MOBY introduces an article written by a writer who actually enjoys staying in the car and camping car from the web magazine DRIMO, which distributes information on camping, staying in the car, van life, outdoor & car trips, including camping car information. To do. *The contents of the following article are quotes and references from DRIMO
Early summer has arrived, and it’s a good season for outdoor activities and camping.
Recently, there is a camping boom, and it can be deployed immediately at auto campsites.retractable side awningHowever, it seems that it is one of the trendy accessories for campers.
So, this time, we also selected, imported, and installed the product by DIY, so we would like to introduce it.
Side awnings are sold by various companies, and representative manufacturers include “FIAMMA” and “THULE”.
Among them, this time, we have selected a new type for bancon of “FIAMMA”.
There are product features depending on the seller, so please take a look at the catalog and choose the one that suits your car model!
Selection of side awning
The side awning that can be installed differs depending on the vehicle model.
Our house is a Ducato-based Bancon type camper, so we chose a side awning for Bancon this time.
Side awnings for bancon may be relatively easy to install by DIY, as there is no problem with strength if you use a special awning fixing pedestal, and there is no need to worry about leaks due to defective caulking.
By the way, if you want to install a side awning on a cabcon type camper by DIY, you have to understand the structural skeleton of the side before installing it. In addition, specialized knowledge such as drilling holes, fixing the awning frame with nuts, and caulking each part is required.
without this knowledgeProblems such as falling off, rain leakage, etc.There is a possibility.
Regardless of Cabcon or Bangcon,If you are worried about DIY installation, do not overdo it and consult a builder or dealer.I think it’s good to be.
Confirmation of specifications
First of all, let’s check the catalog of each manufacturer! (You can check the catalog online, but the booklet is distributed free of charge at camper shows, etc., so you can also get it from there.)
We also carefully read the FIAMMA catalog and selected the one that fits our model (Livingstone).
Since it would be a problem if the product is the wrong one, we mark the appropriate car body, awning length, body color, etc. in the catalog.
If you make a mistake with the Item No. (model number) of the product, the color and length will be different.
Even if we can tolerate color,If the length is wrong, installation itself is impossible.Therefore, be sure to check carefully and make a selection so as not to make any mistakes.
We chose After2006, H2 (2524mm), L2 (5416mm), F80S 320.
The F80S 320 (product name) is an awning that fits a FIAT Ducato with a body size of 2.5m in height and 5.4m in length.
From the lineup of this product name, decide on the color, etc., and then select the fixed pedestal dedicated to the vehicle model. (For reference, my house has a black main body color, so “Item No.07831B01R” and the dedicated fixed base is “Item No.98655Z092.”)
After the product is decided, it is a flow to find a supplier and place an order.
The dealers who import and sell awnings also have knowledge of campervans, so they often answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions after inquiring, it is a good idea to check with the builder you purchased the vehicle from.
Purchase (Import)
For products that are not in stock in Japan, it is possible to import them individually, but since they are long (3.2m) and heavy (30kg), they are generally imported by sea from a cost perspective.
If there is a problem or delay with the shipping service, you will need to confirm it yourself.
Unless you have knowledge of imports, you can ask the importer to explain the delay, and you can also ask them to inform you of the arrival schedule in the import document called Invoice. .
In addition, items that are in stock in Japan are sent directly from camper parts manufacturers, so there is no need to worry about imports. It is recommended as one method to select from those that are in stock in Japan.
The FIAMMA F80S that we purchased this time had to be imported because there was no domestic stock. However, since I ordered it in November and was involved in the Suez accident, it arrived just before the consecutive holidays in May.
When ordering imports, it may take about 6 months from order to delivery.It is necessary to be prepared for the delivery dateis.
Installation (DIY)
Confirmation of shortage of purchased parts
After receiving the parts, we first check if there are any missing parts based on the parts list. (same in Japan)
The discovery of missing items after the installation work has started not only interrupts the work, but may lead to dangerous situations such as insufficient strength in some cases, so be sure to check carefully.
Assembly of vehicle-specific pedestal
First, attach the metal fittings for the clamp of the awning pedestal. It is possible to assemble without problems if you proceed according to the procedure manual with a dedicated item.
Next, install the pedestal for fixing the awning. In the case of Dukato, it is installed in 3 places.
Depending on the vehicle type, it may be necessary to drill holes or apply waterproof caulking to the screw parts in addition to gluing, so please proceed according to the instructions in the manual.
especiallyAdhesion and caulking may cause insufficient strength and water leakage.So make sure you do!
Applying waterproof tape
Paste the sponge tape along the groove of the roof. This prevents rainwater from entering through the gap between the roof and awning. Each company is different, but in the case of FIAMMA, it was attached as a standard product.
awning loading
Be sure to prepare a stepladder that can be used by two people, and work with two people! (Two-person work is also specified in the procedure manual.)
Although it depends on the specifications of the awning, the weight of this type (3.2 m) is about 30 kg, so the weight distribution per person required for loading on the roof is 15 kg.
Prepare a stepladder with sufficient height and area, and know the procedure in advance.
The point is to proceed in the order of “put the awning body on the stepladder” → “lift it once” → “set it on the fixed pedestal of the roof”.
Let’s talk with the people who work many times and keep in mind!
I worked with my wife, but it’s hard work, so if possible, it’s better to work with two men.
In addition, in order to prevent scratches on the vehicle body due to rubbing, etc.,Several places on the side of the car body, curingkeep it.
*The image above is the image after fixing the screw to the base. Do not open before fixing (risk of falling)
Fixing the awning to the fixed plinth
After placing the awning on the roof, make sure the awning is clamped to the fixtures.
Determine the position and first tighten the fixing plate with the mounting nut. Have your partner hold the awning firmly,always fixed firstplease.
There is a clear description in the procedure manual, but if you do not do this work, there is a danger that the awning will come off and fall due to a slight vibration. (This type requires 3 fixing points)
Finally, open a hole in the fixing part of the awning with a tapping screw to prevent lateral displacement and fix it.
There was a problem that the awning came off due to vibration when the awning was released without the fixing plate attached.
I didn’t get seriously injured, but if I made a mistake, an accident due to a fall would occur.Never let go of the handle until it is fixedis important. Be very careful.
summary
What did you think?
If it is a type of bancon that has a vehicle-specific kit, it can be installed relatively easily by making advance preparations (understanding the manual and matching the loading awareness).
Since the fixed pedestal is a dedicated product, the manufacturer’s design strength is ensured as long as the installation procedure is followed.
However, if you are even a little worried about the work, it is best to ask the builder to do the installation work. Also, in the case of DIY, there is no installation fee, but it takes time to prepare in advance.
Just enjoy your car trip with the side awning! is the main purpose.
If you have confidence in your physical work, you can ensure safety, and you can work in harmony with two people, I think it would be a good idea to give it a try.
There are risks associated with the work, so please understand the risks before starting the work.
DIY processing and modification may affect safety. In addition, you may not be able to receive after-sales support, etc., so please comply with laws, regulations, standards, etc. and do so at your own risk. If you are unsure, please check with your retailer before proceeding.
Writer: Sasaki couple
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