Sprinter Van Conversion RV / CAMPER VAN AWNING DRAMA !!

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Sprinter Van Conversion CAMPER VAN AWNING DRAMA #vanlife #rvlife
modifying my caravan awning to work better on the self-build campervan that I live in full time but it doesn't quite go to plan
Fiamma caravanstore 2.8m 280 Awning ebay.us/OB0fS2
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4 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 164

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Get inspired. Take a look at my Amazon Store for some great ideas www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld

@billmccaslin4198 3 года назад

Great video as always.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@thinkingoutofthebox.9421 3 года назад

Couldn't you just fit awning higher to clear the door on the unistrut and maybe on L brackets on the unistrut if still not high enough?

@timmy5521 3 года назад

I prefer having the legs mounted onto the vehicle. Just needed the attachments a bit higher.

@brianfd622 3 года назад

You have to like this bloke, honest enough to share his wins and fails, keep going Mel I always recommend your channel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy that’s really kind of you 👍😊👍

@garrybeard7718 3 года назад

Good job done. Well done bud.👍🇬🇧🤘🍺

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy

@sierrasurvivaladventures 3 года назад

Everyone is saying the same lift the awning. I did on mine and it works a treat

@martinph9052 3 года назад

The other option is to throw it all in the bin and get a proper awning before you slip off the ladder and sprain your ankle or it unwinds and flies off into the sunset. Bit negative but sometimes trying to save money can go a bit too far. Cheers Martin

@johnferguson7052 3 года назад

Yes, couldn't agree more, buy the motorhome awning, worth every penny..

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

I TOTALLY AGREE MARTIN 🥰🤣🙏🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I like the bin idea 😂👍

@peem1244 3 года назад

Heavy Duty Double-sided tape

@warty5007 3 года назад

Good entertainment mele but do love watching you 👏🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

@Steve-ko9fl 3 года назад

ladder required every time you want the awning out. just fit Fiamma

@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 3 года назад

good vid

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 🙏

@terrydewdney207 3 года назад

If you fix some elastic to it and put it up the other end of your awning it should hold it up

@martinhickman9012 3 года назад

Put the van brackets higher up on the van mate

@simonpriestley4424 2 года назад

Velcro heavy duty self achieve would work hold the bag up away from the door and neat must be heavy duty .injoy all videos mate even got me so in to It I made a minibus transit in to a nice camper for me and my family we love it thank for your help from your videos si

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Hi that’s brilliant idea thank you and I’m really pleased to hear that my videos have helped you that’s really kind of you to say 👍🤓👍

@robertengland9352 3 года назад

Well Mel you totally fuked up 😂😂😂

@fuelheadjay8800 3 года назад

About stitching velcro on chap

@Robswoodworkingdiy 3 года назад

Also put the legs onto the ground rather than attached to the van. It will lift the awning substantially and use guide ropes to help tension

@art969bones 3 года назад

I’m commenting as I watch, rolling the awning the other way would it not become a water trap 🤔

@discression863 Год назад

Hi. Mel had the same problem used heavy duty velcro strips cut into small lengths worked a treat.

@jasontibbitts5231 3 года назад

Put the awning rail higher

@alba9507 3 года назад

Mel velcro that's the answer mate 👍

@wagonman63 3 года назад

I fitted a similar awning to mine but spotted this issue at the start so mine is mounted flat on the roof so it doesn’t hang down works perfect 👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 🙏

@bogged9820 3 года назад

I'd sling it and get a proper one Mel your van deserves it!

@hopesfreedom2322 2 года назад

Hey Mel, nice video 😀 I have the same awning, I mounted the awning on a roof rail so it is higher up on the van, and then flip it onto the roof and secure when travelling. 😀

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Thank you that’s really helpful 👍🤓👍

@drewhodge3820 3 года назад

Raise the awning higher.

@christsyoutubekanaal9864 3 года назад

If you place that awning a little higher on your roof, it seems to me an easier way to solve this problem, (You can place it a little higher with blocks)

@mikebailey2509 3 года назад

Hi Mel, Buy the clear duck tape

@WanderingWheelie 3 года назад

Just an idea but.....what about self adhesive magnets?

