The brackets are optional.  I generally just place the feet of the awning
arms (the long struts extending from the awning roller) on the ground
against the base of the front and rear wheels.  If I plan on being away or
if it's likely to be breezy I tie the struts to the wheel with elastic
cord.  The main problem with this configuration is that you cannot fully
extend the awning.  Without a fully extended awning, rainwater runoff
follows the curve of the roller around the underside and tends to flip
back under the awning into the covered area.  When you fully extend the
awning there is a fringe ('drip fringe') that hangs down, preventing this
roll-back effect.

You can also set the awning up 'patio style', that is with the arms
deployed vertically below the awning.  This will allow you to fully extend
the awning, but you must use ropes and stakes or some other means to
secure the awning in case of wind.

> Date:          Wed, 19 Aug 1998 22:55:55 -0400
> From:          "Elmer J. Flamer Jr." <SONNYF@COMPUSERVE.COM>
> Subject:       Catalina 2500 Awning

> Ive seen a number of Catalina 2500 Awnings on Vanagons. So I went to the
> local Camping World to purchase one and while talking to the salesman, he
> said I would need to mount a set of brackets to my van to hold the awning
> arms. To this I said no-way. no holes. Are there any list members using
> this same awning and if so, did you mount the brackets, and if not,  how
> do you pull out the awning.:)
>
>
> Sonny Flamer
>
> sonnyf@compuserve.com
>
> 84 Wolfsburg Camper

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com