Awning set up

[alexsmom36]

We are first time owners of a 1999 Coleman Sun Valley and have used it only once.  The only problem is that we can't figure out how to put up the awning.  When we bought it, the zipper on the bag broke, so we never asked the dealership how to set it up and the manuals we do have are not very specific.

 :confused: Can anyone provide some direction on where I might get some instructions on how to set it up or have any suggestions on how to do it. We are suppose to go to Watkins Glen next week and would really like to use our awning.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.  :tent:

[kwatson51]

We have a Starcraft, but I'll share how we set up the awning...can't be all that different. Ours is an A&E Trimline awning - http://www.dometicusa.com/awnings.php?product=39

When we are in the process of raising the roof, while is is still within easy reach, we unzip the bag and untie the security ribbons. We then roll out the awning and set the vertical poles on the ground, and raise them to an approximate height. We then set the horizontal poles into the sockets on the roof. At this point, we raise the roof to the full height and continue with the trailer setup (stabilizers, beds etc.)

At this point, we "tweak" the heighth of the vertical poles, then strap down the awning and secure it to the ground (it's frequently windy here in Colorado). (I didn't do this right off this past weekend and paid the price - one broken awning pole.) I use a 27' long, 2" wide strap and secure it across the top of the awning and once around the top of each pole. The strap bottom is hooked onto those screw-in dog anchors when possible. Otherwise, I use stakes driven into the ground. This may be overkill, but once it's strapped down, I think the trailer would blow away before the awning would. :p

Hope this helps some.

[dthurk]

We are first time owners of a 1999 Coleman Sun Valley and have used it only once.  The only problem is that we can't figure out how to put up the awning.  When we bought it, the zipper on the bag broke, so we never asked the dealership how to set it up and the manuals we do have are not very specific.

 :confused: Can anyone provide some direction on where I might get some instructions on how to set it up or have any suggestions on how to do it. We are suppose to go to Watkins Glen next week and would really like to use our awning.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.  :tent:

What day and time are you looking to set up at Watkins?  It's a short drive for us to the park.  If you have awning questions or questions on anything else of your camper, I could meet you at the park and help with anything you might need, if you'd be comfortable with that.

[tlhdoc]

You should have 6 poles to set up your Sun Valley.  3 are attached to the metal rail of the awning (the end away from the camper).  The other 3 have a black plastic end with a point on it and the other end have rubber caps like a cane or crutch have.  Crank the PU half way up and then open the awning.  Unfold the legs that are attached to the awning rail and adjust the length of the poles.  A hint on all of the Coleman/Fleetwood awning poles.  There is a wide rib on each rib on each section of the poles.  Line up the wide rig on the poles and the holes and little metal button that goes in the holes line up.  Install the "rafter" poles with the rubber end up against the roof of the camper and the plastic tip end of the holes in the metal rail on the edge of the awning.  There are cotton loops in the awning bag that the rubber end of the poles go into.  I hope this helps.