Additional Awning???

Bikester · 12-03-2015, 06:13 PM

I'm thinking about adding an additional awning over the slide of my GreyHawk 31FS. The current slide is only over a very small portion of the overall RV and adding another awning would provide a lot more coverage to the whole RV. This would be good for providing protection to a lot more "stuff". Has anyone done such a thing and do you foresee any problems in putting the awning on the slide out?

Pic shows what I'm thinking about. Between the "here" signs.

Click image for larger version

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**norty1** · 12-03-2015, 07:49 PM

I have seen them installed aftermarket like that. Only problem I foresee is some sites may not have enough side clearance from time to time, but that would not stop me if I wanted it. I would bank on it being cooler inside with it extended.

Power for it, if electric may be a challenge. I would go manual.

melvinson404 · 01-31-2016, 09:25 AM

I just ordered a 2016 31FS and one of my concerns was that the included awning was a bit small because of the bunk slide. Do you find that it is not large enough for you? Your idea seems to be a good one. I'd be interested to see how that works out.

Bikester · 01-31-2016, 11:07 AM

Melvinson, I think it's a bit small, especially as the doorway splits it up. Im still considering it...I think it would make a huge difference

rgolding · 02-02-2016, 08:34 AM

Currently sitting next to a Class A with a big slide out. Their awning is entirely on the slide out. From the picture you show, it looks like you could put a seperate awning on your slide. This way you could keep what you have and adjust as to your needs.

I replaced an awning on a prior travel trailer. I thought I ordered it correctly, but was disappointed with a more fabric like material. I would write up the purchase and work order to be exactly the same material as your current awning.

Unless your desires differ.

The OEM is a vinyl and easier to clean and is more waterproof.

TWP723 · 02-02-2016, 08:57 AM

I was thinking of doing the same on my TT on the large slide but decided against it. Mainly for the same reason Norty explained. Site selection may be a bear to deal with. UNLESS...you can somehow have a awning custom made to extend no further than the factory? Hmmm...

Grumpy · 02-02-2016, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWP723

Site selection may be a bear to deal with. UNLESS...you can somehow have a awning custom made to extend no further than the factory? Hmmm...

They don't have to be completely unrolled to work.

TWP723 · 02-02-2016, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

They don't have to be completely unrolled to work.

This is true.

TWP723 · 02-02-2016, 09:48 AM

Just thought maybe it would be cheaper.

Grumpy · 02-02-2016, 09:52 AM

Custom would never be cheaper.

Jopopsy · 02-02-2016, 11:19 AM

I had the Winnie version of this coach. The area under the awning as designed is very small indeed. Especially with the door effectively cutting it almost in half. Than add a step on the ground if you're on a uneven spot and you have a lot of precious real estate gobbled up.

I avoided a slide out on the passenger side of the coach for this very reason. If you get another awning to work, please post a pic !

rgolding · 02-02-2016, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Custom would never be cheaper.

Nothing is free, but when I've had it done, it has been less expensive than I thought. If a dealer has a down side of the year, many times they will give a break on labor, to have the work. Shop around.

The Logans · 02-04-2016, 11:50 AM

Consider what the extra weight on the top outside edge might do to the mechanics of the slide. The slides are very precisely balanced so as not to exceed the capacity of the rails.

klassic · 02-04-2016, 12:41 PM

The Eagles, North Points, Pinnacles, and many other 5th wheels come with a second awning.
I have one. It's no big deal. It was an option that brought me to the Jayco.
My last concern was if my site wasn't big enough...?
I wouldn't put it out then.
I would be concerned on what the screws go into if I was adding one.

TWP723 · 02-04-2016, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klassic

The Eagles, North Points, Pinnacles, and many other 5th wheels come with a second awning.
I have one. It's no big deal. It was an option that brought me to the Jayco.
My last concern was if my site wasn't big enough...?
I wouldn't put it out then.
I would be concerned on what the screws go into if I was adding one.

That's true about what it's gonna bolt into. The slides are framed and there's really nothing behind there. Unless they screw them into the inner wall of the slide...I don't know.

Maybe...an umbrella???

The Logans · 02-04-2016, 05:05 PM

We ended up getting an 8 X 8 canopy... About 3 minutes to put up, 79.99, and comes in it's own bag.

KiltDog · 02-04-2016, 08:46 PM

I would not bolt it to a slide. If I was going to add an awning I would also make sure it was attached directly to a wall stud or the top plate. Those things exert a lot of force when extended. Ive see pics of steel bumpers ripped off of campers by 20 lbs of bicycles.

rgolding · 02-05-2016, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Logans

We ended up getting an 8 X 8 canopy... About 3 minutes to put up, 79.99, and comes in it's own bag.

After reading all of this, I was thinking the same thing. Seems like it would be more adaptable to any situation.

Skaling · 02-05-2016, 07:20 AM

We got a 2nd awning added to our 5er..only came with the front awning so we got dealer to install matching rear power awning....
I know, its not a jayco..but installing it will be the same.

Griswald One · 02-09-2016, 03:36 PM

One downside I see is that putting an awning there would likely eliminate your ability to add a Slide Topper... Probably a matter of preference but the topper has more value to me as it reduces/eliminates the need to get up on the roof and sweep out the slide at every stop.

An awning that comes over the slide and functions as both a topper and a sun shade would be ideal, but from you photos I suspect you do not have the real estate on your walls to pull that off.

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