Awnings and duel cabs
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 28, 2010 at 00:34
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merchant
Hi all, we are about to do a 4 week trip through the Kimberly's so i'm considering installing a 2.5m Ironman or Powerful 4x4 awning on my Nissan D40 duel cab, as a bit of shade when we stop for lunch etc.
My question is whether an awning can be installed on a duel cab. I will be using the rear roof bars of the canopy to support the rear of the awning and on the front i was going to make up a couple of brackets, coming off the existing roof rack fixing holes, to support the front.
I've been told somewhere that it shouldn't be done because of chassis twist and flex etc.
Interested in your comments.
Reply By: Jacko84 - Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 at 15:58
Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 at 15:58
Hi,
I also have recently fitted a canopy (flexiglass Sport) to my D22 navara with the intention of fixing an awning between the roof and the canopy. my plan was to have a bar span the canopy and a simple roof rack fixed to the cab roof and mount the awning to that. all seemed simple enough, i bought a Foxwing Awning from Ebay and ordered the canopy through a local 4x4
shop.
however, i went to several other stores to price up for the roof racks and ALL of them strongly suggested that it was not wise to install in such a manner. some suggested that if you have a solid Tradesmans rack installed on your canopy then it wouldnt be an issue, but that depends what style of canopy you have.
when questioned, the original supplier stood by his opinion and stated that there would be no troubles. after many thoughts i've decided not to install the awning (Now have a new Foxwing awning for sale - see Trader).
anyway, thats just my experience. i agree with one of the other replies in that the canopy and tub seem to flex a lot different to the cab on the rough stuff. i guess it depends on the style of awning you intend to install, i wasnt game to subject the Foxwing to such stress.
hope some or all of this helps,
Happy Travelling
Jack
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408402
Follow Up By: merchant - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 16:20
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 16:20
Jacko, I can't see what the issue will be. The awning won't harm the vehicle at all. It will still flex and will still have movement between the cab and body (canopy). The only foreseeable problem i see is with the weakest part of the set up and that's the awning.
The stress that's generated through the flexing will, no doubt, at some stage damage the awning over time but how long it will last is anyone's guess but i'm sure they can be DIY repaired.
Go for it i reckon. I did and it works a treat. Having said that, my front mount is a self made single bracket rather than a solid roof bar.
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