using awning with roof bars.

[bigbadbob76]

Hi folks.
Having fitted my roof box and gutter mount roof bars, I'm now trying to figure out a way to fit my "tube in the gutter" type awnings.
So far this has consisted of me standing staring at it with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. no inspiration yet.
The huge khyam awning has a bead as well as a tube so provides for more options, my simple diy tarp awning just has the tube but could be modified.
Any suggestions?

[itchyfeet]

Several years ago I saw a few T3s modded with roof rails off I think an Audi estate, not sure which one but somebody might remember.

Cant find a picture other than this but you get the idea.

need to drill holes in the roof but hey whats a van for if its not going to be practical.

vw-t3-18-580x435 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

[itchyfeet]

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[a1winchester]

You could use a figure of 8 strip fitted to the gutter lip with notches around the roof bars. Then slide the awning beading into the figureof 8 strip.
The figureof 8 may need to be widened so that it fits over the gutter edge and there's a riskthat the gutter edge bead will pull off as you won't be able to slide the strip on.

[bigbadbob76]

Those roof rails do look good Paul, and would keep the gutters free of clamps.
I'd be wary of drilling the roof though, I don't want to encourage any more rust than I already have.

I wasn't sure how strong the figure eight was A1, and whether it would pull off.
I'm thinking along the lines of sections of aluminium bead rail clamped to the gutter between the roof bars but still undecided.
Maybe I can simply clamp my tube to the roof rails.. would probably need a third roof rail but that would come in handy anyway.

[bigbadbob76]

Aha...
Think I might be onto something here....

[marlinowner]

If I use awning and roof rack together I clamp the awning tube to the roof rack legs, I also have a tarp which I wrap around tubes which clamp into the gutter between the roof rack legs. Have also considered fixing awning rail to the roof rack though.

[bigbadbob76]

Cheers Marlin.
Is your awning tube (that you clamp to the roof bar legs) one piece?
Mine is in three sections that slot together and I wandered if it would flex and split at the joints.
Do you have three roof bars?
I think 3 roof bars is the answer and clamp the tube like you do.
Maybe with thicker/stronger tubing.
Maybe with a single joint in the middle where the clamp is.

Anyone selling a single thule roof bar? 20cm height x 150cm long?

[marlinowner]

The awning tube is in two or three sections, having a job to visualise it! haven't had any problems with it bending etc (its one of the ubiquitous Royal Traveller Awnings). The roof rack has three legs, awning only extends a short distance past the legs at each end. One downside is that rain can get through the gap if its coming down at the wrong angle.

[bigbadbob76]

Thanks Marlin.
Understand about the rain, I figured I'd just have to put up with that if I want to use roof bars.
No worse than the rain gap you get with a £400 + fiamma awning on a tin top.
High tops seem to fair better for that.