1. Don't try and put it up if it is windy unless there is plenty of help available.
2. Have plenty of beers or wine at the ready.
3. If, like me, you are somewhat vertically challenged, set of steps is almost essential (or lessons in acrobatics!)
4. After 3 years of trying different ways, am still unsure whether it is better to put the frame up first, or attach the awning to the camper first. Usually we put the frame up first, but you need someone (preferably two people) to hold the poles.
5. Lay the poles out on the ground in the correct position, hook the side and centre poles into the camper frame, and lift the frame up and connect up the roof poles, and gently tighten. Then fit the other two roof poles. Make sure the front frame legs are still fully telescoped.
6. Lift the canvas over the front, fit the small extension poles and tie the awning onto the front of the frame.
7. Pull the canvas across and zip both sides part way up. Gently zip up both to the centre. This needs care as this is where you can damage the zip.
8. Lift the legs up to the right height and then peg the corners temporarily. Stretch the roof poles.
9. I had strings which stretch across each of the 4 openings with hooks on one end. This ensured that the openings were the exact distance apart for each panel to zip in.
10. Starting nearest the camper, peg out properly.
11. At this point get out the chilled beers and have a break. This also give the inevitable audience chance to pop in and put the kettle on without missing any of the fun.
12. At some later time I unhook the 4 strings across the openings and zip the panels in and peg down and fit the curtains. Job done.
Frankly the awning is the reason we got rid of ours. We would probably have kept it if there had been a smaller awning which was easier to put up.
Do also stow the awning and poles in the middle of the camper on the floor. NEVER put them on the seats at the back, this is enough to make the unit very unstable when towing.
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Topic: Pathfinder Awning,Tips.....