@art969bones 3 года назад

Well after watching I believe buying a caravan awning for your van was definitely false economy, so if not at first you don’t succeed try and try again !... invest in a awning that is designed for the van Mel 😉

@stephenmorgan5100 3 года назад

That problem can arise with age mate ;-D Hope your cool Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😂 I just knew someone would say that 👍😂👍

@linz_in_NZ 3 года назад

Think I would try Industrial strength Velcro to attach the bag to the awning, or to just fasten the bag up when the awning is out - fasten it to itself so it tucks up out of the way? Might work.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you Linz 👍🍻

@miketomlinson169 3 года назад

Look up Damons chanel nina the ambulance camper he had the same issues but fitted another awning rail an inch higher Now he uses the bottom rail for a blow up awning and the caravanstor awning on the top rail

@pconhispc2759 3 года назад

Mel, people putting their hand up and admitting their errors in public forums like youtube is a rarity, good on you. I see so much bulls@!t online (Instagram, FB and tube). We only see the perfection and what works. Hardly anyone posts the other side of life. Much of what we see has a sugar coating. Most people would have covered this up. This is one of the main reasons people love your channel. Its true and genuine. Keep em coming!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy that’s really kind of you to say 👍

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

Awww that’s so lovely of you to say. He is genuine and wants to always be open and honest with his vanlife x

@alanrocket7634 3 года назад

Hi Mel, have followed your instructional videos and enjoyed them immensely. Have constructed my van with your help. It's good also to see you metal detecting. That's my hobby too Nox 800, life's a beach. I've detected all over Europe . If you're ever up in the Liverpool area give me a shout and we'll do some beaches .

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

That’s great thank you for the invitation 👍🍻👍🏖

@travelingchalksworld5138 3 года назад

Would it not work better to put mastic/suitable adhesive on then zip up bag to let adhesive find it’s own point of contact. Then zip up bag. Obviously not enough to get in zip 🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️

@ArtyVanHoming 3 года назад

alternatively you could have just attached it to the velcro that was wrapping the awning itself

@davidnew1887 3 года назад

Mel can you send me a link to where you bought this from please

@markandrews70 3 года назад

Zip it up before closing the door

@lindahurley5642 3 года назад

Mel why don’t you remove the awning and mount it higher up on the van roof. You might have mounted too low if it doesn’t clear the door.???

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Oh ya as high as it can go 👍

@loosewheels1000 3 года назад

Try sewing velcro onto the bits that hang down, then wrap them over and onto the top of the awning to some other velcro and it should stay put.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 🙏

@timmy5521 3 года назад

Did you think about using velcro?

@AQUATICSLIVE 3 года назад

Maybe try the Canvas repair tape. I think with that it will stiffen it up and resist the door rubbing through it. Looks decent too. I used it on my DIY awning to make the edges, not the same problem but similar so thought I would share.

@darrenshaw6083 3 года назад

sew it along the seam that would stop it from droppimg in your door

@rambalynvanadventures2201 3 года назад

I'm right in thinking that you have connected your awning to your unistrut.. Get yourself a length of aluminium, maybe chequer plate or something like. About 80-100 mm wide then bolt that to your unistrut, then connect your awning to that. I have the same awning as this... But I got myself a transit Hightop ... Winner winner chicking dinner... Love the vids mate... Ps can you say hi to my misses on your Wednesday waffle pls... I think she fancies you.... But that okay... Mel is very attractive too lol. But don't mention that...

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Sounds like a great idea thank you and yes transit is definitely better suited for this awning hello miss Jones 😂👍

@raybeattie5802 3 года назад

Fit a little wheels up against your flaps to your door like they have on garden verity annex’s that stops the door wearing a holes thru the annex’s roof!

