Installing a Thule Awning on a Sprinter Van - DIY Sprinter Camper Van
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2018
- This video shows how to install the Thule Hideaway awning on a NCV3 Sprinter van. Products used: go to ourkaravan.com and click on "store" in the upper right corner. A complete awning install write-up is located on the website as well.
NOTE: If you use all six bolts for the mounting feet like I did, you'll be two bolts short. You can either adapt two of the regular carriage bolts in the kit to mount the awning to the rack or buy two more of the Thule flat carriage bolts--I believe the Thule part number is 853208909. They are available on Amazon: amzn.to/2or8wuz Sorry for this oversight.
Direct product links:
Thule Awning (I used the 10' RACK MOUNT version): amzn.to/2N8bORC
Thule Awning Adapter Kit: amzn.to/2N2Cp2o
Some people have used these if you don't want to make the track inserts: www.sprinterstore.com/product...
Also needed:
Some steel or aluminum stock to make the roof track insert
You need the factory roof tracks (or need to install them) in order to mount the awning in this fashion.
Website: ourkaravan.com
Instagram: / our.karavan
Note: This video contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. Please know we only promote products we actually use and believe in. - Авто та транспорт
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Just in case you didn't see it in the description, the awning mounting kit ships with 12 small carriage bolts (in addition to other hardware) and if you add it all up, you need 14 total. Three carriage bolts per mounting bracket (x2) to mount the bracket to the Sprinter roof rail and four carriage bolts per mounting bracket (x2) to mount the awning to the bracket. As such, you may want to order two extra carriage bolts. I am pretty sure these are the correct ones: amzn.to/2or8wuz You could probably use two other pieces of hardware to accomplish the attachment to the bracket. Or some people just buy these, which slide in the Sprinter roof track and you don't have to make anything or need to buy extra hardware: www.sprinterstore.com/product/single-roof-rack-mounts-for-sprinter-van/ I apologize for this oversight.
Stellar!!!! I didn't want to add an awning to my Sprinter until I saw this..... Thanks again for all the work you do to produce and upload these videos. I'll keep supporting through Amazon!
Thank you, much appreciated!!
06:00 That grommet tip was golden
Thanks for this video. I just installed this awning on my 2016 Sprinter and the instructions were perfect. I used 1/8 by 1 inch aluminum stock and it worked fine. I recommend 3 mounting feet as it is very secure and you are only using one side of the mounting bracket on the flat part of the van. The carriage bolts were tricky since they were smaller than the track. Your tips here were excellent. I wedged something under the middle to get the middle bolt started then used a small metal bracket I bent at 90 degrees to lift the ends and get the side bolts tightened. Worked perfectly.
Thank you, I always appreciate hearing what is working for people. Enjoy your awning...I just got home from Utah and loved having it.
Nice!
I did something very similar to the aluminum mounting strips for my 89/20 roof rack.
I got around needing to grind down the aluminum by just hammering the carriage bolt into the aluminum strip...
It worked really well!
Nice! Eventually someone will make Thule/Sprinter-specific mounting hardware, but the awning has been available for three months now in the US and nothing is out yet. (For those that don't know this awning has been used in Europe for many years, so it's not a new, untested design by any means.) Thanks Jason!
Where's the 2 thumbs up button! Great video. I have this awning sitting in my garage waiting to be installed, which is today's task. I was just about to go work on it when I thought I should check UA-cam first. My biggest concern was would two feet hold such a big awning. I was mentally planning to build two more feet out of steel but, as per your video, it seems I don't need them. This is great news. You've saved me a ton of work. Thanks again!
Thanks Derrick! There are quite a few people running these awnings on the Sprinter forums and I haven't heard of anyone having any issues. As you probably saw, I'm running three "feet" attached between the awning and the roof rail. I figured that would spread the load out a bit more.
Excellent information, thanks for posting this.
But of course!!
great to know about the ability to place the feet wherever. I made a small deck on the roof and with my solar panel, I have limited rack space . thank you!
It definitely provides more flexibility than the other awnings that require specific placement of the brackets. Just be sure the load is spread out.
