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Thule Awning
- Thread starter AlexD
- Start date
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
Does you van have this mounting:
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
Method7
Top Poster
I would think Thule awnings fit to the roof rack or roof rails, which is a crazy idea with a pop up roof, as far as I am aware MB only had the awning as a factory option because of the mounting brackets that SBD refer to above. I imagine you could get the brackets from either MB or westfalia but I think you’ll need to strip out a lot of trim and drill the body work to fit it.
I don’t think it’s a simple thing to retro fit.
I don’t think it’s a simple thing to retro fit.
Method7
Top Poster
How is the awning mounted on the front? are both brackets like that SBD?
Epigram
Top Poster
My MP was supplied with the installation instructions for the awning in its documentation which I scanned and uploaded some time ago.
( search “ Thule awning installation instructions“ )
If you are not keen on doing it yourself, I would suggest approaching one of the many specialist van conversion companies, rather than MB. Sure as eggs is eggs, MB won’t have done one and will charge the earth whereas a conversion company will have done many and may suggest different makes/models including electric ones if you want to impress existing MP owners
( search “ Thule awning installation instructions“ )
If you are not keen on doing it yourself, I would suggest approaching one of the many specialist van conversion companies, rather than MB. Sure as eggs is eggs, MB won’t have done one and will charge the earth whereas a conversion company will have done many and may suggest different makes/models including electric ones if you want to impress existing MP owners
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
The awning is fitted to brackets that are mounted to the multi rail. The only point the awning is mounted to the 'body' is in the photo's I posted above. The first photo is lifted from Westfalias web site showing a MP without awning, The second is of my MP with the awning re moved.
If the said mounting is no already on the MP I believe you need to use a rivut. The whole reason for my replying to this post is that I have an awning that I don't want.
The op has had a number of replies that seem to answer all his questions but hasn't bothered to look back and read them!
If the said mounting is no already on the MP I believe you need to use a rivut. The whole reason for my replying to this post is that I have an awning that I don't want.
The op has had a number of replies that seem to answer all his questions but hasn't bothered to look back and read them!
Roymachine
Member
Is the awning you have the black covered version? We may be interested in it if so. We are in Bristol if that would make collection easier.
Grand Tourismo
Top Poster
Same question from me SBD, is the awning case black or silver?
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
No, it's silver unfortunately but I will sell at a realistic price so a respray may be an option.
Method7
Top Poster
People have had them “wrapped” seems like a sensible option.
Roymachine
Member
Ah OK. We have a silver one (on a black van) with a stubborn mildew smell from previous 'owners'.
I was hoping for a clean 2nd hand black one rather than a wrapped or resprayed silver version.
Incidently, you seem to be able to pick up Thule awnings much cheaper in France than UK (or other EU countries) but I'm struggling to find a website that will ship to UK.
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
If you find one that will ship just beware you may get caught with import duty, vat and handling charges.
Although I didn't advertise it as such, somehow the awning has been sold
Although I didn't advertise it as such, somehow the awning has been sold
Grand Tourismo
Top Poster
You might be able to get rid of that smell...there are a couple of videos showing a cleaning process using a mild bleach solution followed by a decent airing.
Failing that I think the awning material looks possible to replace and quite easily too.
I'd be tempted to replace the material depending on cost and how straightforward it was.
I was disappointed that the original isn't very waterproof and only decent as a sunshade or very light shower
Grand Tourismo
Top Poster
After having a little hunt around I found that Rose Awnings in Poole may offer a fabric replacement service roseawnings.co.uk
Or seek out a replacement fabric and have a go yourself.
Or seek out a replacement fabric and have a go yourself.
Thanks GT may have to look into that
Samebutdifferent
Top Poster
The awning is very flimsy and as mentioned not waterproof. If you roll it away wet it needs airing or you get mildew, it needs extra straps if the breeze gets up and can't really be used if it gets windy.
It's only a sun canopy and most of the time doesn't give much shade unless you add panels to it. In 3yrs I hardly used the one on the Ducato, I'm not a fan so that's why my van is awningless.
It's only a sun canopy and most of the time doesn't give much shade unless you add panels to it. In 3yrs I hardly used the one on the Ducato, I'm not a fan so that's why my van is awningless.
Epigram
Top Poster
I agree.
I have rarely managed to get lucky with weather and orientation for it to be an effective sunshade and after spending ages curing the rattles I concluded my next van will be awningless.
Were it not for the hassle of storage and having to leave the rear bracket on the van or plug the holes, I would remove it.
I agree with all of this. However, to maybe offer a balanced view a couple of positives...
* It's decent on a hot, sunny day on a day out perhaps. I've sat under it in the New Forest and it was good
* It does make attaching, detaching, and tensioning drive-away awnings easier and better
* If it is light rain, it does give you somewhere dry-ish to take your jacket and boots off and towel dry the dog before he shakes inside the van (ask me how I know this
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