Cost me another $200 excess to have the awning replaced... again.

This time we have a mobile repair man do same.
So I was able to keep the canvas and we are going to use it as follows.

We cut the awning off along the cylinder.
Canvas is 5 metres by 2.6 metres 
We have cut the awning in half.
SWMBO or Better half.... has sewed a reinforcement hem along the cut portions for extra strength
Then I attached 4 butterfly clips ( as used with shade cloth) they are available from Bunnings, on the cut portion, and then two B.Clips on each of the opposite corners.
This will now allow us to attach the 4 b.cips with zip ties to the top arm of the awning and we use two extension poles to raise same thus providing us with extra cover on each of the front and rear end. Also have two large 5 x 2.5 shade cloths which extend out from the awning cylinder slot and from a channel on the opposite side of the van.

The new awning is a replica of the old one, so when we are set up it will be just like an extension of the van awning.

NOW..... obviously we can only utilise this set up when we are bush camping, as we are always packed into caravan parks like sardines. 
And folks....... that is why we love bush camping. Freedom and open space to spread out.

Jay&Dee