7:05 😄
She probably congratulated you on doing well because you followed her instructions for how to install it. 😄
Exactly!
Nice work
Thank you!
Kenetube? I was surprised you changed your name no problem love from Japan
Formerly known as!!! I never expected this channel to get any views, so the original name was half-baked and I never liked it. Glad you still found it!
It was the super cool extruded aluminium building that did it! :p
My problem is I have a roof rack on my rails so I would most likely need the Fiama f45. Right now I’m using a tarp that I just tie to the rack. It works for me now but this Thule looks great.
Thanks for all of the awesome videos you've put together. I'm currently in the process of converting a Ford Transit. I'm curious if you ever considered using channel nuts to secure the adapter mounts to the rail on your sprinter roof?
I had to google channel nuts...I like the idea--you will want to experiment and see how it fits in the roof channel and whether or not you think there's enough material there to support the leverage being placed on them from the awning.
Thanks for the kind words!
Looks like a pretty straight forward installation. So I am guessing you made good use of the awning on your vacation? A "must have" for extended stays, would you say?
The awning went from a "would like to have" to something I wouldn't do without, now that I've used it. Having shade can be the difference between being comfortable and not, and casting shade on one side of the van helps keep it cooler too. Love it, and especially for the price.
Hello, thanks for all your videos - love it. Just got my new sprinter and am deciding on an awning. Why Thule? What about the fiamma f65?
Hi, I wrote an article comparing the two awnings here: ourkaravan.com/thule-awning/
Let me know if it doesn’t answer your question. Good luck!
I’m still not convinced an awning is a better choice for us than a tarp. I like this one, but we’re going to play with tarps for a while and see how it works. I have an idea of attaching a tarp to the driver side and raising it above the van to produce shade and out on the passenger side to provide an awning. We’ll see how practical this is.
You're cheaping out, clearly. Awning is much better than tarp. Upgrade yourself.
Grommet tip is genius. I also saw a video where the guy was able to use just the yellow tip and mounted on his drill as a drill bit. Mine doesn't look like it has a way to be detached. would be awesome to just use a drill instead of the handheld bard.
Ha, it's a bit hokey but it keeps the handle from locking in, which happened to me the moment I first used it! Of course it hasn't happen since. Take care!
Would you mind measuring the distance between the mounting channels at the back of the awning? I have a frontrunner roof rack on my 144 sprinter van, and not sure if the mounting brackets from frontrunner will fit the awning. Thanks in advance.
Are you please able to tell me the distance between the two Thule awning adapters as I have 2.6 metre space to put 2.6 metrew Thule awning (as I have ex Ambo with spoiler on rear so not a full length roof as such for fitting an awning).
Nice video! Thanks for all your amazing work I’m a huge fan and will definitely be following your lead. I just scored my new 2018 4x4 144 Sprinter Van a month ago.
Do you have OEM roof rails? Did the awning come with any rail mounting hardware? I definitely like the adaptor you made it looks very strong.
Congrats on the new van! I understand the 2018s are nearing the end of production and the 4x4s are especially hard to come by. To answer your question, yes, those are the OEM roof rails you see in the video. If you don't have them, they can be added after-the-fact. The awning itself comes bare, but the Thule adapter kit I talked about includes the brackets, tons of carriage bolts, washers and nuts. The latter includes absolutely everything except the strips of aluminum you saw me make in this video.
Have fun with your build! We absolutely love our Sprinter van.
Thanks for your reply. I definitely feel lucky to of scored such a great Van as I was looking for a long time. This really awesome sales guy out of Loveland Colorado, Bill, tracked the exact one I was looking for down somewhere on the east coast. Super excited!
Unfortunately it didn’t come with roof rails. I almost bought the Vantech rails but after hearing negative comments about the bolts and not being able to slide in mounting hardware I ended up buying the OEM rails. I’m hoping to get them on this weekend and then continue from there.
I have a bunch of items ready to go. Skid plates, Espar heater, Maxx fan, lizard skin, ... I will be reviewing your great videos as I go. Thanks again! Cheers.
