Rope and pole awning-at my wits end.

[AWCHIEF]

My 1964 Bambi II has the vintage style rope and pole awning. It takes me longer to set up than to do anything else when I get to a new spot. It hangs up in the track and I am only able to get it slide in an inch or so before I have to go back and forth from end to another. I bought a track spreader from a site in England and it really does not seem to help at all. The small end is too small and the large end is too big. Using the large end the cover will not stay in the track. I like the look of the vintage style awning and would like to be able to use the one I have, but it is just more trouble than it is worth too set up and I really do not want to spend a thousand bucks or so for a modern awning (just guessing on the total installed cost of a new awning). I would like to hear any suggestions that anyone might have.

[cbcnm]

there is a utube video someone put on recently with a contraption to help a solo person put up a rope and pole awning. she made it look pretty easy. the parts were purchased at the hardware store.

i would love an awning but just use an easy up at camp.since i camp with only my 7 and 10 year old kids.

[pbearsailor]

Don't have mine yet, so haven't done this first hand. Colin Hyde mounts a small pulley by the end of the track, attaches one end of a small rope to the awning edge in a grommet, and runs the other end back to the feed end of the awning track so that he can both pull and push the awning through the track by himself. Makes sense to me.

cheers,
steve

[Belegedhel]

There is an episode of The VAP where Colin Hyde describes how he rigged up a pulley at one end of his awning rail so that he could use a rope strung through the pulley to pull the awning into the rail while feeding the awning into the rail, thus avoiding all the running back and forth. I believe he used sailing hardware.

[pbearsailor]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

There is an episode of The VAP where Colin Hyde describes how he rigged up a pulley at one end of his awning rail so that he could use a rope strung through the pulley to pull the awning into the rail while feeding the awning into the rail, thus avoiding all the running back and forth. I believe he used sailing hardware.

Nearly a tie!

[Antique Pedaler]

Ours works fine, made by Marti of California. Are you sure your slider is the proper diameter?

[AldeanFan]

The rope and Pole awning on our trillium was a pain to put up and take down too.

Our friend's popup has a zippered bag attached to the trailer and the awning folds up or rolls up in to the bag so you never have to detach it from the trailer. Just unzip the bag and put up the poles - which are also a pain by yourself.

[ventport]

Have you tried silicone spray on the track for the awning to slide into, I have found it helps a lot.

[AWCHIEF]

Thank you all for your suggestions.
I have tried a couple of different lubs, no help.
Yes, the track is the correct size.
Can anyone narrow it down a bit for both the Youtube video and the VAP episode.
I like the idea of the zippered cover, going to have to take a closer look at the idea.

It could be that I just have a crappy/cheap awning and need to buy a better quality one. I bought it from JC Whitney.

[slowmover]

It could be that I just have a crappy/cheap awning and need to buy a better quality one. I bought it from JC Whitney.

Uh, yeah

But you don't lack in perseverance. So we expect updates and pics of the fix, thank you.

[ddstech]

I got my awning from marti on eBay. After a couple times is slipped right thru the track. Wife feeds it while I pull it down. Whole process took 10 minutes including setting up the poles.

Worst part is the ropes. They keep jumping straight for my throat as I coast my bike back into camp.....

[wkerfoot]

Marti in Chico, CA makes a great awning and at a great price. She make the one for my Liner and walls to go with it.

Bill

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Thank you all for your suggestions.
I have tried a couple of different lubs, no help.
Yes, the track is the correct size.
Can anyone narrow it down a bit for both the Youtube video and the VAP episode.
I like the idea of the zippered cover, going to have to take a closer look at the idea.

It could be that I just have a crappy/cheap awning and need to buy a better quality one. I bought it from JC Whitney.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by AldeanFan

Our friend's popup has a zippered bag attached to the trailer and the awning folds up or rolls up in to the bag so you never have to detach it from the trailer. Just unzip the bag and put up the poles - which are also a pain by yourself.

One of the attendees at a rally last weekend had this on their Globetrotter. In theory, it's great. In practice, not so much. It has all the drawbacks of a rope and pole awnings, and none of the advantages of rope and pole awnings. They were not happy, and are looking to either get a real rope and pole awning, or a Zip-Dee.
BTW, the Zip-Dee is closer to double the figure quoted above.

[toastie]

Originally Posted by Antique Pedaler

Ours works fine, made by Marti of California. Are you sure your slider is the proper diameter?

Marti best in the country............toastie
'Marti's Vintage Trailer Awnings'

[AWCHIEF]

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I am taking the easy way out. I just ordered a new awning from Kristi a member here. I saw her work last April at Stone Mountain and it is first rate and the price was right. I guess I just needed and excuse to buy a new one.

[Kristi Foster]

Vintage Awnings: How To Set Up A Vintage Trailer Awning All By Yourself

Here is the link to the video and step-by-step instructions for sliding an awning through the c-channel awning rail by yourself. A similar device was shown in my 1968 Avion instruction manual, so I decided to give it a try.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Kristi Foster

Vintage Awnings: How To Set Up A Vintage Trailer Awning All By Yourself

Here is the link to the video and step-by-step instructions for sliding an awning through the c-channel awning rail by yourself. A similar device was shown in my 1968 Avion instruction manual, so I decided to give it a try.

Kristi, very slick. I am heading down to the hardware store today to pick up the pieces to make one up. I want to have it on hand when my new awning comes in.

[AWCHIEF]

I received my new Awning made by Kristi this past week and had the chance to use it this weekend. Beautifully constructed with material much heavier than the average Sunbrella brand. I also used her handy dandy device for single handily putting the awning up. It made putting the awning up by myself less of a chore and more of a joy. I had the awning made up 8X8ft. The extra coverage makes for a very nice shady porch. Attached are some photos of the awning.

[wheelerimage]

Looks Good! I'm off to Ace to buy the the hardware for the pulley gizmo. I too can't put my vintage awning on by myself.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by wheelerimage

Looks Good! I'm off to Ace to buy the the hardware for the pulley gizmo. I too can't put my vintage awning on by myself.

You will not regret it. Best $3 I have spent on my Airstream.