-- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Jim, would you tell us where the "very large mailorder RV place" is exactly?
If they have a web site their URL would be nice to have also, as well as
their phone number. Those awnings sound intriguing.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
'85 GL Driver
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Tuesday, 28-Jul-98 03:49 PM

From: Jim Perrin               \ America On-Line: (Perrinvan)
To:   Vanagon                  \ Internet:    (vanagon@vanagon.com)

Subject: Re: vanagon awning wanted

In a message dated 98-07-27 14:22:16 EDT, you write:

<< ...retractable awnings made by Dometic and/or E&E.  The model I'm looking
at is a Catalina, I believe. It  clamps  to the rain gutter above the cargo
door. >>

I have an A&E Model 2500 ( which I believe is called the Catalina).  I
believe A&E is the same as Dometic.  I bought it from a large mail order RV
place.  I am VERY pleased with it, and almost always get questions from
other Vanagon owners about it when I go to VW swap meets/shows.

I bought the optional clamp kit, so I could clamp it to the rain gutter
instead of drilling holes.  On a curved rain gutter such as the Vanagon,
some people only use two of the three clamps that come in the kit.  However,
you can install two of the three clamps right next to each other, thereby
getting support from all three.  (With vans having a straight gutter, you
can space them equal distances apart.)

One length extends from the rear of the van to near back edge of the front
door.  Another model is 16" or 18" or so longer, and extends from the rear
of the van to a point over the front door.  I choose the longer one, and am
very glad I did.

Hope this helps.  If you decide to get one, email me directly and let me
know your experiences.  I found the installation and operation instructions
were OK, but left out a few details that I learned as I went.

You can install it with either the two outboard poles vertical and resting
on
the ground
or you can attach fittings to the side of your van so that the poles make a
45
degree or so angle, and attach to the side.  I use the poles in the vertical
position, which I prefer.  If it starts raining very heavily while it is up,
you can shorten the pole on one side a foot or more, which allows the water
to
drain off to the side rather than collecting in the middle.

The first several times I opened it up or closed it, I had a second person
help me.  However, now that I've figured out exactly how it works, I open it
or close it by myself.

One other thing is that I occasionally check the clamps to be sure they are
still tight.

Jim Perrin

-------- REPLY, End of original message --------