@robhawkins6151 3 года назад

Leave the awning as it is but lower the van. That will give you more clearance between the van and the awning. Only joking Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Hahah great solution

@linz_in_NZ 3 года назад

I wondered about one of those awnings after seeing Campervan Tales fit one. Having seen you needing a ladder and maybe a second pair of hands I’m glad I didn’t get one, as it would have been a real struggle for me. I have ended up with a secondhand Fiamma one that winds out - yet to be fitted - so took note of your comment abut how high you have mounted the feet holders on the side of the van. Good info as always - cheers!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you Linz to be honest I’ll probably not use it that much I don’t get to stay on campsites and putting out an awning in car parks isn’t that a good idea that’s one reason i didn’t want to spend a fortune on one as I’ll not use it good luck with fitting yours 👍😊👍

@tandsky 3 года назад

We can't fit rigid fiamma to our t4 as it has a solid push up roof so this was our only one. Had the same problem as you but by fitting a centre pole from van to front and getting some tarp clips off ebay they hooked onto the zip edge of the bag and tied round all 3 poles to keep it right up to the pole. Hope this helps.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you so much 👍

@davecrook4458 3 года назад

Hi Mel get some good old cable ties round it 👍

@dockerandy 3 года назад

Great that you're honest about it all mel, but i confess to thinking that awning would be too much faff for me so i fitted a fiamma 80s roller awning/canopy, so glad i did ! keep up the good work bud, your passion shines through and gives your video's energy & life.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for the positive message really appreciated 👍

@whu58 3 года назад

Mel, can`t you use a ladder rack or make one yourself (longer version) and attach it to your unistrut = the canopy can be pulled out over it, then it will clear the sliding door everytime.

@raymondshattucks3634 3 года назад

I think what you need to do is lift the owning higher so it's above the door ...a it sloping down to much . Life up the front or I Ur owning

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yep I think that’s what I’ll have to do 👍

@johnphilip6609 3 года назад

Great vid Mel, make some brackets to the Unistrut, to make the awning higher, sure you can make it work some how 👍👍

@nikoloko5561 3 года назад

Mel broom handle comes to mind lift and slide it all in one easy movement ! 😅 Alternatively get wind out ! Very entertaining though catcha later 👍👍😎

@MG-cp8xk 3 года назад

How about guttering with holes for drainage if this fix doesn't work?

@rogerrabbit6522 3 года назад

Mount the awning higher up. Manufactur about half a dozen 'L' brackets that you mount on the unistrut and fix the awning to those to keep it high enough to clear the door. You might want to make sure there isn't a gap between the awning and unistrut/roof so no sudden gusts can get underneath. Also fit a 'spoiler' to the leading edge to stop/reduce wind noise etc. Plan it carefully so the costs don't increase too much.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you great idea

@Alanniven292 3 года назад

ah good old tiger seal....the crappy welders best friend ..and got me through many a MOT lol...I think your idea is good but maybe just using the wrong bonding agent ...not sure what the awning is made from but maybe something like a polymarine 2 pack adhesive might work..Id test it on a small patch first thou incase it melts the material...GL

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@EnglishVeteran 3 года назад

Mine has a full length zip along the case. Can’t say I’ve had that problem over the years. Maybe they are different now?

@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51 3 года назад

WOW I think my Awning is a PIA and i have only a button to push ,,,, I still dont use it that much to Bloody windy here on the east coast NSW , The thing flaps around and is just loud , I think i have used it 5 times in 4 years , after getting up at 3 am to put it away i cant be bothered , Great vid and fix Mel , Keep them coming ! If you are ever in Herne bay can you flick a Pick of my old shop 133 Pier Ave (main street ) , I think its a garden centre now Rob NSW Australia

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

G day mate sounds about rite I doubt I’ll ever use it lol 👍😂👍

@elldees4071 3 года назад

Mel just a thought... if the supports on the van were placed higher up then it might clear the door 🚪?? Ie would make the awning itself more horizontal.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Brilliant

@robtrueblood853 3 года назад

Mel as always good video. Maybe use double sided carpet tape to solve the issue. Love to you and Rebecca x

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you that’s absolutely brilliant idea i have some too 👍😊👍

@davetoal4629 2 года назад

Why can’t you take a strip of quarter round (1/2”) wedge it up under bag and attach with bhv 3M tape

@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854 3 года назад

I never had that problem Mel I suppose all van doors are different I also had a door drip strip over the sliding door I made out off a pice off soffit the awning leant against it and held it up away from the door as well hope this helps mate donny

@petersmith862 3 года назад

Could you stitch it Mel? Find a sailmaker to run a line of stitches down the length ?

@HAvniAksoy 3 года назад

Try sewing/gluing/attaching or otherwise fitting a length of (preferably silver) velcro fastener strip to keep the lower lip of the awning bag attached to the awning itself to keep it up. That's what I'd do. Cheers.

