A Brief Overview of Awning Mounting Bracket Systems in the European RV Market

introduction

In the European RV community, RV awning is indispensable to a comfortable camping life and it's part and parcel of vehicle's external layout and even body framework safety. The motorhome awning bracket/adapter system functions as a structural linkage between the body of an RV and an awning, while performing several tasks such as bearing weight load, providing shock absorption and transferring force. A good quality bracket system will enable you to do a solid, safe, and stylish installation on many cars.

Along with the diversification of vehicle models and the subdivision of camping scenes in European market, bracket design is gradually developed from universal type to specialized type and from heavy duty to lightweight. In this paper, we will use the appropriate bracket structure and material development trend of mainstream materials in Europe I will gradually introduce the domestic automobile industry based on typical vehicle matching solutions.

I. Characteristics of Caravan Awning Installation Bracket Demand in the European Market

Europeans Expect the Best Safety and Single Aesthetic Being On The Road In A Motorhome Hefty traffic accidents demand hefty motorhomes. As an important part of the RV awning installation, the design of this mounting bracket should consider structural capability with materials and geometry, corrosion resistance/weatherability, ease of installation and look/feel (how it "looks"). These needs have lead to the development of RV awning mounting brackets that are not just a metal brace, but rather a composite system with shock absorbing properties, water drains and angle correction. 

II. Three Types of Installation bracket

With regard to the structure of casual European mainstream motorhomes campers, the support frame currently adopted is generally divided into three types:

1. Roof Rail/Gutter Type

These mounting system in particular is very common as a base for attaching roof racks on vehicles with rain gutters or tight spaces, like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper.

KEYWORDS: It is easy to install, without drilling and can barely affect vehicle body. The brackets are mostly fabricated of anodized aluminium alloy or stainless steel to provide strength and resist corrosion.

For instance the Awnlux W5800 & W5810 full-box awnings along with roof-mounted fixing brackets offer a gradual sub-ridge, which does not interfere with the windows, blocking any rain water from going back.

2. Wall Mount Type

It is commonly used in RVs or any vehicle which has flat side walls; it is also a standard on vans with straight side walls.

Some European companies like Thule, Fiamma, or Dometic work this way where it is designed for long-term car camping or bigger full width RV awnings.

These brackets need to be engineered perfectly so when out in the wind~ if you drop one arm of that awning (where previously it was supported by three threaded bits and bites onto the side) it still stays balanced.

One example is Awnlux which has its own standard wall-mount bracket, and a special camping car mounting adapter to adapt to Thule/Fiamma (and also 3 other bracket types).

3. Roof Extension/High Roof Adapter

For models with high roof or curved roof construction (eg VW Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter)

This is achieved through bespoke angles and reinforced connecting plates which space the awning 12cm off the vehicle body to allow the least amount of water to pool on the canvas when deployed.

Additionally, some mounting brackets are equipped with shock-absorbing padding that helps to soak up road vibrations and adds to the awning's longevity. For instance, the Awnlux mounting bracket can be set with Volkswagen T5-T6.

III. Innovation Directions in Structure and Materials

With the increasing market needs for lightweighting and modularity of developing trend, therefore, approaches in mounting hardware are mainly focused on high-strength aluminum alloy unibody die casting, modularization design, anti-corrosive surface technology, quick-installation structure extension as well as shock-absorbing & sound-insulating design.

Currently, the mainstream materials include:

6063-T5 aluminium alloy: combines both strength and machinability, and can be used in large and medium motor homes;

304 stainless steel: resistant to high temperature, not fragile and not easy rust, corrosion resistant, even if it is used for a long time - Resistance to acid and alkali - Not easy deformed; Durable convenient light weight (the product wont easily get overload or broke due to heavy weight), but heavy-related;

Coated mild steel: High value of investment, applicable for light towed camper trailer;

Composites: Some of the high-end models are now manufactured with glass-fiber reinforcing materials to reduce weight.

When it comes to surface finishing, the European users like anodizing silver or black wild matte same as RV look.

Meanwhile, there are many mounting brackets that use integrated molding and concealed bolts to effectively reduce wind resistance and noise, achieving a more concise overall effect.

IV. Typical Vehicle Model and Installation Adapter Matching Examples

The table represents a typical match of popular European chassis and body brands that all RV manufacturers/conversion shops can reference when deciding on installation combinations.: 

Vehicle platform	Top Brands	Recommended installation code type	Awnlux corresponding model	Features
Fiat Ducato	Adria / Bürstner / Weinsberg	Roof Rail	W5800&W5810	Original guide rail groove installation, no drilling required.
Peugeot Boxer	Challenger / Chausson	Roof Rail	W5800&W5810	Compatible with Ducato guide rail hole spacing
Citroën Jumper	Sunlight / Dethleffs	Roof Rail	W5800&W5810	General installation structure
Mercedes Sprinter	Hymer / La Strada	Roof Extension	W5800&W5810	Thickened support frame + shock-absorbing padding layer
VW Crafter	Knaus / Westfalia	Roof Extension	W5800&W5810	The arched apex extension structure provides excellent waterproof performance.
Ford Transit	Benimar / Roller Team	Roof Extension	W5800&W5810	Angle-adjustable structure
Class C motorhome (flat-wall structure)	Multi-brand compatibility	Wall Mount	W5500&W5900&W5510	Suitable for full-width awnings

V. Application Trends of European Distributors and Manufacturers

Mounting brackets have emerged as integral structural components in the manufacturing of a RV vehicle. Many manufactures have rail mating points in their construction for example Knaus, Hymer and Adria. Dealers, on the other hand, want a one-size-fits-all solution with one-stop inventory. Awnlux 3in1 mounting bracket design allows multi-brand swap ability, minimized stock and simplified after sale service.

In the years to come, market development trends will center around three things:

 Modular and lightweight design: easier to install, less installation trouble cost and the logistics cost;

 Suitable for new energy vehicle models: Electric motorhomes (such as e-Ducato and ID. Buzz) appear to possess a high level of structural adaptation and demand total refit;

 Adapted to solar: some brackets set aside the cable trench to realize the combination of solar cables, "integrated energy + shading" design.

VI. Conclusion

Small as it is, the mounting bracket is an indispensable part of the RV sunshade system. It considers the security, stability and visual harmonization of awning. With consistent testing and optimization, Awnlux is focused on offering the professional solutions to European market that are capable of both structural robustness, seamless beauty and easy installation.