RE: A&E Catalina 2500 awning
I put one on my '85 Westy, the 8 foot length.  If I went with that model
again I'd go for the longer version, about 9 feet.  The main reason is
that the 8 footer only extends out 6 feet and I found that it didn't
give the amount of shade that I wanted.  The longer models extend out
farther.
But I wouldn't buy the Catalina again, I'd buy the high end Fiama.  I've
looked at the Fiama on a fellow Wetwesties van and it is a better
solution, even though several dollars more.  I had no problems with the
Catalina 2500 and it set up easily with just one person, but look at the
Fiama before you decide.