@LostNative 3 года назад

If it doesn't work maybe try strong velcro?

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

I think that’s the plan! 😉👍🏻💚🪛🧰

@in-the-vanpeter5157 3 года назад

Mel sorry the fix is VELCRO

@deenunya7735 3 года назад

" it was Stiff and Stayed up" Thats what she Said 😆 Thought about Punching Some Holes in and Tie Wrap ?

@JulesTravels-On 3 года назад

Sew it together with long stitch using strong see through thread then use hot glue gun or flexible sealant to dot over holes on top side. Have used this method on making umbrellas and awnings so should work for this. 😎

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 🙏 👍

@alangrobnik1769 3 года назад

mel the legs are designed to do that they go straight to the ground and adjust think u got it wrong mate

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I definitely got it wrong 😑

@roddysallie9861 3 года назад

Why not just use pop studs?

@terrystraw2648 3 года назад

What are carry on, I would never have one of those, so difficult to put up and having to have a ladder,You can’t beat the real thing

@torywatson8663 3 года назад

A problem is only a problem if there is no gaffe tape around 🤪🤪🤪 have you considered riveting some tabs on the bag and attaching snap or heavier Velcro?

@andywt8460 3 года назад

Hi Mel, I looked at this awning for my T4 Cali and saw these issues, which also applies to the ARB, mount low flush with roof height and it snags the door, mount it higher & I can’t clear 2m although not the case for you! I took the hard case version the pull out awning the Fiamma F35 Pro, solved both problems, the wind out F45 was € 100 more and too high. But why a Fiamma? simple cost and repairability, having seen the number of awnings damaged from wind gusts I knew shit happens and it did in Austria before Covid, was putting the awning out, turned around to bash a peg in and it’s on the roof… short story a needed a strut from outer roll to casing & the 2 brackets in the casing which are designed to break, if the pop top had not been up that is all would be needed. The strut was not cheap but was easily found, try finding spares for some others. Now I make sure the wife in hanging on to it when putting out. Edit, Velcro would work but! The only Velcro that will stick has to be 3M sticky backed, I tried many types of adhesive Velcro, for the sides to stop the fabric panel flapping in windy conditions as per ARB style

@tempestfugit64 3 года назад

Easy solution mel cut an inch off the top of the door 😂😂 only joking mate but where’s the a will there’s a way.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Lol 😂

@shopace 3 года назад

Hi Mel, how about using sticky Velcro or sewing this on to the fabric this would be a big job but would work. But try the sticky option first. Putting the posts on the floor and not on the van would be better would give you more height.

@PAPOLE1 3 года назад

Put some velcro to hold it up

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yep I need to get some better quality Velcro 👍

@venturing_north 3 года назад

I so love your honesty 😂 could you run the attachment bracket over the top of the unistrut to give it more clearance? PS we attached our unitstrut roof rack yesterday - got rained off before being able to do the cross beams so no solar as yet - your system works a treat🙏🙏🙏

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you that’s so kind of you good luck with your build 👍😊👍

@karlossmith3714 Год назад

Why not get a new zip sewn onto the bag the full length so when it’s closed it won’t foul the door

@gazwolves9489 3 года назад

Get the sip fixed

@iyahn-yahuw420 3 года назад

Maybe raise it a bit as others have said or put it further back on another track leaving the original track so the lip can rest on that and the awning would fit between the 2 tracks? Bit of a faff but hopefully it may work, and with 2 tracks the awning would be able to be attached with the velcro and that should secure it enough.... hopefully lol good luck with what ever you do Mel and cheers for the video's 👍🏼

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

Great idea! x

@iyahn-yahuw420 3 года назад

@@SACREDTRAVELLER Hopefully lol 👍🏼

@jaylangdon 3 года назад

Can you not use some Unistrut brackets to lift the awning up and back, which will give you a bit more clearance? Also, my wife wants to know where your cats are, and are they still hungry? 😁

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy great idea my cats are with my ex partner and they are doing great 👍

