Window Awnings

[awwall]

I just ordered a pair of window awning to go over my slide out windows. I watched a couple of videos on the installation and have a question from those that may have done this. These are Dometic A&E awnings.

The installation showed using screws if mounting the support arms on wood and rivets if mounting to just a fiberglass skin. Since I am unsure what is beneath the fiberglass, I am here. Which should I use, screws or the rivets?

Thanks
Wayne

[jimh]

i don't have what u have and have not replaced mine. on my 5th wheel, that fiberglass is abt as thick as a piece of formica...maybe thinner. hopefully, there will be something behind that to screw into.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by awwall

I just ordered a pair of window awning to go over my slide out windows. I watched a couple of videos on the installation and have a question from those that may have done this. These are Dometic A&E awnings.

The installation showed using screws if mounting the support arms on wood and rivets if mounting to just a fiberglass skin. Since I am unsure what is beneath the fiberglass, I am here. Which should I use, screws or the rivets?

Thanks
Wayne

You need to locate the aluminum frames under the skin. If you don't they won't be there for long. I'm sure you have seen the exploded view adds showing the framework. That install video sounds 30 years old.

[jimh]

u can use a stud finder to find them. i was able to locate the alum 1x2's in the floor of my trailer with one.

[awwall]

Thanks for the info, however, the way the awning and mounting arms mount, you may or may not be over a stud. If over a stud, I will defiantly use the screws to mount the support arms, if not not I suppose I will use the rivets. The rivets are a special type that expand out with "arms" behind the material being mounted to. The call them Oscar rivets.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by awwall

Thanks for the info, however, the way the awning and mounting arms mount, you may or may not be over a stud. If over a stud, I will defiantly use the screws to mount the support arms, if not not I suppose I will use the rivets. The rivets are a special type that expand out with "arms" behind the material being mounted to. The call them Oscar rivets.

Much better description! Maybe a call to a local service center to see a sample would help. I'd have a tough time drilling that coating and fiberglass. Behind the thin glass ia a slightly heavier luan layer, then its styrofoam to the inside board.

I note lots of sites on the net regarding these improved pop rivits. Some good and less bad. My slide toppers all mount to slideout frame work, why can't the awnings, at least the top rail? I imagine in a stiff wind, they have to take quite a load?

[awwall]

Vince, here is short video on installation. If you will take a couple of minutes, you will see my dilemma. You helped some, telling me there is luan or similar material behind the skin. Since I am not sure, I am leaning towards the rivets.

RVEducation 101 RV Video Tips

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by awwall

Vince, here is short video on installation. If you will take a couple of minutes, you will see my dilemma. You helped some, telling me there is luan or similar material behind the skin. Since I am not sure, I am leaning towards the rivets.

RVEducation 101 RV Video Tips

There's lots of videos on that sight but I did see one that installed an awning using a perforated strip. Rivets on maybe 1.5" centers? I noted a very good tip on one of the sites about Oscar rivits. He suggested when drilling holes along the lenth of the screws/rivits, you should use the pilot drill for the screw first, if you hit solid material, use a screw, if hollow increase the pilot for the rivit size. That way if you hit a frame, the hole won't be too big. Like I said just proceed with caution, if in doubt hire somebody experienced. The web sites were positive for the fasteners, just has to be done right. I hope that helps with your dilemma, just drill small first case you hit a frame. Its easy to enlarge it.