Instructions for A&E Awning Installation
The Insta-Matic RV awning from A & E attaches to the sides of recreational vehicles and pickup campers. The awning installation is a simple process, but you should have one or two helpers to maneuver the awning into position. While the A & E awning is not heavy, you don’t want to damage it during installation. After you complete the awning installation and attach the main rail permanently to the camper, you can decide if you want to leave the awning permanently attached to the side of the RV or if you would rather detach the awning as you travel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Carpenter’s level
- Stud finder
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Silicone caulking
- Caulk gun
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark a straight horizontal line 4 1/2 inches above the door of the camper, using a chalk line. This is the location of the awning rail. Use a carpenter’s level to ensure the line is level.
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2
Mark where the studs are along this line, using a stud finder. Hold the rail against the chalk line. Using predrilled holes in the rail as your guide, mark where to drill pilot holes into the studs. Attach the awning rail on the line you marked, using sheet metal screws long enough to penetrate at least 1 inch into the studs.
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3
Apply a bead of silicone caulking around all edges of the awning rail to seal out water.
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4
Insert each of the black knobs from the assembly kit into the secondary support arm of the awning. Twist the nutserts from the assembly kit onto the threads of the black knobs, but do not tighten them completely. Add a 1/4-inch No. 20 hex lock nut to the bottom ends of the black knobs to keep the knobs from working loose from the awning arms.
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5
Slide the awning case onto the awning rail. Center the case between the black knobs on the secondary support arm.
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6
Insert the flat end of the support arm between the black knobs and the secondary support arm.
Tighten the black knobs to secure the support arms in position.
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7
Measure and mark a spot 5 to 7 feet directly below each of the support arms as they hang perpendicular to the awning rail, using the mounting plates for the support arms as your guide. Drill two 5/32-inch holes for each bracket at the locations you determined. Fasten the mounting plates to the RV with two No. 10-by-1-inch flat-head screws from the assembly kit.
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8
Connect the support arms to the mounting plates by sliding the arms into the plates. With the support arms extended, drill a 3/16-inch hole through the bottom of the main support arm and into the secondary support arm. Slide plastic washers over the ends of a pair of rivets and insert the rivets into the holes. Both rivets and washers are in the assembly kit. Drive the rivets into the holes with a hammer.
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Tips & Warnings
Some campers already have a built-in awning rail, so you may omit steps pertaining to the installation of the awning rail. The A & E awning slides into the existing rail.
To operate the awning, insert the hooked end of the pole included in the awning kit into the loop on the awning case. Pull the awning away from the camper. As you do, the support arms move from a perpendicular position to the angle necessary to provide the shade you desire. By releasing adjustment buttons on both of the support arms, you can further adjust the pitch of the awning.
To remove the awning when you travel or at the end of the season, disconnect the arms from the mounting plates. Unfasten the two black knobs and slide the awning out of the awning rail.