OEM is the way to go. The roof rails are really handy for awnings, solar, side ladders, etc. They all use the rails. Enjoy your van!!
Just installed my 10' Thule direct mount on my cargo trailer pretty impressed with it so far for the price it seems pretty sturdy and well designed. Is yours the 10'?
Nice! It's a great awning, I love it. I do have the 10-foot version, which is currently the largest one available.
Nice one ! Very informative are the alloy roof rails factory fit or dealer supplied ? also have you already shared any info on your solar setup would be interested in hearing more. Regards from the UK
Hi Andy, the rails were factory-equipped but they can be added later. I have a complete video on the channel on the solar system if you want to check it out. Take care!
Hi, very well made video, thank you. Would a 12' fit on a 144 wheelbase? Bad idea for front door and/or rear? Also why rack mount vs direct mount? Is rack mount plus adapter the only way to use the factory tracks? Txs.
I don't think the 12 foot would fit a 144. At the time of the video the rack mount + Thule adapters was the only way to put them on a Sprinter. I think as of very recent Thule started importing the Sprinter specific roof attachments. Not sure on that though.
did you consider an electric one like the Dometic 231/201 (9500 Series) Hard Case Power. it's pretty pricey at 1300-1600 depending on the length but it doesnt require support poles and just seems so much easier than all the manual roll out style ones
I briefly considered it but there are a number of downsides. For one, the Fiamma (for sure) and I think the Dometic power awning required the entire length of the passenger side roof rail for mounting. I couldn't do that because my solar rack uses the roof rails. Second, the manual awning allows me to dip the legs when the sun angle is low, increasing the amount of shade. Also when it's raining I can dip one side to allow water to run off. Can't do either of those with the power awning. Just some thoughts!
Thank you for this video ...and all the others as well : ). I'm about to buy an awning for my brand new 2022 Sprinter 144 high roof. Should i install the Fiamma F45S or the Thule? Some people are telling me to go with Fiamma for better quality...but i prefer the Thule look (mat finish) Regards
Sorry for the delay--I prefer the Thule for reasons described here: ourkaravan.com/thule-awning/
Intéressant
i like that awning. is there a way for the support feet to attach to the side of the van rather than go straight to the ground?
Thule does make hardware to do that but I believe they are still working on bringing their complete product line to the US. As you may know, this awning has been sold for many years overseas but just made it to the US.
Looking at the extension pole issue, it seems you used the first set of three holes in the 'L' bracket instead of the back three holes to secure it to the rook rack channel. If you moved the bracket out that inch would that not be enough to get the pole at a 90 degree angle? This seems like a design issue that should brought to Thule to redesign. A wider bracket seems in order. Are the brackets steel or aluminum?
I can't say this for sure, but because the rail in the roof of the van recesses down a little, I do wonder if it's possible to move the bracket out. It might hit the body toward the rear of the van, but I'm not totally sure. The handle thing is really a non-issue with the single grommet in place on the crank handle.
Do the Thule L Brackets you first see at 1:56 come with the Thule rack mount awning? Or are you required to buy those separately? Thanks.
Hi, the mounting brackets are separate. I have them linked in my store on ourkaravan.com
Nice one. Yeah, getting a Fiamma Eagle motorized and self-supported awning, for instance, would be flash, but it would also put a sizeable hole in the ole wallet. Not really a big deal to manually open it. This is also sleeker once installed, less bulky. Plus, you know, Swedish quality.
So here's the thing about the motorized legless awnings--the awning mounting bracket requires the entire length of the roof rail. If you have solar or a roof rack that uses the rails, that's a problem. Also, if it's raining and you have adjustable legs like the Thule, you can dip a leg and water will run off. Can't do that on a legless. Finally, when the sun angle is low, you can dip both legs on this awning and increase the amount of shade. It's great!
I hear you. Also, for Thule, you can buy additional parts. You can convert the entire awning into a big tent with walls and everything. They even have a wind stopper that goes to block wind from under the van. MIght come in handy if you go somewhere to camp for more than just overnight and want more space "indoors" to spread out. Or, you can pick up just a panel that goes to the rear and out from the wan, for increased wind protection.
