How to Add an Awning for a Pop-Up

lake mead national recreation area 14 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com

Pop-up campers are an economical way of enjoying RV travel and camping. In addition to the economical aspects to pop-up campers, they pack down for transport, are lighter weight than hard shell campers, and produce less drag during transport, giving your towing truck better mileage. Adding an awning to the pop-up gives extra shade for hot sunny trips, and gives a makeshift deck to gather around and enjoy after a day of exploring. For many, installing an awning to a pop-up is a do it yourself project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Prepare The Surface

Step 1

Wash the installation area of the exterior camper wall with the warm soapy water and allow to dry. Use the dimensions of the awning to measure out the installation distance on the horizontal plane, above the pop-up camper door. Mark the dimensions on the pop-up wall with the marker.

Step 2

Remove the awning from the box and prepare to mount onto the pop-up wall. Have your assistant hold the awning next to the install surface while you mark where the installation screws and washers will go. Drill out the holes on the pop-up wall with the power drill.

Step 3

Place the awning over the marked areas and align the awning holes to the drilled holes on the pop-up wall. Have the assistant hold the awning in this position while you screw the attachment screws with the washers (from the installation kit) into the pop-up wall, fixing the awning into position. Epoxy the drilled holes to make a waterproof seal.

Step 4

Attach the travel straps from the installation kit onto the pop-up walls by screwing the screws into the wall and then fixing the straps over the awning. Test that the straps hold the awning in position by gently pulling down on the awning. If there is slack or movement, tighten further.

Step 5

Extend the awning's telescoping legs down to the ground and pull the awning fabric out from the rollers. Test the awnings integrity and strength by unrolling and rolling up the awning, as well as opening or closing the telescoping legs. Roll up the awning and secure for transport.

Tips & Warnings

Do not travel with the awning until you have tested the awnings secure mechanisms by opening and closing several times.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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