I was very interested in this video as we have a similar problem with the same awning on a Stoney Creek hybrid. We also have a problem that water runs from the roof, along the awning mounting and down over our fridge door when it rains. Looking to replace our awning with something similar.
At first use we were getting some water seeping through, but after applying a light bead of body sealer along the join between the awning cover and the aluminium backing we managed to eliminate that. We found the trick now is to fully open the cover and flip it back toward the van too so it acts like a cover for that gap.
That would be the rooftop tent ladder, I keep it in the back of the car in the gap next to the fridge. It's surprisingly handy to have it when setting up the camper.
In my opinion, it's a great van if you accept it for what it is. They're actually pretty hardy, but you pay the weight penalty (this 15ft hybrid weighs almost the same as a full size 19ft caravan). The reality of this price point is you'll probably get a good van, but it will be 95% acceptable and the last 5% will be sorted through warranty or DIY fixes. On my van in particular (not saying this is the case for all hybrids) it needed a basic service on day 1, various minor electric tidy ups and the wheel alignment was laughable. So, if you're happy with some minor tidying up you'll likely be very happy with one, alternatively you may actually be better off buying a used van where these minor fixes have already been done.
The new awning is about 10kg heavier than the electric unit and the brackets effectively sandwich the top of the side wall panel near the top of the van wall. I'm not overly concerned with the weight of the closed awning - I very scientifically hung myself off each bracket and there's minimal deflection. The biggest risk I foresee is torsion on the brackets when the awning is open. For this reason we'll use the legs as a precaution until I can make up some reinforcing plates to distribute the load internally.
Wow that’s impressive, I think if that was offered as an option from factory it would be very popular!
I was very interested in this video as we have a similar problem with the same awning on a Stoney Creek hybrid. We also have a problem that water runs from the roof, along the awning mounting and down over our fridge door when it rains. Looking to replace our awning with something similar.
Nice Work
Good work. Lekker man!
Mooi man. Does much water get in between the awning and the van when it rains or did you seal that gap?
At first use we were getting some water seeping through, but after applying a light bead of body sealer along the join between the awning cover and the aluminium backing we managed to eliminate that. We found the trick now is to fully open the cover and flip it back toward the van too so it acts like a cover for that gap.
I notice you have an extendable ladder, do you stow it in the tow vwhicle or in the van?
That would be the rooftop tent ladder, I keep it in the back of the car in the gap next to the fridge. It's surprisingly handy to have it when setting up the camper.
Are you able to give me some feedback about your Tanami X15 as I am looking to buy one. I would really appreciate this. many thanks
In my opinion, it's a great van if you accept it for what it is. They're actually pretty hardy, but you pay the weight penalty (this 15ft hybrid weighs almost the same as a full size 19ft caravan). The reality of this price point is you'll probably get a good van, but it will be 95% acceptable and the last 5% will be sorted through warranty or DIY fixes. On my van in particular (not saying this is the case for all hybrids) it needed a basic service on day 1, various minor electric tidy ups and the wheel alignment was laughable. So, if you're happy with some minor tidying up you'll likely be very happy with one, alternatively you may actually be better off buying a used van where these minor fixes have already been done.
Do you know if the brackets that were used are designed to support the load of this awning by chance?? Cheers.
The new awning is about 10kg heavier than the electric unit and the brackets effectively sandwich the top of the side wall panel near the top of the van wall. I'm not overly concerned with the weight of the closed awning - I very scientifically hung myself off each bracket and there's minimal deflection.
The biggest risk I foresee is torsion on the brackets when the awning is open. For this reason we'll use the legs as a precaution until I can make up some reinforcing plates to distribute the load internally.
@@ImpalaOverland Love the sicentufic approach. Will probably end up using the same method on my Austrack 🙂