I'm super pleased about all the different options available, as you mention. I can see at least one wall panel being helpful when the sun angle is low. The tent attachment would be awesome. Doubles the living space of a 144!!
Ok, so am I to understand the Thule has the zip on tent sides and other options whereas the Fiamma doesnt? And the Fiamma is legless? How do you tie it down in a windstorm?
I think Fiamma has something similar but they don't import it to the US. Not all Fiamma's are legless. Thule offers a tie-down kit as an optional extra, as well as tents, shade walls, replacement parts, etc.
When you fit the awning to the brackets are they fixed in a particular place or can they be moved to suit exactly where you want awning to sit? I have rear ambo spoilers on my roof, ordering a 2.6 metre awning and have literally 2.6 metres of flat roof space before roof curves at the front of the van. Am sure I will be able to get brackets in correct place so long as I can fix them where I want to or need to. Hope that makes sense!
They can be anywhere along the awning or the roof. That said the brackets should be spread out enough so the leverage of the awning out doesn’t twist the awning case.
any recommendations for using this same awning and adapter but for the promaster 2500 van instead of sprinter?
Hi, the Thule mounts rely on roof rails to attach. Does the promaster have roof rails available?
Thank you for the video. Are you still satisfied with the Thule awning? I'm building out a Promaster and undecided between the Fiamma and Thule. Thanks.
I am happy with it, nothing to complain about. It looks and works just like it did the day I installed it.
Great video, my van (Sprinter) is the same size, I have 40x40 profile roof rails installed (3.2mts). Did the black 90 degree plated come with the awning or are they a Thule part.
The brackets were a Thule part. Details and product links here: ourkaravan.com/thule-awning/
Do they still make this awning? I can’t seem to find the 10’ anywhere, it looks like they replaced it with a roof mounted version that has fiamma style brackets that (as you pointed out) will interfere with solar mounts.
Thule does still make the 10’ version but Thule has had a very difficult time with the supply chain shortages on everything from awnings to bike racks. Keep looking online as they pop up from time to time.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE AWNING A TAD FORWARD. I WOULD LIKE TO USE IT IN THE RAIN TO KEEP THE RAIN FROM COMING IN THE SLIDER. WOULD IT BE WIDE ENOUGH - HAVE YOU USED IT IN THE RAIN?
Yes, it will definitely slide quite a bit further forward.
Is the Thule adapter kit the "Roof Rack" or "Trac Rac type? There are two on amazon for sale
You want the “rack mount” if you have the factory roof tracks and want to utilize those. This is what I am using.
What’s it like when it rain ,,, big gap on roof to awing wind will love to blow under that
I use it in rain all the time. There is a gap but it would take wind-driven rain from just the right angle for water to make it through that gap. Most awnings are unsuitable for use in windy weather anyway.
I noticed the Amazon link to the Thule hideaway awning is 8 and 1/2 ft. Is the one that you got 10 ft?
Correct, I have the 10-foot. As of today 6/18, the 10-foot is out of stock everywhere. Just back as they should be restocking soon.
How do you stop rain coming through between awning and the roof?
I haven't had that issue. If the wind were just right I can see it happening, but on a Sprinter the sides of the roof are slightly higher than the main roof portion, so water does not seem to find its way in-between.
Trying to make a decision to order this from your kit or the Fiamma. Does the Thule have optional mounting brackets for the side of the van that the feet can mount onto instead of sitting them on the ground? Like the Fiamma does? Thanks
That's a good question...most of the Thule awning stuff has been made overseas for many years but is just now making it to the U.S. If the brackets aren't here already I would suspect they would be shortly. That said I spent about a minute searching and didn't see them.
ourkaravan I decided on the Thule because of your recommendation and video highlights. Ordered via your kit. Will see if I can make van attach points. Thanks
I see no reason why you wouldn't love it. Both the Fiamma and the Thule are very good awnings, but I do think the Thule has several advantages. And I really appreciate use of the links, thank you.
