ARB Awning

CoastieLFS · Samba Member Joined: October 14, 2011 Posts: 76

I've seen lots of these installed on Vanagons, but none on the EVC. I decided to purchase the ARB 2500 & GoWesty EVC brackets an attempt the install. Coincidently, yesterday a Yahoo EVC member posted that he had installed one on his EVC. While I wasn't able to get his pictures in time for my install, it appears we had similar ideas on how to do it.

Here are the brackets before I modified them:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

This shows the set up my friend performed to ensure accurate & consistent drilling on both brackets:

I got invovled in the project & neglected to take more photos before installing the brackets on the EVC, but this does show the modification.

This shows the result of an idea my friend & I had for improving on how to attach the ARB to the brackets. We're using a rectangle nut that slides nicely into the ARB channel and a matching knob that goes through the bracket and then into the nut. We believe this will make it much easier to adjust the ARB left/right and to quickly remove the awning for use on my SUV. We also believe this greatly improves over the use of a simple bolt head inside the channel. Unfortunately, this was just a mock up as these came off a workbench he uses!

This shows my friend installing one of the rivet nuts (we took turns):

The 3 nuts installed. Looks a little messy, but cleans up quickly & is covered by the gasket & brackets.

Now back to the bracket installed. Note the GoWesty provided standard machine bolts. I changed these to round heads a few hours later.

The round heads:

This shows the ARB bolts connected to the bracket:

Finished...

Note on the below image. Per ARB's spec's, the awning is no further than 700mm (28 inches) to the left of the left bracket.

Now I just have to find the right rectangle nuts & matching knobs and I will replace the ARB provided bolts.

I choose the middle bracket location for a couple of reasons. I wanted my awning more forward, but that meant I couldn't install the brackets at the far rear where GoWesty recommends them for the Fiamma. The other reason is that one day I may still buy the 11 foot Fiamma and I wanted an install that would work with either the ARB or the Fiamma (once I add the rear bracket).

My friend is really, really good at this stuff and we still had problems getting the rivet nuts to center exactly where we had marked. In the end our solution was to slightly expand the pre-drilled holes in the GoWesty brackets. This gave us a little wiggle room to deal with the slightly off center rivet nuts. Took us almost four hours from start to finish, but he's also cautious & meticulous.
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'95 Eurovan Camper (2.5L)
'01 Weekender
Portland, OR

Slimvest · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 1:36 pm Post subject:

CoastieLFS · Samba Member Joined: October 14, 2011 Posts: 76

That's nice! How long is the awning?
_________________
'95 Eurovan Camper (2.5L)
'01 Weekender
Portland, OR

CoastieLFS · Samba Member Joined: October 14, 2011 Posts: 76

I ordered the ARB Front & Side Wind Breaks from MULE Expedition Outfitters. Overall they are a very nice addition, however a word of caution on the sizing of the side wind break. I have the 2500. ARB advertises that the side wind break fits the 2000/2500. That's true, but the side break doesn't completely fill the side from the vehicle to the front. At first I thought maybe MULE had sent me the wrong one or I ordered incorrectly. But after I contacted them, they checked it out & confirmed the size. They have since updated their website so customers are aware. Something I might add that ARB USA hasn't done. Here's what MULE wrote...

"The ARB side wind break for all sizes (1250, 2000 and 2500) measures roughly 6'5" wide and 7'2" tall. Instead of the tab along the top like the front wind breaks, the side wind break has velcro loop tabs across the top which wrap around the side aluminum support poles to secure it to the awning. The bottom, just like the other wind breaks, has grommets and tie down straps for staking the wind break out. NOTE: The 6'5" width on this windbreak means it will not reach across the whole span of the newer model 8' deep awnings."
_________________
'95 Eurovan Camper (2.5L)
'01 Weekender
Portland, OR

shredmaster5000 · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 12:27 pm Post subject: ARB vs Fiamma awnings

Hi all, I'm trying to decide which awning to get for my hightop vanagon carat.

From what I understand: It looks like its ARB vs Fiamma if you want a easy to open/close awning. ARB is less much expensive and heavy. Fiamma is a little more solid but its heavy enough that you can feel it on your van.

For install of the ARB, you can either go with the NWWesty no drill gutter mounts or you can use the GW Fiamma mounts which you have to drill both into your van & into the mount piece to get it to match the ARB. I read you don't need to drill into your van but the GW install video is pretty clear that you do. The NWWesty mounts are out of stock and much more expense. Can someone confirm this?
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2542&category_id=277&category_parent_id=

People with the ARB: can you body mount the awning legs? Using this GW kit or something else?
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2542&category_id=277&category_parent_id=

squeegee_boy · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 12:48 pm Post subject: Re: ARB vs Fiamma awnings

singler3360 · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:26 am Post subject:

fyrgrrl · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:37 am Post subject:

I am a 5'6" female and have been looking at buying the ARB awning for awhile but the warning on the Das Mule web site has scared me off:

NOTE: These awnings are a bit difficult for one person to set up by themselves (not impossible, but almost). It is a much easier and faster process with two people -- one to hold the awning out while the other adjusts and locks the poles to the correct length).

