A&E Awning Center Rafter install

[WOT]

I have a 2003 Thor Jazz Bunkhouse (5r) with fiberglass side and an A&E awning. My old camper with a Care Free awning had a center rafter and it was great. I have seen many awning bite the dust from wind/rain.



I want to install a center rafter (tensioner) on it, but I am concerned about how to locate the cradle. Can it be screwed to the side at any location or am I asking for trouble if I don't hit a stud? I have no idea how thick the plywood siding is, so I am not sure it will handle it if I don't hit the aluminum stud. I need some input from any who has installed one!



Thanks!

WOT

 

[TowPro]

good question, and I don't know the answer. I was looking at the awning on my Terry from a high place, where I could look town across it when it was closed. I can see its bending in the middle. My last 5er had a center support that also held it up in the middle, think I need one for the Terry

 

[msimmons]

WOT:



Methinks you need to locate a stud to be safe. My '99 Jayco had a sticker below the awning indicating the proper placement for a center support should you wish to add one leading me to believe that there are good places and not so good place to put the support. Your dealer should be able to tell you and help you pinpoint the proper placement though.



Hope this helps!



Mike

 

[Elk]

I had a center rafter installed after my first awning bit the dust I believe the dealer located a stud and installed. A and E supposidly recomends a center support on any awning over 20 feet.

 

[WOT]

I emailed Thor California and they told me a couple things:



1) A&E recommends a center rafter only on awnings over 21' (mine is 20)



2) The Aluminum studs are not design to be drilled into. Any locations that require things to be attached to them have thick aluminum backing plates welded to the studs. (They don't have wood inside the studs)



3) The are very insistant that a center rafter isn't needed, but if I really wanted one to go through the dealer for the install so they could work with them directly to insure it is installed in a good spot.



I guess if I want to have one I should have the dealer to it to avoid screwing up my warrantee.

 

[Berrigan]

I put one on my trailer a few years ago. Ya you need to locate a stud or some substancial material to screw into. If the location happens to be in a cabinet at the top you can put a 6 inch piece of 2x4 on the inside and drill all the way thru. Then us machine screws and sandwitch the side of the trailer between the 2x4 and the outside bracket. This will work at the bottom to if you are in the wheel well area. You can substitute a metal plate for the 2x4 if yopu want. Be careful tightening the machine screws so you dont squeeze the hollow wall together. good luck.