Did I see somewhere that you got this on sale?
I put a post on my Instagram (our.karavan) last time I saw it on sale. I can't do posts on UA-cam until I have 10k subscribers. Let's get those numbers up people. ;)
Hey Ken! How has this awning been holding up for you so far, any issues or complaints with it? How does it do in windy conditions? Would you still get the same awning today if you had to, or do you wish you had an automatic/motorized awning?
I’m very pleased with the awning and would get the same one again. None of these awnings are really rated for use in anything but calm winds. While the electric deployment would be convenient I’ve heard some are troublesome.
@@ourkaravan Got it, thanks Ken!
What is the Thule model number for your awning?
I am using the 10-foot rack-mount: amzn.to/2KNVwZb I don't see a part number listed.
In Montreal area both Thule Hideaway and Fiamma F45S are the exact same price. Should i go with Fiamma? Regards
I'm partial to the Thule due to its mounting system. As discussed in the article, the Fiamma mounting brackets have to go in specific locations and really limits use of the remainder of the roof rail. It would be in direct conflict with my solar rack. I've been really happy with the Thule.
FYI Ken - when following your links to Amazon and clicking 'add both items to cart' it takes me to an Amazon page that shows the mounting kit but says the awning is not available. Searching on Amazon shows there are some of the 10' rack mount awning in stock so not sure why it's not working with your link.
Does it let you add the items individually to the shopping cart? Thanks for letting me know. I occasionally experience issues with Kit and wondered if others do as well.
I searched and found the awning and added to my cart - hopefully you will get the credit as I purchased both items. Keep the great sprinter videos and travels with your daughter coming.
Thanks, and please let me know if you have any problems with the site.
I shot some video of our trip but I didn't do a good job of narrating and I'm not sure what I have is worth uploading. Still deciding on that one. Thanks again and enjoy your build!
I see many custom vans never installing awnings. I'm debating whether to add one due to shadows moving. Do you honestly use your awning often?
I think some don’t install one for the stealth factor, but in my opinion no high roof van is stealth. I have never once regretted having an awning. I don’t use it every day but when you need shade it’s high desirable. I’ve also used it in rain so I could sit outside, use it to string up lights at night even when the shade isn’t needed and also use it to hold my outdoor projection screen.
@@ourkaravan I hadn't thought about the rain. I love the idea of sitting outside when it's raining. I agree that no high roof van is stealth, people caught on. Thank you for your reply.
Of course, I’m not shy about offering an opinion, haha.
Hey Ken, currently installing the Thule awning using custom brackets. Quick question: How did you lock on the plastic covers? As seen at 4:32 of your video, the plastic cover does not sit flush on the bottom of the bracket. Because of this, I cannot lock the plastic cover onto the bracket. Did you modify the plastic covers at all? Like trimming the edge of the plastic covers or something similar? Any help appreciated. Cheers!
Hi Dominic, I remember it being a snug fit. I compressed the cover a bit and locked it into place. You certainly could trim it but it’s not entirely necessary.
@@ourkaravan I ended up trimming the internal edge of the plastic cover with a dremel. Super happy with it. The hardest part of the install for me was tightening the bolts in the Sprinter track without having them spin. Thank you for making this video. Very helpful.
Thanks for the update...I used a little trick you probably saw in the video, by wedging something under the t-nut to prevent it from spinning. Funny how sometimes the small details can hold us up.
@@ourkaravan Yes, I used that trick but still had to put a lot of muscle into it. Worked out in the end :) Have a good one!
Thanks glad you got it. I encountered that issue when I thought I had the project complete and thought to myself “oh no, what now?” Thankfully there is almost always a work-around.
Hey Karavan kinda bummed I got this Awning. I followed your advice and getting it on sale and adding thre grommet. But no where did I see a mention that the crank pole will rub my van do to the curvature of the van. The brackets just dont put thr awning out far enough do they? I just got off the phone with thule tech support and sent them video and photos of my dilemma. I hope they can advise. He did say there are multi models of the hideaway awnings.