@anthonyfernwood8093 3 года назад

Mel,sorry to say i gave myself a pat on the back,I’ve got exactly the same canopy so I know the problem you’re having, but you can overcome it keep trying i did and it works perfectly,if i lived a little closer i would show you my setup, but don’t give up i know you will solve it. Little tip, use the unistrut on the roof, make some brackets the shape of the corner of the roof bolt to unistrut, other end bolt a piece of 2x1 batten attach the channel to the batten, i put some spacers between the roof and the brackets just to keep it away from the van roof works fine, also the front legs of the canopy are better standing straight you can adjust the height a lot more, I’ll keep watching.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy that’s really helpful 👍

@tonywood260 3 года назад

Try many things Mel, keep the ones that work! ;¬)

@robertstevenson3126 3 года назад

Dose that mean you have to take a step ladder with you whenever you go away

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I do anyway 👍

@pageant1fd 3 года назад

Is it possible to raise the whole awning using additional brackets or spacers Mel ? Thanks for sharing......even when things don’t go to plan. Cheers.

@terrywalker6910 3 года назад

thats just what i was about to comment

@mrenid7184 3 года назад

And me!

@sierrasurvivaladventures 3 года назад

@@terrywalker6910 me too

@paulcalvert5735 3 года назад

Why not use Velcro

@minisurfboardscouk 3 года назад

Great video Mel I’ve wanted to fit one of these for ages to our MWB crafter Are you able to raise the height awning rail so it clears your door

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you sadly no I can’t raise it

@minisurfboardscouk 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld that’s a shame but I’m glad you did the video I’ll have to get one from my Supplier and find a way to create away of increasing the awning height Thanks for the reply Mel Great content mate I need to make you two one of my Custom mini surfboards for your vans

@WhipperdeetsAdventures 3 года назад

Aww no bud :( looks amazing tho once up. It must be a pain that the door catches :) always gaffe tape to the rescue hehe 🙃 looks brilliant buddy. I was worried then you was going to flying when the door hit the ladder. Hope your both and Monty doing well ;) 🤗🤗

@markclark9934 3 года назад

Yay 😀 I got it right 👎 it didn’t work, what do I win? Don’t say an awning 🤣

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

Ha ha…well that could be a great reward 🤔🤔🤔. Nope I wouldn’t wish that on anyone! 🤣

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Lol 😂

@markclark9934 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld the only thing I would win is the booby prize 😂

@campervanzoso 3 года назад

Clear sikaflex would have held it.

@ArtyVanHoming 3 года назад

that awning is is so going to wear away if you dont raise it

@Pugwash. 3 года назад

I considered cheaper awnings on my van, but all that ladder action seems a faff.

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

I’m with you on that now…wind out awning all the way for me 🙏🏻😉🚐 x

@sunnydaze6974 2 года назад

What ever happened to the awning rail you fitted Mel ? Didnt it work out?

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

Yes it works out great my awning is attached to it rite now 👍

@Michael-m4y 3 года назад

Hi Mel , Looking at the awning can you not fit it slightly back a little further on the roof then it would not sag down and get trapped by the door , also looking at the poles/legs that you attach to your van are they not meant to go straight down to the floor ? instead of fitting them to the van

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

The legs are made to go ether way

@krispinktattoostudio1916 3 года назад

How do you stop ya mastic going hard in the end if you haven't used it all or in between uses

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

You can lengthen the time span of the mastic going off by putting a cap end on it that sometimes comes with the tube, or I’ve also wrapped a soaked wipe around the end to keep it soft for a few days but longer than a month and it will just go solid and you need to start with a fresh tube 🪛🚐🧰 x

@krispinktattoostudio1916 3 года назад

@@SACREDTRAVELLER that thing of wasting tube after tube working on the van after work and when I can I can't do all mastic jobs on one day hahha

@mentalneil 3 года назад

Would Evo stick work

@SACREDTRAVELLER 3 года назад

🤣🤣🤣

@willemdodgerford5782 3 года назад

How do these awnings attach to the roof?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

If you watch the video to the end I put up a link to the video of me fixing it to the van 👍

@meeeeeebojo 3 года назад

I truly see no logic in a fitted awning unless you plan to Stay on a camp-site in the UK. Many ways to attach shade or rain shelter when wild camping. Its a choice though hey🙂👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Absolutely right 👍