Awnings fitting problem and anti-theft ideas

[duncsuk]

We have an Omnistor 1000 awning fitted to our Bongo using the so called 'Van Adapter' kit (see below). I've been scratching my head to see how to ensure the awning stays with our Bongo, as undoing the four bolts allows it to be easily removed and carried away ... and we don't want to wake up one morning to find it gone

As the awning is held in place with captive nuts, I was considering using shear-head bolts. However, I've found a problem when I tighten the bolts up (too) tight .... which you need to do to break the heads off.

This is the way it's fitted.



And this is the recommended 'van' fitting frmo Omnistor, which won't work on an AFT (the diagonal 'brace' is reversed).



The problem is that when I tighten the bolts, the diagonal brace actually pushes the awning away from the body and causes it to lift from the rain gutter. Hmmm...
My guess is that the brace is actually a few mm too long. So, using shear-head bolts may solve one problem ... but may cause another.

So, Q1 .. how to solve the brace/bolt issue ? and Q2. how to fit an anti-theft system ?

All ideas welcomed

TIA ...

[Matt&JoyBongling]

I've never heard of an awning being nicked. Has anyone else?

[snow_kiter]

I recently bought myself a Fiamma awning from Camperlands in Manchester.
Camperlands is the retail store associated with the AgentFiamma website.

Whilst in the store talking to their awning 'expert' I mentioned my concerns over undo two bolts and walk away with an awning'. The guy in store said in something like 10 years selling awnings he had 'never' heard of one being stolen either from a parked up motorhome or caravan left on a site.

The only option for security I have come up with is a security cable attached to the awning canister and then to somewhere under the AFT. But then if they have the tools to undo the bolts I guess they may have some bolt cutters to remove the cable.

Told Lifesure I had fitted an awning he said theft isn't covered but made a note on my policy.

[mikeonb4c]

Long ago, someone posted a link to an interesting supplier of stainless nuts and bolts etc many of which had special heads that used special tools to grip and undo etc. Not especially cheap but I remember thinking that approach would put off the casual thief. Have a search on t'internet (or on here if you think the thread can be found - it was a long time ago)

[mobilecat]

Mine is removable in a minute with a hand and its been there 18 months. If it goes - I am insured - job done.

[Muzorewa]

Long ago, someone posted a link to an interesting supplier of stainless nuts and bolts etc many of which had special heads that used special tools to grip and undo etc. Not especially cheap but I remember thinking that approach would put off the casual thief. Have a search on t'internet (or on here if you think the thread can be found - it was a long time ago)

I suspect that was myself in answer to a query on how to stop spotlights on FDBs getting nicked. I think this was the outfit I had in mind.....

http://www.securityfasteners.net/

....but these guys do the real thing.....

http://www.brycefastener.com/?gclid=CLK ... 3godEgIZCA

[duncsuk]

Thanks for the all the feedback. Glad to hear that there seems to be low risk to tampering with the awning, so I've just replaced the existing bolts with S/S cap head Bolts (ie. Allen Key) which have more the appearance of 'special' bolts and modified slightly the fixing assembly to give a better fit