Installing an awning on your horse trailer is a game-changer, transforming your travel companion into a comfortable haven, offering shade and protection from the elements for both you and your equine partner. This article provides a comprehensive guide to successfully adding this valuable feature, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Planning Your Awning Installation
Before diving into the nuts and bolts, careful planning is crucial. This section outlines the key considerations to ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing awning installation.
Choosing the Right Awning
Selecting the correct awning is paramount. Several types cater to different needs and trailer sizes.
- Manual Roll-Out Awnings: These are the most common and affordable. They require manual extension and retraction, offering a simple and reliable solution.
- Electric Awnings: Operated with a button, electric awnings provide effortless convenience, especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations.
- Box Awnings (Cassette Awnings): These awnings retract completely into a protective housing, offering superior protection from the elements when not in use.
- Self-Supporting Awnings: These require no legs and can be mounted directly to the trailer wall. They are smaller and best for short-term shade.
Consider the awning’s size, material, weight, and mounting hardware. Measure your trailer’s available mounting space carefully. Opt for weather-resistant materials like acrylic or vinyl-coated polyester. Think about the climate you’ll be using the awning in. Are you in a windy area? Are you regularly dealing with heavy rain?
Assessing Your Trailer
The trailer’s construction dictates the best mounting method.
- Aluminum Trailers: Require special welding or heavy-duty bolting techniques to avoid damaging the aluminum skin. Consult a professional welder if necessary.
- Steel Trailers: Offer a more robust mounting surface. Welding is a viable option, as is bolting using appropriate hardware.
- Fiberglass Trailers: Similar to aluminum, fiberglass requires careful consideration to avoid cracking. Spreading the load with backing plates is essential.
Carefully inspect the area where you plan to mount the awning. Ensure it is free from obstructions like lights, vents, or trim. Reinforcement may be necessary to provide a solid mounting surface.
Gathering Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials on hand will streamline the installation process.
- Power Drill with Drill Bits: Select drill bits appropriate for your trailer’s material.
- Wrench Set and Socket Set: Necessary for tightening bolts and nuts.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements and awning placement.
- Level: To ensure the awning is mounted straight.
- Sealant (Marine Grade): Prevents water leaks around mounting points.
- Appropriate Fasteners (Bolts, Nuts, Washers): Select stainless steel or galvanized hardware to resist corrosion.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: For personal protection.
- Marking Pencil: For marking drilling locations.
- Awning Mounting Brackets (Included with Awning): Ensure they are compatible with your trailer’s design.
The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the planning complete, it’s time to put the awning on your trailer. The following steps provide a comprehensive guide.
Step 1: Marking and Drilling Mounting Holes
Carefully position the awning mounting brackets on the trailer wall. Use a measuring tape and level to ensure they are properly aligned and spaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Accurate placement is critical for a level and functional awning. Use a marking pencil to mark the location of the mounting holes on the trailer wall.
Drill pilot holes through the marked locations using a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your mounting bolts. Be extremely careful not to drill through any internal wiring or plumbing. Consider using a stud finder designed for metal or composite walls to avoid hitting internal framing.
Step 2: Preparing the Mounting Surface
For aluminum and fiberglass trailers, consider using backing plates inside the trailer wall to distribute the load of the awning. These plates should be made of sturdy material, such as aluminum or steel, and should be larger than the mounting brackets to provide ample support.
Apply a generous bead of marine-grade sealant around each drilled hole. This will prevent water from seeping into the trailer wall and causing corrosion or damage.
Step 3: Attaching the Mounting Brackets
Position the mounting brackets over the drilled holes and secure them to the trailer wall using appropriate fasteners. Use bolts, nuts, and washers to ensure a secure and stable connection. Tighten the fasteners gradually, ensuring that the brackets are evenly seated against the trailer wall.
For aluminum trailers, consider using self-tapping screws designed for aluminum. For steel trailers, welding the brackets to the trailer frame is a durable option, but should only be performed by a qualified welder.
Step 4: Installing the Awning
With the mounting brackets securely attached, it’s time to install the awning itself. This step will vary depending on the specific awning model, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed guidance.
Typically, the awning will slide into the mounting brackets or be bolted in place. Ensure that the awning is properly aligned and securely fastened before proceeding.
Step 5: Testing and Adjusting
Once the awning is installed, test its operation to ensure that it extends and retracts smoothly. Check for any binding or obstructions. Adjust the awning as needed to ensure that it is level and properly aligned.
Inspect all mounting points for leaks. Apply additional sealant as needed to ensure a watertight seal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you address common challenges during your awning installation.
FAQ 1: Can I install an awning on any horse trailer?
Not necessarily. The trailer’s construction, available mounting space, and weight capacity are all factors. Inspect your trailer carefully and consult with a professional if you’re unsure. Certain trailers are better suited than others for specific awning types.
FAQ 2: What type of sealant should I use?
Always use a marine-grade sealant designed for outdoor use. This type of sealant is resistant to water, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. Look for a sealant that is specifically formulated for use on the type of material your trailer is made of.
FAQ 3: How do I prevent water leaks around the mounting holes?
The key is a generous application of marine-grade sealant. Apply it both before and after inserting the fasteners. Regular inspections and resealing are recommended, especially after periods of heavy use or exposure to harsh weather.
FAQ 4: What if my trailer wall is too thin to support the awning?
Reinforcement is necessary. Install backing plates inside the trailer wall to distribute the load and prevent the mounting brackets from pulling through the wall. Consider professional installation in this scenario.
FAQ 5: How do I choose the right size awning for my trailer?
Measure the available mounting space on your trailer. Choose an awning that is slightly shorter than the available space to allow for proper installation and operation. Don’t forget to consider the awning’s projection (how far it extends out).
FAQ 6: Can I install an electric awning myself?
While possible, electric awnings require more complex wiring. If you are not comfortable working with electrical systems, it’s best to hire a qualified electrician or RV technician. Incorrect wiring can be dangerous and could damage the awning or trailer.
FAQ 7: What if my awning gets damaged in high winds?
Always retract the awning in high winds or severe weather. If the awning is damaged, assess the extent of the damage and repair or replace it as needed. Reinforce the mounting points to prevent future damage.
FAQ 8: How often should I inspect my awning?
Regular inspections are crucial. Check the awning and mounting points at least twice a year, or more frequently if you use the awning regularly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
FAQ 9: Can I add side walls to my awning?
Yes, many awning models offer optional side walls that can be attached to create a fully enclosed space. Ensure that the side walls are compatible with your specific awning model.
FAQ 10: How do I clean my awning?
Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the awning fabric. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the material. Regular cleaning will help to prolong the life of your awning.
FAQ 11: What is the best way to store my awning when not in use?
If you have a box awning, it is self-storing. For manual roll-out awnings, ensure the fabric is clean and dry before retracting it. Cover the awning with a protective cover to shield it from the elements.
FAQ 12: Should I get professional help with the awning installation?
If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the installation process, or if your trailer requires specialized mounting techniques, it’s always best to seek professional assistance from an RV technician or awning installer. This ensures a safe, functional, and long-lasting installation.
By following these guidelines and carefully considering your trailer’s specifications, you can successfully install an awning and transform your horse trailer into a comfortable and convenient home away from home.