Mounting Thule HideAway Awning On Northstar Popup

Updated 08/05/2021 | Published 08/03/2021

Question:

I have a Northstar popup truck camper and it presents some installation challenges, but I like the features of the Thule Hideaway. For the sidewall mount, Fix B in the instructions seems to show the mounting bracket secured to the side wall using only the top bolt locations. Am I interpreting that correctly? If so I have a continuous 2+ heavy alum. extrusion just above the vinyl sides at the base of the roof hardtop that I could bolt through to secure the mounting brackets. I would shorten the bolt and use a rounded lock nut to allow for clearance when the camper closes. Is the bracket study enough to not need to be nestled against the side wall at the bottom of the bracket? It will be hanging in the is instance with just the top bolts into the alum. extrusion. What does the note SKA252 at the bottom of the bracket mean? Charlie

asked by: Charlie C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I talked with a Tech Rep at Thule to verify, and yes they think your plan for attaching is good. The main thing to consider is that it has enough structural integrity, if is at least as strong and solid as the wall this will be sufficient to mount the Thule HideAway Awning, # TH490011.

The SKA252 that you ask about from the instructions is identifying a type of sealant, the Sika brand/Sikaflex. They suggest using a natural silicon type.

expert reply by: Michael R