Does being 5'6" put me at a disadvantage setting up and breaking down the awning when camping by myself?

Also....how does it stand up to the Pacific Northwest rain and/or wind? It doesn't have a cross-member in the middle of it and it would seem that a lake might form when it rains.
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (manual) - "Van Hildegaard"
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (auto)
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (auto) - "Blau Frau"
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (manual) - "Braunkuh"
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback (auto)
2003 Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto)

tarandusVDub · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:02 am Post subject:

As far as setting it up by yourself, I think if you're moderately coordinated and have some upper body strength you should be able to do it with no problems. I am 5'10" male and I set mine up all the time.

You have to make sure you push the side support arms all the way out to the side to clear the awning, and then, unrolling it about 3/4, reach out and set the length of each support, then put them into the support hole in the corner opposite the van. You can set the height arms to a shorter length while you're getting it assembled, then fine tune those once its up.

Reading this I see it makes no sense, but with some practice I'm sure you can get it. The ARB is not that heavy. One note of caution, which is true with any awning, is that setting up in even a moderate wind can be really challenging just by yourself.

If you get one, practice with a friend several times to get the hang of it, and do it by yourself too with them standing by to help if needed. It is a GREAT awning and we've used it a bunch this summer since we got it.
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

captainkarl · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 7:22 am Post subject:

Just ordered my ARB 2500 from autoanything.com $246 w/ free shipping after 15% discount good until tomorrow.

Excited for some shade this year camping!

fyrgrrl · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:17 am Post subject:

Well...after reading the post from tarandusVDub and watching a video showing how to set up and break down the awning, I'm thinking I'll go the ARB route. Thanks for your help tarandusVDub.

Heather
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (manual) - "Van Hildegaard"
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (auto)
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (auto) - "Blau Frau"
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (manual) - "Braunkuh"
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback (auto)
2003 Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto)

Home Team Van · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:19 am Post subject:

fyrgrrl · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:56 am Post subject:

Van Cafe sells brackets for $69.95. Anyone buy those? Got pics? Vanagon drilling required?
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (manual) - "Van Hildegaard"
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (auto)
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (auto) - "Blau Frau"
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (manual) - "Braunkuh"
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback (auto)
2003 Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto)

Syncronicity · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:21 am Post subject:

Grabbed a ARB 2500. $246.29 out the door. Code: HOLIDAY15
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Tom, Juanita, Iggy & Abbey the Dirty Desert Dogs
2.1 L 87 Syncro
KD0ALU
________oo_oo
/ /__/___[_____\
I I======[]IIIII[]
()_)------()_)----)_)

fyrgrrl · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 5:14 pm Post subject:

Here's one available on the Abbotsford B.C. (Canada) Craigslist for $250:

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/pts/4814032888.html
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (manual) - "Van Hildegaard"
1987 Vanagon Westfalia (auto)
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (auto) - "Blau Frau"
1985 Vanagon GL 7-passenger van (manual) - "Braunkuh"
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback (auto)
2003 Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto)

msewalson · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 7:38 pm Post subject:

connorsvw2 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 12:22 am Post subject:

I just bought the ARB 2500 awning fron Autoanything on the 15% off and free shipping sale. Looks solid and excited about trying it out this spring. Need to call VC in am to see about brackets.
_________________
'85 Westy Wolfsburg camper/2002 2.5 Subaru since 2003.
'85 GTI 1.8L 1-owner 8v-gave up on 9A 2.0L 16v transplant. Keeping her stock!
'99 Passat 1.8T Variant-AKA "The Money Pit". Still limping along...
'09 Subaru Outback XT 5-speed, 245 hp rocket (wife's car)

benandmj · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:32 am Post subject:

Slimvest · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 12:19 pm Post subject:

connorsvw2 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:59 pm Post subject:

VC does not list the Fiamma brackets separately on their website. A quick call and good to go for $69.95 for a pair.
_________________
'85 Westy Wolfsburg camper/2002 2.5 Subaru since 2003.
'85 GTI 1.8L 1-owner 8v-gave up on 9A 2.0L 16v transplant. Keeping her stock!
'99 Passat 1.8T Variant-AKA "The Money Pit". Still limping along...
'09 Subaru Outback XT 5-speed, 245 hp rocket (wife's car)


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