Auto-sleeper monocoque awning brackets.

[Nigel-ph]

Does anyone know how the wedge shaped awning brackets are fixed to an Auto-sleeper monocoque shell? My 2001 Clubman only has 2 brackets. I have removed the old rattly awning and I want to fit a middle bracket for a new awning (assuming Auto-sleepers can provide the one I requested). They are solidly attached even with the bolts removed so I guess they must be glued on with something pretty special?

 

[Just smiffy]

Looks like a bit of sikaflex in there, work your way around it with some cheese wire….

 

[Nigel-ph]

Looks like a bit of sikaflex in there, work your way around it with some cheese wire….

That’s not the problem, the metal plate is indeed sikaflexed to the wedge shaped bracket but I don’t want to remove anything. I want to fit a new wedge shaped bracket as a centre support (assuming I can get one) and need to know how to attach it. Sikaflex and a prayer?

 

[AndyPK]

Why do you need to fit a middle bracket…..?

 

[Just smiffy]

That’s not the problem, the metal plate is indeed sikaflexed to the wedge shaped bracket but I don’t want to remove anything. I want to fit a new wedge shaped bracket as a centre support (assuming I can get one) and need to know how to attach it. Sikaflex and a prayer?

Ah I see, I read it wrong wood is an obvious thing to shape but not reliable.. a block of plastic that could be shaped..? But sikaflex will give a good hold..

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

That’s not the problem, the metal plate is indeed sikaflexed to the wedge shaped bracket but I don’t want to remove anything. I want to fit a new wedge shaped bracket as a centre support (assuming I can get one) and need to know how to attach it. Sikaflex and a prayer?

Most awning brackets are with PU adhesive (Sika) and a couple of bolts through the wall with an aluminium spreader plate on the inside with a plastic cover on top.

 

[Nigel-ph]

Most awning brackets are with PU adhesive (Sika) and a couple of bolts through the wall with an aluminium spreader plate on the inside with a plastic cover on top.

Yep, I guess that’s the solution. I‘ve ordered some Sikafkex 522 but have never used it and will just have to hope it’s as good as it’s reputation suggests!

 

[Nigel-ph]

Ah I see, I read it wrong wood is an obvious thing to shape but not reliable.. a block of plastic that could be shaped..? But sikaflex will give a good hold..

I’m hoping Auto-sleepers can supply an appropriate wedge shaped bracket and, as Lenny advised, I’ll simply stick it on with Sikaflex

 

[Nigel-ph]

Why do you need to fit a middle bracket…..?

Basically because the Fiamma installation guide says it needs one and I don’t know enough about the structure of the awning to disagree. The instructions also say that the end brackets must be aligned with the arm attachment points but that’s not feasible/practical (there’s no way I’m moving the existing brackets!) so the least I can do is support the middle. An issue that fitting a middle bracket will address is that the roof is very slightly curved and the old awning contacted the roof for about a foot at the middle and, with just 2 brackets it seems to have flexed and certainly rattled like crazy. I will (hopefully) fit an extra bracket in the middle and add shims to the end ones to keep everything straight and away from the roof.

One thing in the instructions surprised me though, if an awning sticks out by more than 100mm from the body it has to be recorded on the vehicle registration. Thankfully it’s only 80mm plus a bit for the bracket so I have a some width to play with.