Just to get a plug in here, I sell German awning kits that setup pretty quick
and won't fall off your Vanagon.  You just stow the awning under your rear
seat or in the luggage rack, when not in use.
<A HREF="http://www.eurocampers.com/page15.html">SUNSAIL Awnings</A>

The real answer to fixing your awning problem is to buy the brackets that
bolt the awning to the body of your van.  The rain gutters  were not designed
to handle the stress of constant flexing caused by your retractable awning
hanging off the side.

Or you could buy one of my awnings and never worry.

Steve Lashley
'74 Campmobile
'93 EV MV
Eurocampers.com  Importing German Bus Tents, Carver Propane Heaters and other
cool accessories for Bus, Vanagon, and Eurovan.
http://EuroCampers.com