Monday, November 7 – After finishing the installation of a door window, there was one more item we've always wanted on our 5th wheel – a window awning over our livingroom windows. We have a large patio awning on that side of the trailer, but it doesn't extend down to cover these two windows. The sun really beats in and heats up the livingroom, so we need to keep the blinds closed. That tends to darken things inside the 5th wheel and blocks our view of the outside world.
The front two windows need the awning.
An awning would block the sun while allowing us to enjoy the view outside. It would also give us some privacy without having to close the blinds. So once again, since we are just around the corner from PPL RV Sales and Parts here at the Houston Elks Lodge, Paul ordered an awning large enough to cover both windows.
The installation was pretty simple. There were no instructions in the awning package, so Paul Googled the installation and found several YouTube videos on installing an awning.
After measuring carefully to find the center of the windows, Paul added butyl tape (caulk) to the back of the mounting bracket and screwed it above the windows.
The next step was to fasten the arms to the awning roller.
Then with the help from his assistant, Marsha, we slid the awning into the slot provided in the bracket. This is definitely a two person step and with Marsha stretching to the fullest extent of her 5' frame, we were able to get the awning roller with the two arms into the proper slot.
It was then a simple matter of removing the two pins from the awning roller to release the lock and add tension to the roller. Again with the help of his able assistant, Paul screwed the bottom of the arms to the side of the trailer.
We had to borrow a “pull-down” wand from the neighbor to unroll the awning. Surprised a pull-down wand is not included with the new awning. After attaching the hold-down clip below the windows and doing some clean-up the job was completed.
Happy that the installation went as easily as it did, Paul relaxed the rest of the day. Marsha, his able assistant wasn't done. She spent several hours trimming the shrubbery around the Lodge. Wild weed type trees are growing up through the bushes, and Marsha just hates the lawn guys don't do something about them. So she borrowed a limb lopper and did some trimming. She has so many limbs that we'll have to put them in the dumpster on two or more occasions so there will still be room for camper's trash.
When we went up to Livingston to vote on Tuesday, we were taking a walk with friends and saw this sight. Paul and Dave discussed this strange looking thing.
So that is how he tows his 5th wheel.
We have been having a super time vising with Carrie. We are almost always multi-tasking….watching football games and playing corn hole.
Good friend, Nick, and Paul.
Carrie
Mom and daughter.
We have a new visitor this year. And he is a big one.
Bella now enjoys sleeping on a blanket pillow. What a hoot.
Stop back again to see if we can find other jobs to do around the 5th wheel or the Houston Elks. Idle hands tend to get in trouble, so I'm sure we'll find things to do!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day.
We are going to be replacing our awning in Yuma. Good to hear it was easy.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to be replacing our awning in Yuma. Good to hear it was easy.
ReplyDeleteWe know what you mean about the need for an awning over the living room windows. We keep our blinds closed, but sure do miss the light. However, Paul's concern about the additional weight. Do you have an idea of the approximate weight of your new awning. BTW...nice color. Really snazzies up your fifth wheel! Bella perch sure is the cat's meow.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Paul and Marsha!! You will love the awning. I was very excited to get our awnings on all the windows on the drivers side. It is amazing how much cooler it makes the coach. I would like to get one for the window on the passenger side. Our patio awning takes care of the sun when we can put it out. But with so much wind out west all the time, we can rarely use it. We go back and forth about getting just a window awning.
ReplyDeleteThat is a strange thing that pulls that fifth wheel. I would be really nervous using it.
Marsha, I get tired just reading about your busy self. Relax and kick back a little:)
Didn't mean to send the comment yet! Love seeing Carrie in your post. So nice to be near her for a length of time:) Nick????
ReplyDeleteOh, Bella!! Such a cutie:)
Although our awning does cover our windows, we can't always open it due to winds. So a couple of years ago, we added a small awning over the only set of windows that didn't come with one already installed ... we love it. We rarely have to pull down our shades anymore. Have never seen one of those 5th wheel hitches.
ReplyDeleteLove your new awning. We went to Home Depot when we got to Arizona and bought some Suntek 80 to help keep it cool. I cut it to fit the inside of the little trailer and also the motorhome. It does a great job but I like your awnings better !
ReplyDeleteNice job on the awning install. Our coach came with windows awnings and we love them, you will too.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet one of those awnings would work on our rear living room window.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the awning.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen that type of tow dolly several times. They say they stop a big rig easier and you don't need as big of truck to tow it.
Y'all did a great job! And the color is perfect for your rig. You'll have to report back whether it's doing what you want it to... sure looks like it will.
ReplyDeleteBella looks relaxed.
ReplyDeleteHard work and then some fun-good combo:)
ReplyDelete