A Guide to Installing an Awning Without a Roof Rack

How do you install a truck awning without a roof rack?

That's exactly the problem we had to solve. Awnings can be safely and affordably mounted on fiberglass roofs, eliminating the need for expensive custom roof rack systems.

This installation is essentially permanent. We punched two holes in the fiberglass roof and bolted the awning directly to it. It's a perfect example of the old adage "measure twice, cut once"!

We bolted the awning directly to the vehicle. We used a large expansion washer to prevent the small nut from easily penetrating the fragile fiberglass roof. We also added generous washers to each bolt, keeping the awning several inches away from the vehicle, eliminating the problem of a protruding roof.

Step 1: Install the Awning First
When it comes to attaching an awning to a van, the first thing to realize is that the awning should be installed first, followed by the interior insulation, wiring, and wall covering.

Any permanently attached awning should be installed first, unless you're attaching it to a roof rack or gutter.

Before installing the awning, install the insulation, walls, and, in fact, any roof area to which the awning will be attached.

Step 2: Upgrade the Bolts
Six bolts are provided for attaching the awning to the vehicle. However, if you look closely, you'll see that only two bolts secure the awning itself to the metal pole. If you replace the bolts that secure the awning to the mounting bracket with longer bolts, you can use these bolts to attach the awning directly to the van. This will secure the metal pole and the awning itself to the van.

Step 3: Drill the Holes
Park the vehicle on level ground. This will allow you to use a level to ensure the awning is level.

Remove the bolts securing the awning to the metal mounting rod.

Place the metal mounting rod where you want to attach the awning to the fiberglass roof.

Check that the front and rear bolts on the mounting rod are clearly located and easily accessible from inside the vehicle.

Use a level to check that the mounting rod is level.

Once the mounting rod is in place and level, mark the positions of the front and rear holes on the mounting rod to align with the roof.

Use a 1/4-inch drill bit to drill holes in the roof.

Step 4: Install the Awning
Reattach the awning to the metal mounting rod. Insert the 3-inch bolts into the front and rear awnings.

Add washers to one of the 3-inch bolts to compensate for the curvature of the van's roof. Eight washers are sufficient to allow our awning to clear the bulge in the middle of the curved van's roof. If you need more or fewer washers, you can adjust this later.

Once the awning is in place, slide the bolts into the newly drilled holes.

Check that your awning is not bent on the roof. If you can reduce the number of washers and fit the awnings closer together without them touching, do so (if more washers are needed, add more).

Remove the awning and bolts. Apply silicone to the bolts to ensure a tight seal. The last thing you want is a leaky roof! Reinstall the awning and silicone bolts.

Use large washers and lock nuts and tighten with a socket wrench until secure.

Larger washers spread the load, preventing the nuts and bolts from tearing through the fiberglass roof; the wider the washers, the better.

With these four simple steps, you can also permanently attach the awning to any van without a roof rack, curves, or both.