How to Determine If Awning Needs Backing Plate for Motorhome Installation

Updated 09/01/2022 | Published 08/31/2022

Question:

I have a 1999 Damon Challenger 335. Its a class A Motorhome. It does not have an awning on it and Id like to add this to it. How do I determine where there is backing to mount the power arms to?

asked by: Brett H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Great question!

If your 1999 Damon Challenger 335 has aluminum siding then you should have wood studs that you'll need to find on the inside and then calculate where those will be on the outside. If your motorhome has laminated siting then you'll have metal studs. You can use a stud finder for either of those (obviously the finder would need to be matched to the material of the stud).

The good news is that power awnings are mainly supported by the framing at the top of the RV so it isn't really crucial to have the arms line up with studs. The top part of the arms will be secured to the top framing and then the lower parts of the arms are essentially used to stabilize the awning so it's really just a matter of measuring where you want the awning to go and making sure you have adequate room.

For example, the 18' Solera 18V Power RV Awning # LC729505 measures 18' from the centers of the arms and then the wall-mounted bracket is 69" tall. You also need to make sure you have at least 2-1/2" of clearance above your entry door to keep the door from making contact with the awning fabric.

If there is enough room on the side of your motorhome for these specs then you're good to go! I've attached an article and a video for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G