Driver side awning?

[AuthorSP]

I would not have thought of this, except that it is an option on a competing, high-end TT. It sounded unnecessary, but after reading up, it turns out that having an awning on both sides can be handy. If you need to keep the other side cool in a high sun/heat location, or limit the direct sun coming into the windows on that side. Also, if the sun at a certain time of day is too low on one side, you can relocated to the other side.

ETI doesn't offer it as an option. Has anyone added it aftermarket?

[Eggscape]

As you probably have seen…only to shade the fridge.

However you could easily add a “Shady Boy”

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

As you probably have seen…only to shade the fridge.

However you could easily add a “Shady Boy”

Did you make this frig cover mod? I have been looking for something like this to shade my frig from the AZ sun in the winter

[Eggscape]

Yes…a little crude but it works. Here is a direct link to the article. You may also want to check out post number 346 for an alternative method as well.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post291904

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Yes…a little crude but it works. Here is a direct link to the article. You may also want to check out post number 346 for an alternative method as well.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post291904

Admire your creativity but have you tested it to see if it really works? The whole back of the fridge is hot anyway and should be well sealed/insulated around the entire perimeter keeping that heat from surrounding the fridge. If everything is in working order something like this shouldn’t be needed even if the trailer is in full sun.

[Eggscape]

Fortunately I have not. However this week with temperatures up to 45C it would have been a good test. Of course that is in the shade. Setting the white thermometer in the sun was 55C. I would think lowering the wall temp by 10C would help.

I was looking for solution based on what I was reading at the time from others in various trailers.

I did state” I am sure there are many opinions on whether shading the fridge wall helps. Do your research and if you decide to build one, good luck.”

I generally like to test out the functionality of my modifications so I don’t waste people’s time and effort with something that does not work…but I have not had the opportunity with this one.

[AuthorSP]

Well, too get back on topic (since it's about more than just the fridge)...

Is there any way to mount an awning on the driver's side?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

... Is there any way to mount an awning on the driver's side?

To that (heretofore not asked) question the answer is, IMO, "yes".

Almost all RV awnings (including both types used by ETI) are installed using an 'awning rail' (a full-length aluminum extrusion) which must be fastened to the wall of the trailer; awnings with legs (e.g. the Carefree Fiesta manual awning) also require mounting of brackets at the foot of the legs. Installation instructions can be found for both of the awnings used by ETI on the manufacturer's website.

All of that can be accomplished by a competent installer / DIYer via access to the interior cabinet spaces for addition of appropriate fastener backing plates or similar.

You'll note that all current Escape models other than the 5.0 have a recess molded into the shell on the passenger side for the awning. That recess is not provided on the driver's side, so the awning will need to be mounted on the face of the wall, which is certainly do-able (common to many if not most trailers).

Bottom line, yes, it can be done.

Not commenting on whys, wherefores, cost, pros, cons, whether or not ETI will do it, etc.

[HABBERDABBER]

I don't believe anyone on this forum has mounted an additional awning. My hunch is, with a fat enough wallet, you can do most anything you conjure up. There may be some structural issues involved. A simpler type of awning (non-retractable) is certainly a straightforward possibility, and reasonable for occasional use.


Pic attached of an awning I used on my old Casita. This shelter was a "Car Port" by Kelty. It has side flaps and could be raised with a couple of telescoping poles. Worked well, just took some assembly time.

[AuthorSP]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Pic attached of an awning I used on my old Casita. This shelter was a "Car Port" by Kelty. It has side flaps and could be raised with a couple of telescoping poles. Worked well, just took some assembly time.

That's probably a good compromise over an aftermarket install. Thanks!