I am sorry to hear you aren't happy with it. The awning would have to sit out pretty far from the body to have a straight-shot between the handle and the receptacle. It just means the handle is at a very slight angle to the receptacle when reeling it in/out, which works just fine. I suspect as you use it more you won't think twice about it, at least I hope.
Yes I could live with it only if that was the only issue. The pole rubs against the van I can see your does or will rub on the van soon. and cranking it back in is even harder to try and not rub van. What should of happend is a holes one inch in from the holes used to bolt to rails should of been drilled. The issue then would of been the l bracket would of had to be raised to clear the van gutter. All do able if done when first mounting awning. Now very difficult do to Solar panels etc on roof.
The pole won’t rub on the van if you don’t let it.
@@ourkaravan So here's the update after having spoken with Thule tech support.
They say I installed the awning wrong was'nt designed for mounting to those luggage rail brackets. Its designed to be hung off a rack like Aluminess makes. So what Im saying if you would of showed that the crank needed a rubber grommet and that the crank shaft could potentially rub on van curved wall top then maybe i would have address this before mounting.
Like a 1/2" shim out off the L bracket which would of made a world of difference. I bought this awning on sale like you suggested so there was no going back once I grabbed it.
Which Thule awning is this ..? Thank you.
Several versions available based on length. I have a write up here: ourkaravan.com/thule-awning/
I have this same awning, but my rod to open and close the awning is much shorter than yours. I have to stand on a box to get it up into the receptacle. Did you get some kind of extended one or am I missing something?
You should be able to twist the knurled part in the middle of the rod and extend it.
@@ourkaravan OMG, I will like this thing so much more without having to reach up there so high! Thank you.
Yeah, it's not obvious that feature exists. Enjoy!
Well, I inspected my rod this morning and it doesn't extend. I did order the direct mount version of the awning (by mistake)...I wonder if that is the reason for the difference.
Upon reviewing your video more closely, it definitely looks like my rod is a slightly different model or something. Maybe I'll post a pic on IG to get your professional opinion :-)
how did you get the awning onto the brackets?
I used the carriage bolts that come with the Thule awning brackets. They slide into the channel on the backside of the awning and bolt to the bracket.
@@ourkaravan I meant how did you slide that heavy thing into the channel 10 feet off the ground. I would have liked to see that part
I had the help of a friend to help lift and position it on the van. I certainly wouldn’t try and do it alone.
Is it possible that the OLDER videos where you have *replied* to others are missing (your actual comment) due to your name change? Those vids are missing YOUR comments/replies.
Yes, that is exactly what happened. I knew my comments would disappear from other people's pages but didn't expect them to disappear from my own as well. Feel free to post any questions you have and I will reply.
Thats perfect for what I'm looking for, and as my van is black, colour will match too. Thule is in Sweden, quite close to me here in Finland, but they call all their awnings, Thule Omnistor.then a model number, any idea which is your 10 foot awning from this link..?
www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/van-accessories/awnings
I believe it's the 4900. I'm not absolutely positive about that though.
Thanks, I will make some enquiries about it..
That seams a lots of faffing around to get what should be a quality product to fit your van, I would have expected better from Thule.
Thule has made awnings for years in other countries but they just recently brought their product line to the US. As such, their vehicle-specific stuff has not made it here yet. It will eventually, but in the meantime I have enjoyed my DIY version!
Edwin McNaughton-Wells my words exactly
I think your previous comments/replies are gone. There were some good info in them.
Gone from this video? I noticed youtube is forcing people into hitting the "view reply" button. Is that it?
from your old videos comments replied as "ken...".
You're right, I hadn't noticed. When you migrate a channel (rebranding), you loose comments you made, but I didn't realize it applied to my own channel as well. Bummer.
If there are any specific questions you have, feel free to post those questions, even if it's an old video. I do stay engaged with comments.
Hi Ken, was removing the plastic end caps from the tracks pretty straight forward?
Persistent pop-ups on ecommerce website is annoying, please design the website to only popup once per visit, not many times when browsing around.
Hmm, not sure where you saw pop-ups. On UA-cam or my website? I don't have any pop-ups set.