Mounting a Solera RV Awning To Enclosed Trailer

Published 12/13/2021

Question:

This a mobile food pantry that we are building on an enclosed trailer. It has aluminum siding with a steel stud framing. I’ve included some pictures of what we are up against. Just want to make sure we do it the right way. The walls are insulated with foam but it would be no problem to tear it out and install backing.

asked by: Kohlton

Expert Reply:

For RV's that have laminated siding with decent density, there frequently is no backing installed. Awnings such as the Solera Smart Arm 12V Power RV Awning, # LC517517 are screwed into the siding using self-taping screws. Other times the awnings will be installed with hardware going into one of the wall studs or if backing is used it is frequently a piece of plywood or 1X.

expert reply by: Michael R

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Kohlton

12/13/2021

Michael R.

12/13/2021

My suggestion, identify where the arms of the selected awning will match against the trailer's wall. Remove the foam insulation from that location and install a backing a board. Don't skimp on the quality of the board, use about 3/8" thick plywood. Run a strip of plywood about a foot wide minimum from near the bottom of the trailer wall, it does not need to reach the floor, to the top. The intend is to spread the load over most of the wall. Use of a construction adhesive is not needed but will be an added benefit, use an item that can hold up to heat well if you do. Bolt the board at the top and bottom and then weather seal it. Use a wide fender washer against the wood and Loctite the threads/nut. From this point, install the awning per manufacturers instructions using self-tapping screws through the siding and into the plywood.