superdave
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1961 Northwest Coach
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Post by superdave on Nov 2, 2014 8:11:29 GMT -8
Greetings all! I'm getting a 1961 Northwest Coach ready for some camping and am seeking advice about awnings. I like the retro style and have seen a few sites that sell them. I like the ones I see over at "Vintage Trailer Supply". I'm looking for one that is 8-12 feet long and about 8 feet wide with quality hardware and fabric. My trailer already has a c-rail installed. Any pointers out there for a new owner?  |
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 2, 2014 13:16:18 GMT -8
IMO.......A 12' long awning is not going to fit on your trailer. A closer guess would be "maybe" 10'.
You need to measure the flat part of the roof and no more than six inches of the curved awning rail, or else the awning sags at each end. It's even more important if you have ends walls made for the awning.
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Post by bigbill on Nov 2, 2014 13:40:11 GMT -8
Yes I think John is right probably about an 8 foot long awning is all you want. There several threads on here telling how to make them including poles and also where to buy them. Do a search.
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shastajeff
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1965 Shasta Compact - "Stu"
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Post by shastajeff on Nov 2, 2014 15:20:58 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Nov 2, 2014 22:06:24 GMT -8
Also check out Marti's Awnings in Calif. She did ours and it's awesome. Very nice gal.
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superdave
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1961 Northwest Coach
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Post by superdave on Nov 3, 2014 9:05:53 GMT -8
Thanks to all who replied.  I measured carefully and found that the level section of my C-rail was 6'5" long. I went with the "Vintage Trailer" premium awning. The size is 5'9" wide by 8' deep (the next larger width was 6'9" and would have put me into the curves) and ships with two poles, ropes and stakes. Thanks for helping me to visualize the proper size for my trailer. I think the proportions will be just-right! |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Nov 3, 2014 9:06:57 GMT -8
And don't forget to post pics when you get it!
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ladywendolyn
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1964 Golden Falcon
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Post by ladywendolyn on Nov 3, 2014 9:07:59 GMT -8
Just a heads up on Marti's awnings.. she has posted on TCT that she is backed up by several months for orders. So if you are needing one for spring.. order now.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 3, 2014 9:20:05 GMT -8
Just a heads up on Marti's awnings.. she has posted on TCT that she is backed up by several months for orders. So if you are needing one for spring.. order now. Her awnings are "WELL WORTH" any wait.
Custom made to your size requirements, top quality materials, very nice workmanship. I have no idea how she does it all for the price.
It's the only awning I would consider.
Just place the order early.
Besides, who wants to go to a restaurant without a waiting line? LOL
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 3, 2014 9:35:11 GMT -8
Thanks to all who replied. I measured carefully and found that the level section of my C-rail was 6'5" long. I went with the "Vintage Trailer" premium awning. The size is 5'9" wide by 8' deep (the next larger width was 6'9" and would have put me into the curves) and ships with two poles, ropes and stakes. Thanks for helping me to visualize the proper size for my trailer. I think the proportions will be just-right! A 5' 9" awning does not sound to me, like something that will make you happy.
I would suggest at least going to something in the seven foot wide range, which is why ordering a custom made awning is a good move.
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Awnings
Nov 3, 2014 10:34:39 GMT -8
Post by wisconsinjoe on Nov 3, 2014 10:34:39 GMT -8
We made our own awning but bought the poles and cords from Marti. Great quality. We are thinking of adapting our awning to counteract the inevitable sagging, especially after a rain. We will sew in some corner pockets to accept some bendable poles to create a dome-like structure. I'm thinking of using 1/2 inch plumbing PVC that can be assembled on site by prefitting a connector to one end. Also, some small plastic rings sewn to the awning fabric would guide the poles. Think of bungie tension poles on a tent. Anyone ever do that?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 627
Currently Offline
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Awnings
Nov 3, 2014 10:54:57 GMT -8
Post by John Palmer on Nov 3, 2014 10:54:57 GMT -8
We made our own awning but bought the poles and cords from Marti. Great quality. We are thinking of adapting our awning to counteract the inevitable sagging, especially after a rain. We will sew in some corner pockets to accept some bendable poles to create a dome-like structure. I'm thinking of using 1/2 inch plumbing PVC that can be assembled on site by prefitting a connector to one end. Also, some small plastic rings sewn to the awning fabric would guide the poles. Think of bungie tension poles on a tent. Anyone ever do that? Joe, I had Marti sew one of my awnings with corner pockets. They were heavy vinyl triangles sewn on two sides. They looked great, but I never used them "in a rain" before I sold the trailer.
I had planned to buy some telescopic replacement tent poles from the sporting goods store. The small fiberglass style that snap together. Then cut them to the required length. By being able to take them apart, it makes them easier to store and carry. I think they would work great.
Having the center of the awning raised, also helps for the sharp corner of the entry door to clear the awning and not rip the awning.
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Awnings
Nov 3, 2014 14:07:19 GMT -8
Post by wisconsinjoe on Nov 3, 2014 14:07:19 GMT -8
I found a place somewhere on the web where you can order any size of those tent poles. Try googling replacement tent poles. I thought they were a little expensive. That's why I bought the 1/2 inch PVC, at least to try it out to see if it works. May need to wait til spring before I get to it though.
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Post by kto17 on Nov 3, 2014 19:59:50 GMT -8
We choose Kristi for our awning. She is near the east coast. I think her quality is similar to Marti.
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SusieQ
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Awnings
Nov 3, 2014 20:18:33 GMT -8
Post by SusieQ on Nov 3, 2014 20:18:33 GMT -8
I saw Kristi's awning and the one she made for Kto at the Riverbend Rally. We also had a discussion about her material and her methods. Her craftsmanship is excellent.
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