ARB Awning Mount (2 Viewers)

[TomH]

I picked up a couple of ARB awnings last winter and finally got around to mounting them. I really didn’t want to have the awning on the rack all the time and wanted to be able to remove them quickly and store in the garage. I also wanted some flexibility on which side of the truck I could use the awning.

I came up with the following design, which in the end cost more than I paid for the awnings. I do like the end result but if I had it to do over I’d probably make some changes that would cut costs and improve flexibility.

Cost:
1x3x24 Aluminum architectural channel $10
1x3x24 Aluminum bar $40
0.25x3.5 Clevis pin $15
0.25 Reusable Cotter Pin, Hairpin $5
Various Fasteners $25
Labor to drill pin holes $60

The idea was to mount blocks of aluminum to the rack at each of the supports and mount aluminum channel to the awning. Then I could align install the rack on the blocks and pin the awning to the blocks. With the spacing the same side to side, I’m able to easily switch from one side to the other.


Problems:

• I don’t have a full length rack but the awning is for a full length rack which means I have about two foot of unsupported awning. When I switch sides, this overhang switches from the front of the rack to the back of the rack. I don’t think this will be a big deal.
• The spacing on the back supports is different than the side supports on the ARB rack. This means the four foot rack is not interchangeable with the sides and vice versa. Again, not a big deal. If I decide to put the eight foot rack on the back I can quickly adjust the location of the channel.
• I didn’t have the capability to drill the holes for the clevis pins, at least not accurately, so I had to have a local machine shop

 

[traveldud]

I like your design. In particular the pin/quick removal.

I have a safari rack with the square tube, and no mounting blocks, but I could make something work. How would you change your design. Did you come into your awnings second hand or what where you looking for in your set up? Thanks!

 

[woytovich]

I think you could have achieved the same functionality with "C" channel on the rack too, instead of the blocks... and it would have cut the cost a bit. I like the idea... I'll be wanting something fast and easy for an awning on my camper/cargo trailer so I can mount it on the left, right or rear...

 

[traveldud]

What factors did you consider for your awning?

 

[TomH]

I like your design. In particular the pin/quick removal.

I have a safari rack with the square tube, and no mounting blocks, but I could make something work. How would you change your design. Did you come into your awnings second hand or what where you looking for in your set up? Thanks!

I think the mounts came out pretty good and I'm satisfied with how they perform. Couple changes I might make would mostly be to cut cost. I'd probably go with a 1.5 - 2 inch bar or even use channel on the rack as woytovich suggested. Channel on the rack would probably eliminate the need to send the parts out to be drilled.

I'd also consider running the channel the full length of the awning. This would add a lot of flexibility on mounting as you could drill holes anywhere along the length of the channel. This could allow usage across multiple vehicles more easily.

I'd probably only use two fasteners to hold the blocks to the rack - just to cut costs. I tend to overdo things like this.

That's really all I can think of, like I said the mounts seem to work well.

I did pick up both awnings used mostly because it was something I thought I needed. I really haven't used them much but did take them on a couple of camping trips.

 

[TomH]

What factors did you consider for your awning?

Not sure I understand your question.