The instructions sound about right, except the spreader bars only need to be attached if putting the annex walls on.  If only using the awning you don't need to attach the spreader bars, only the three vertical upright bars at the front of the awning.

With the three front vertical bars (adjustable poles) there was a trick to get the canvas straight, I think it was to do the two side ones first coming level off the van, then do the centre one so that the canvas went straight from the peak to the front centre upright pole.

I owned an Avan A'liner for 7 years and was also in an Avan Club, some Avans came with the factory awning (made by a local supplier to Avan I think) and others had theirs made by outside makers, but all had the same principle of attaching etc that I am aware of, having seen many at various A van rallies I attended. 

A variation to this was to attach the awning to the upper side only and attach the eyelet to the centre catch on the roof (canvas hanging down from this side only), then raise both sides of the roof and raising inside walls and then step on the van step to feed the rope and canvas through the other side and use a broom stick or awning pole to fold over the velcro.  Then attach ropes on either side to cleat on one side and something on the other, pulling roof taut.  (The reason for the variation method was it was very heavy to push the roof up with the canvas fitted to both side, whereas one side made it a lot easier to do so.)

Then fit the three front vertical bars (poles) as described in para 2...

Denis , the manufacturer is    " Austral Tent and Canvas Products ,Beverly SA ".

Hans

PeterD wrote:

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Duh wrote:

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 If only using the awning you don't need to attach the spreader bars, only the three vertical upright bars at the front of the awning.

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 Oh how the memory fades. Remember back when we did not have self suporting tents. We called those tent poles

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 Yes, they are the ones, I did call them poles in an earlier post, however did not call them tent poles as they are for an awning, not a tent.

You are right about the memory though.....

When pulling it down, I used to use a broom handle or awning pole to push up (in the straight position) the little locking latch thing at the top, then put the pole underneath the awning to push the velcro off and the eyelet off the catch at the top, then the bigger side can be pulled down too while the roof is still in the up position.

Whatever is easiest for you is best. 

I only used my awning if in a place for more than a couple of days, the annex hardly ever, they get very hot inside and it is more interesting being able to sit outside and communicate with others under the awning.  In 7 years I only ever used my annex twice on long stops in foul weather.

I don't know what the Avan camper annexes are like now, but the early ones were fairly flimsy and not as wide as others made elsewhere, also they had the door on the annex on the wrong side, which deprived you of some living space inside because of the door, whereas other made ones put the annex door opposite the van door where it gave more room inside the annex. 

In WA, I had mine made by Kenlow, who had all the patterns and make a quality awning and annex, they also fitted the rope runners and studs etc.   I have also had an awning and annex made by Wilfords in WA on another Avan I had (on it when I bought it) they make a quality awning too and I believe they are a bit cheaper than Kenlow but can't vouch for that.

In retrospect, if I had another Avan camper without an awning and annex, I would only buy an awning, works out a bit cheaper and unless you are going to use an annex there is no point.  You can always buy the walls later if you decide you want an annex.

If I had an Avan camper today, I would either buy one with a Truma ducted airconditioner in it or have one fitted.  Avan fit these now as an option.   I would stick to cold air only, you can get the reverse cycle one but they are bigger and I would rather have a portable heater for cold areas.   Despite it's chimney effect and wind out windows if fitted (plus wind out hatches), like any caravan they can get quite hot on very hot days and I think as you get older you feel the heat more.

-- Edited by Duh on Friday 8th of March 2013 12:22:47 PM