Extending Awning Depth?

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ZagRacing

ZagRacing

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Posts
55
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Hey Folks,

So my 1998 Damon has a A&E Awning 8500 series.

Its about 18 feet wide and the material depth is about 8 feet.

The material is shot and I am going to replace it with a new top but I have a question.
We live in Vegas where its almost exclusively sunny - all day, every day.

I want more shade capacity and wanted to ask if it is possible to put a deeper canopy on the awning?
Instead of the 8 foot depth, I wanted to go to 10 or even 12 feet. Is this possible?

Meaning do the mechanics of the awning allow it to pull out longer than 8 feet?
Has anyone done this to create a deeper shade?

Thanks
Bernie
 
I'll bet that you'll find your rafter poles are too short..... you might be able to stretch it a few inches put I'll bet not too much.

Have you seen the aftermarket extensions?  Some are shade screen material that extends down from the awnings edge to the ground.  I think I remember seeing one that drops down only a foot or two like a visor for that late afternoon low angled sun.
 
Carefree makes a wider awning as an option for their powered awnings, but I think it adds a spring assist. I've not heard of a wider fabric for an A&E (Dometic) awning.

I think  the arms of the 8500 will extend enough further (you might have to drill a few new holes for the arm lock device). And I suspect you would have to wind the torsion spring tighter, just as you do for the longer awnings. The weight and bulk of the material is a factor that the spring has to handle.

I don't see much reason not to try it, at least a couple extra feet. At worst, you have to leave a few turns on  the roller tube, though that covers up the accessory slot (where you hang lights or a vertical shade). And you could always have the fabric shortened if it didn't work out. Any commercial sewing shop could trim off a couple feet and re-stitch the bead pocket. It's maybe 30-60 minutes work if you take the fabric off and bring to the shop.
 
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