I use the ropes that attach the outer corners of the awning to the bumpers
and have had no problems, even in heavy winds with gusts up to 35 MPH.  I
don't need no stinkin' poles!
TEMiller

----- Original Message -----
From: "bueses" <bueses@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 10:50 AM
Subject: Re: just finished installing my shadyboy awning

>> i must say that i'm extremely happy with it so far.  it's very well
>> made and the awning is HUGE!!!
>>
>> drilling into the roof wasn't as painful as i thought it would be and i
>> made a point to seal it up nicely.  please let me know if you'd like to
>> know anymore about the shadyboy.  i got it decked out with the silver
>> reflective (cooling!) material, downdraft poles and stainless steel
>> mounting brackets.
>>
>> ...and it looks great taboot!!!!!!!!!
>> dusty.
>> |___|_|_|__\
>> |___|__-|-__|
>> "(o)-----(o)--"
>
> I have had the same Shady Boy awning on my 84 Westy for a couple of years
> now, & offer the following free advice(free advice is worth what you pay
> for
> it?):  Always install the optional downdraft poles, even if there isn't
> any
> wind! Make sure you put a cotter pin or wire/etc. connecting the 2 halves
> of
> the d-draft poles so they don't come apart in any uplift. Stake the bottom
> of the poles to the ground if possible.
>
> The wind bent the roof brackets on my awning once when the poles came
> apart
> & the awning was forced downward. Not good.
>
> FWIW,
>
> Tom-still love the awning, but it is not idiot proof
>