Detatchable Awning Brackets

I’ve had this CVT awning for several years, evident by the older style (color) CVT logo. But figuring out how to use it effectively on my rig was not simple and always ended up on the too hard pile.

IMG_4990 by mike digirat, on Flickr

There were several obstacles to figuring out how to mount it. One was the design of my bed rack.

IMG_4940 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Because of its design, there were no aftermarket mounting solutions that I liked. This meant creating one. But a lack of welding and fabbing skills on my part was the second issue keeping this from happening sooner.

Another challenge was where to mount the awning.

A couple of years ago I had the good fortune to have a friend build me an awesome rear swingout type bumper complete with a nice fold out table. Combine that table with the tailgate open and I’ve got a great ‘kitchen’ space.

IMG_4875 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Since getting the bumper I’ve wanted to cover it with an awning to provide a place to hide under and cook under in inclement weather. You can imagine the feeling every time some rain or snow drove us into our tents when we were on one of our adventures. I would lament the fact that my perfectly good awning was sitting at home, not being used.

IMG_3615 by mike digirat, on Flickr

So last year I spoke with my friend Zane @Speedytech7 about this and began the process of formulating a mounting bracket design that could accommodate my needs. You see, unlike many awnings on adventure rigs, mine could not be ‘permanently’ mounted because the awning width is 55” and when mounted, it would be wider than the bed rack and RTT exposing several inches of the awning on either end to the elements.

IMG_4987 by mike digirat, on Flickr

I knew from Monte’s @Blackdawg experience from several years ago, that an awning permanently mounted across the back was vulnerable to getting damaged and/or otherwise knocked off its mountings on some of the tighter trails we do. This meant a detachable design was required. A mounting system that could be quickly and easily be mounted and removed in camp as needed.

Enter Dan @turbodb, with his welding and fabbing skills and his garage, to turn Zane’s original concept into a practical reality.

Here are some photographs of the process.

0728181006 by Zane Roghaar, on Flickr

0728181034_HDR by Zane Roghaar, on Flickr

IMG_4939 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4945 by mike digirat, on Flickr

0728181055a_HDR by Zane Roghaar, on Flickr

Attaching the permanent portion of the bracket system to the bed rack.

IMG_4946 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4948 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4952 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Dans nice mig welder that made quick work of all the welds.

IMG_4954 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4955 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Some of the removeable pieces that make up the mounting system.

IMG_4960 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4964 by mike digirat, on Flickr

This piece is permanently mounted on the awning itself.

IMG_4966 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4967 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4968 by mike digirat, on Flickr

And the three parts assembled and the awning deployed for the first time.

IMG_4969 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4970 by mike digirat, on Flickr

All new metal primed and painted

IMG_4971 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Some close-ups of the assembled and mounted brackets.

IMG_4974 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4979 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4975 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4978 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Some photos of it deployed.

IMG_4981 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4983 by mike digirat, on Flickr

A new use for tennis balls to cover the ends of the permanent part of the mounting system so I don't poke out one of my eyes or bloody my forehead when loading stuff into the bed.

IMG_4992 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4994 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4995 by mike digirat, on Flickr


A special thanks to Dan and Zane for all the help. I can't wait to use this out in the real world.

 

Looks good buddy, glad I could pitch in a bit

 

I just got done with your post. First of all GREAT that you have functionality now,
I have had an ARB I use on my rack for the past few years, there is no way in hell I would have gone thru what you did to do so, lmao !
Nicely done !!!!
EPIC!!!

 

Jeeeezzz who welded that shit. Look terrible!!!























there the first welding shit talking post has been done. We can move on.


Looks good! Similar to what i'd have done though a bit different. Hope it works out!

 

Those welds look perfect to me. Best ever!

And the design is a prototype for sure. At several points there was discussion about doing this or doing that. We'll see what improvements it needs through some real world use.

 

haha best ever indeed

And im sure it'll go through a few changes. Be cool to see where it ends up.

 

Any thoughts about drilling holes through the mount to slide a securing pin through? Would suck to have it opened and a have a strong wind flip it up off the mount posts.

 

We talked about it, and it is looking pretty likely still. Eventually he'll drive off with it attached and that'll save it long enough, plus it makes setup easier.

 

I totally agree.

 

Our swing outs are almost identical .
I really like the owning design, may have to borrow it.

 

You can test fit it on one of my bed bars...

 

Pretty sweet set up Mike. I always axed the idea of an awning because of how low my tent sits, but this looks pretty dam clever.

 

Thanks Tim. It was definitely a collaboration.

A low RTT/bed rack is the challenge. We want a low COG so we compromise RTT height and give up the use of an annex and awning mounting.

This is just a workaround to make it possible to stand under a mounted awning.

 

Saw this similar solution by @geoff325 in the RTT Owners thread.