I have this same awning and really like it. I got mine from Camping World, a
mail order RV supplier with a number of retail stores as well. Their phone
number is 888 393 7451. They do not have a web site.

In addition to shelter from rain, I have found the awning to be very useful
in providing shade in hot sunny conditions.

-MM

At 04:37 PM 7/28/98 -0500, John H. Rodgers wrote:
>-- [ 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 --------
>