Detachable non-cassette awning mounting (Yakima Slim Shady/Front Runner Easy Out)

[s2martin]

I don't want a fixed cassette awning on my van and I don't want to drill any holes into the roof to mount one or use a specific awning rail, but was looking at the lighter weight overland style awnings like the Yakima Slim Shady or Front Runner Easy Out which I could attach/detach as and when needed for trips (my T6.1 is also my daily driver). Having done some research, I can see that the Yakima Slim Shady attaches to a set of roof bars, but was wondering if one of these awnings could be attached directly to the raised rail on one side of the van without the need to use roof bars? Is this not a thing due to it needing more lateral support from the roof bars themselves? I'm struggling to find any info on this which suggests it's not possible?

 

[JumpShip]

I thought about using similar but like you couldn't find much info .
I did see one bolted to a single roof rail on a van at Gloucester services once but didn't get to speak to the owner .
The van looked a little rough if I'm honest and did think is it just a bodge? .
I've bought a a fiamma f40van now instead cuz it uses the original mounting points in the gutter and can be removed and stored off the van when not in use .

 

[s2martin]

Thanks for the info - I don't want it to be a bodge, I just can't understand why it's not possible. If the Yakima EasyOff fittings just allowed you to rotate the direction of the clamp they would be ideal. I was thinking I could fabricate some L-shaped brackets for these and that may work.

I was looking at that Fiamma one, but ideally I'd like to keep the raised roof rails attached at all times if possible, so to use that one I'd have to remove them each time I wanted to use the awning. Also, aren't the mounting points bonded to the van so are permanent, or can they be removed too?

 

[Vinyl1210]

Hi. I understand the quandary as I went through this whole journey myself with my van. Bought it new and didn’t have roof bars, but then a year later did the ‘oh no should I have specced them?’ thing. I wanted a safari style awning as I deffo did not want to drill or bond anything to van, plus I love the simple engineering and look of them (each to their own). So after much deliberation after promising myself I would ‘NEVER’ spend that much on a RR bought a bloody ARB Base rack.
I have a roof tent and awning from these guys:

Shop | Roof Tents & Side Awnings | UK | Tent & Trail

Visit our shop for premium quality camping equipment including roof tents and side awnings. The best value in the UK with FREE UK delivery!

tentandtrail.com

I found the awning exceptionally well engineered for money. Mine lives on the van 100% and it’s my daily too so personally I’d not be too fussed about taking it in and off.

Re: fitting to your rails again from my own experience as an engineer, after fruitless searching with a view to fitting OEM rails I decided it would be best to fabricate my own mounts.

Then I saw Tent and Trails slimline Roof Tents and was sold hence why I went down the ARB Roof rack route.

I think in conclusion your options.

1. Buy cross bars for your rails as it opens up loads of options.
2. Fabricate your own brackets if you just want the side rail.
3. Do the typical bloke shopping thing and go mad and buy an over engineered roof rack

Last point not much help I know but hope the awning recommend is of use.

 

[s2martin]

Hi - thanks for the advice. Good to hear I am not alone in looking for a solution to this anyhow! I have cross bars already, it just seems mad to have to fit them just to have a lightweight (12kg) side awning in a bag when I have side rails already. Plus I want to easily remove it when I'm not using it as my van is very stealth (looks like a factory Kombi) and having an awning on it all the time just screams campervan . But it would be handy on extended trips to provide some additional shelter from the sun and rain.

So I'm thinking it is option 2, I'm considering buying a couple of additional Yakima EasyOff brackets so it would have 4 attaching it to the roof rail with my custom L-shaped brackets. I could then quickly install and remove it (in theory). If I'm not putting it up in strong wind, I would have thought 4 brackets would hold a 12kg awning (famous last words ). Thanks for the Tent and Trails link too, I've not heard of them before but have had Yakima kit and it's decent.