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Cracker · 03-17-2009, 05:18 PM

So, while encouraging a chunk of ice that was hung up on the upper streetside awning rail to come free, it suddenly ocurred to me that the upper awning rail had no discernible function! Perhaps it reinforces the seam between the aluminum roof panels and the side panels - but the question remains - why use an awning rail? Does anyone install a full-fledged awning on the streetside? I can see where the streetside window awnings would have a problem if they started so far up - which explains why the trailer gets festooned with a lower set of discontinuous window awning rails. On the other hand, another full-size awning might be awfully nice if you were camping in the middle of the desert. It would also make a nice carport! Does anyone have pictures of such an arrangement?

I'll look forward to enlightenment!

InsideOut · 03-17-2009, 05:33 PM

Zip Dee makes a full streetside awning for over the windows. One clean line awning that is just like a patio awning, just narrower - about 3-4' out from the trailer instead of 8-9'. Pretty cool ~

Shari

Jim Foster · 03-17-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Zip Dee makes a full streetside awning for over the windows. One clean line awning that is just like a patio awning, just narrower - about 3-4' out from the trailer instead of 8-9'. Pretty cool ~

Shari

We put one on our Caravel last spring. The full length keeps the trailer much cooler when the hot sun is on that side, and,,,,,,,,it provides privacy when we are parked next to a "big white plastic" in an RV park that has narrow spaces.

The 1983 27' Excella we just got also has such an awning. The trailer has a fairly small window at each end of the street side, but the awning runs the distance.

Love it.

Cracker · 03-17-2009, 06:26 PM

----but does the streetside awning spring from the upper awning rail - or a secondary rail just above the windows?

**azflycaster** · 03-17-2009, 06:33 PM

I have seen the rail on newer units that do not have a street side awning and wondered about it as well. It is not for an awning, because it is upside down.

Melody Ranch · 03-17-2009, 10:01 PM

That street side awning makes a huge difference on the heat buildup from the sun. I put 'em on all mine....and will on the 47 I am working now....all windows on that side.

Jim Foster · 03-17-2009, 10:09 PM

My window awning rail is located a little higher than the one pictured above. Mine is even with the rivets on the end caps. That makes it about 6 or 8 inches lower than the patio awning rail on the curb side.

Distantdrummer · 03-18-2009, 12:05 AM

Is it as critical on the narrow streetside ZipDee awnings to drop one corner if leaving with chance of rain? Also does wind play same hell with it as it can with the curbside larger awnings?
In Melody Ranch's pic above it looks like the angle is a little steeper on the streetside one.

DEITZ645 · 03-18-2009, 05:22 AM

We put the street side awning on our '87 and it is pretty long. As mentioned the mounting rail was already there.

Quote:

Is it as critical on the narrow streetside ZipDee awnings to drop one corner if leaving with chance of rain? Also does wind play same hell with it as it can with the curbside larger awnings?

I don't think it is possible or necessary to cant one end of the smaller street side and rear awnings. They are fairly short, they are angled pretty steeply, and they do not collect water or wind like the main curb side awning. We have had our deployed in some strong rains and winds. They flap a little, but nothing like that big sail on the curb side

.

Silverhobby · 03-18-2009, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

Does anyone install a full-fledged awning on the streetside? I'll look forward to enlightenment!

I was at the vintage AS rally in VA last June. Someone there had a full length patio awning on the streetside of their trailer. I did not get a picture of it. I think someone referred to it as the "albatross with wings".
Having the awning on both sides is a luxury, but could be beneficial for shade no matter where you are parked.

B4WEDI · 03-18-2009, 06:33 AM

Is this the "rail" you are talking about ?

DEITZ645 · 03-18-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B4WEDI

Is this the "rail" you are talking about ?

B4wedi,
Yep, that's the one

.

B4WEDI · 03-18-2009, 11:24 AM

Welp........ as evidenced by the photo, I have been this way myself.

I love the idea of an awning on that side and was very happy to have thought that AS prepared the trailer in advance of my desire.

I have been racking my noodle and past emails, looking for the correct answer to y-"our" question, but my memory tells me I was disapointed in the answer I received..

I'll keep working my end, keep us posted....

Over59 · 03-18-2009, 12:19 PM

I have full sized patio awnings on both sides of the 59 overlander. Great for keeping the sun off the shell. Makes a great space between us and the next trailer. I did have to get a full length rail.

Over59 · 03-18-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

I was at the vintage AS rally in VA last June. Someone there had a full length patio awning on the streetside of their trailer. I did not get a picture of it. I think someone referred to it as the "albatross with wings".
Having the awning on both sides is a luxury, but could be beneficial for shade no matter where you are parked.

That would have been "The Bat Cave Express", soon to be at CBR.