Bush Co XT Max install question (1 Viewer)

[kcjaz]

Installing my XT Max awning but having an issue installing the mounting bolts. The awning frame has T-slots to hold M8 hex bolts. On the rear and middle there are access holes to get the bolt head into the slot. One the front, the access hole in the end bracket doesn’t go through to the T-slot.

The only thing I can see to do is take apart the frame to access the T-slot. Seems like a mid-fab to me as they have the hole in the end bracket but not in the rails behind it.

The rear looks like this:

That notch allows you to slide in the bolt.

Anyone install one of these? Am I missing something?

Edit: I just heard back from Bush Co. They didn’t machine the hole in the slot as I suspected. They told me to try to drill it out. They didn’t recommend taking the frame apart as things could get out of alignment and affect awning deployment.

 

[kcjaz]

Update: drilled it out. Needed a 5/8” bit but didn’t have one. Local NAPA didn’t either but they did have a 7/32 so I bought it and tried. Couldn’t get it started with a hand drill as the bit would catch in the t-slot. A 15 mm bit might have worked as the hole in the bracket might have acted as a guide. I ended up using a bench top drill press set on the floor and that worked great. Then waddled the hole out by hand. Not pretty but will work.

 

[kcjaz]

Second update: got the awning mounted on the roof rack but couldn’t open up the awning because the end of the truss arms woundn’t clear the end bracket.

I emailed Barry and he said to loosen the 4 end bracket lock screws and slide the end bracket out to clear the arms.

Some to do . The length of the frame is supposed to be 90”. Mine was 88”. I actually the rear bracket out to resolve the issue. This actually all resolved the first issue with the T-slot needing to be drilled out. Moving the end bracket provides access to the slot so I would t have had to drill it out. The lesson here is to measure the length of the frame first and check if you can open the arms BEFORE you go drilling.