This guide details one of many methods of setting up these awnings. Opinion varies as to which method is preferable. This is just the one which, in our own experience, is the easiest to perform.
1. Lay the awning canvas out on the ground, with the long zip adjacent to the camper, and running the whole length of it, on the door side.
2. Zip the awning canvas onto the main camper canvas, using the long zip attached to both. The zip on the main canvas runs the full length of the door side, at the top of the camper, and is usually hidden from view by a protective flap. At this point, you can also attach the two under bed panels as well, using the zips and press studs provided. (TIP: It’s always helpful to have a small set of steps with you, in order to reach the apex, when closing the zip. Also, a plastic cable tie, or something similar, attached to the zip pull will further assist in extending your reach).
3. Once attached, fold the awning canvas back over the roof of the camper, to keep it out of the way while you assemble the poles.
4. Assemble the front wall, using the 3 vertical leg poles, the 2 front frame poles and the jointing pieces. (HINT: They are usually colour coded, but, especially on older units, that is by no means guaranteed).
5. Hook the horizontal roof tensioner poles onto the camper. (Below the main awning zip are 5 holes in the canvas. Move the draught flap out of the way, to expose the internal poles. Each of these should have a small hole in it, to hook the roof tensioner pole into). Once attached, the other end of the tensioner pole can be laid on the ground, ready for the next step.
6. Stand the front wall up (the more of you there are at this stage, the easier it all is) and hook the 5 roof tensioner poles into the brackets on the joint sections and the front frame poles. You now have your frame set up.
7. Roll the awning canvas out over the poles, peg it out and adjust the various poles to get the tension just right. Each of the 3 joint pieces should have a hook sticking out of the front, to attach to the overhanging canopy on the top front section
8. Hang the front and side panels. (You can do the above procedures with them already attached, but that adds weight to the canvas, and makes it more cumbersome to work with. We always put them on after).
9. Attach the last skirt to the bottom of the camper to prevent any unwanted draughts, and hang the curtains, if supplied.
10. Lay the ground sheet, if you have one, and, ideally, peg into position. Pegging will normally be easier with a breathable ground sheet, and these are the preferable option, anyway.
That’s it. You’re up and ready to go. Enjoy!
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
zip awning on first and throw over body then poles it's easy if you lay poles on floor in correct poison would says it's a 2 person job we colour coded poles with tape
Personally I found it easier to put the poles up to a low level, slide awning on, zip up then tension poles. But I think I am just awkward. Not I did not have the panels in when doing this. Partly as wife is only 5' so we had trouble getting canvas over top. Did find the Q4 fabric a bit heavier than the older cruiser canvas.
I would say try either way and see which works best for you.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Pennine Q4 Awning
