don't want to leave it on all the time). However, I don't have the tools, time or knowledge to fabricate something like this myself.

Also curious if the channels on the ARB awing are spaced apart the same as the Smitty Built that you have, or if the location for the holes might be a bit different for an ARB awning?

Hoping I can take the print out to someone locally who would be able to fabricate this bracket for me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bamabrock]

You could probably just drill the holes on plate if you cant cut it out.

 

[RET2]

87warrior, am I understanding correctly that if I print this template out at 100% scale the dimensions and spots for the holes to be drilled will be accurate?

Asking because this seems to be the PERFECT solution for me in conjunction with that T-Bolt kit from Amazon (I want to be able to attach and remove the awning quickly as I don't want to leave it on all the time). However, I don't have the tools, time or knowledge to fabricate something like this myself.

Also curious if the channels on the ARB awing are spaced apart the same as the Smitty Built that you have, or if the location for the holes might be a bit different for an ARB awning?

Hoping I can take the print out to someone locally who would be able to fabricate this bracket for me.

Thanks in advance!

You can make fabrication much simpler by just cutting an elongated slot for the captive bolts in the ARB awning. the spacing of the two holes for attaching the bracket to the roof rails also isn't that crucial as well. PM me if you get a chance.