Introduction - help with awning

[The Dreamsicle]

Hello everyone, I am the proud new owner of a Trillium 5500 (The Dreamsicle)! We just upgraded from our Trillium 1300. The new one needs a bit of work but we are looking forward to the extra space!
This year I want to add a new awning (existing one is an orange tarp ) is there any advice you can give me on this selection? The dealer suggestions are: Dometic bag awning, Dometic rollup awning but we are not sure which curved arms to use or how to mount this and clear the door, or a Carefree Awning but I am having a hard time with that dealer - no real info.
I am excited about joining the list and seeing what everyone has done with their trailers! Thanks, Mari

[frank_a]

My short-lived experience with awnings is that it seems very hard to get specific prices for the whole thing, combined with the difficulty of finding one that would even fit a small trailer. We found them, but once we understood the price, backed off. I hope some other egg owners pipe in here. I'll have my ears open!

By the way, welcome to the group!

Frank

[carlkeigley]

Welcome to the Forum. Glad you found us.
I'm like you. I searched and searched the web for awnings before
I purchased a trailer. One reason was because I thought the option
awnings were a bit pricey. But when I saw the prices of what's out
there and I didn't have a clue about installing them, I opted for the
option at the factory. I don't know if these are special made for them
or available for any one. I do know they would work on anything from
the way they are made. And easy for one person to put up and take down.

This is a picture of the optional awnings I had the factory put on while they
were building it.

Awnings - Rear angle view

This one may be easier to see how it's constructed.

Side Awning and open window

[deryk]

Could keep it simple and go the vintage style like I did

[Roy in TO]

Welcome to FGRV Mari,
I was looking for a picture of Doug Clapps 5500 from the recent Eggfest here in Ontario because he had a nice awning on a 5500.
I did find some other pictures and threads that show awnings on a 5500:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ght-29952.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...8-a-41622.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ore-34304.html
Fiberglass RV - Historian's Album: Trillium - Picture

I do know of 2 good threads that discuss awnings.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f55/advice-re-awnings-for-13-trillium-48070.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/best-awning-option-45105.html

First step in my mind is to determine how long you want or need your awning to be? I see two options span all 3 windows and door or 2 windows and the door. Are you going to want a screen room or add a room? Do you want everything self contained or will accept arms down the side of the trailer. That info will narrow down your choices. Prices vary.

Then there are the 3 existing manufacturers that have similar body styles that provide awnings:
19 Foot Escape
Slideshow | Trillium RV
Compact lightweight fiberglass Outback travel trailers Calgary | Trillium Trailers

Hope that helps

[mary and bob]

We recently ordered a custom made 7' X 7' rope & pole awning from Kristi in GA. It was $200 and we received it in three weeks or less. Ordered a 8' piece of awning rail from JC Whitney for about $13 and free shipping, but after a couple weeks passed and no rail and they couldn't even locate one we cancelled that one and ordered the rail from Vintage Trailer Supply. Had to pay extra for a PVC pipe to ship it in, and pay shipping too, but at least they had it in stock and could ship it right out. First time we've had a problem with Whitney, but considering their price for the rail and free shipping they wouldn't have made anything on it.

[Donna D.]

Hi Mari, to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here!

As you can tell from the responses you've gotten, there are lots of kind and helpful people here on the forums.

I see your 5500 as your avatar. Do you have any other pictures to share? We love pics!

[Pam Garlow]

I have a rope & pole awning (made by Marti's awnings) that I love. It was about $175. Nice thing about custom awnings is that you choose the awning fabric color and pattern that you want.
I liked the bag awnings, but not the fabric choices.
You've got a sweeeet trailer in that Dreamsicle, Mari!! Please keep posting photos of your repairs and upgrades!

[mary and bob]

We tried to contact Marti but she closed down in early March because of some family issues and we still have not got a response from her. Have heard she does a good job on awnings but because we couldn't get in contact we had to go to another source.

[papa-t]

Welcome Mari from N.C.

[Donna D.]

Marti posted this June 13 on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ma...03861736305065:

To my customers:

Thank you all for your patience and condolences this spring. I am back to work now, and I want you to know I am working as fast as possible to fulfill your custom orders. As you can imagine, between my necessary family breaks and the number of orders I received this spring, I am behind. Right now I am booked out about 6 weeks.

If you placed an order early this spring and feel yours should be coming up soon, please feel free to contact me.

I know camping season is here, and I’m sewing diligently so you can get out and enjoy your awnings.

Thanks again for your patience,
Marti

[mary and bob]

Donna, thanks for the info on Marti, she originally stated that she would be closed for about 6 weeks. It was well beyond that time when we tried to contact her and never got a reply. Glad to hear she's back. We are now just waiting for our awning rail to arrive.

[GMike A]

I looked on Marti's web site. Where do you buy railing? I didnt see any sources listed on her links. Would like to look them up to get an idea of out the door costs.
thanks

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by GMike A

I looked on Marti's web site. Where do you buy railing? I didnt see any sources listed on her links. Would like to look them up to get an idea of out the door costs.
thanks

You can purchase at just about anyplace that sells RV parts. They're used a LOT on popups for awnings. The rail is the cheap part .

[Don'n'Deb]

Mike, where in TX are you? I have a rail on the old pop-up in the back yard, that I may never get a round to using.

[GMike A]

I'm in the Greenville area somewhere too close to the edge of tornado valley and wishing I were farther SW

[mary and bob]

Mike, look at my post, #6

[GMike A]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

Mike, look at my post, #6

duly noted- I appreciate that very much. I love Google (kinda) just put in Kristis awnings and she popped right up.

Danka

[The Dreamsicle]

Thanks everyone for your input. This has given me a place to start. I really like the foll out type, not sure how much this will cost - but looking at the photos has given me some ideas.... I don't think I will have a new awning for this years camp trip but I can always shoot for next year!! Roy, do you know how to get a hold of Doug Clapp? I tried to look but can't find his name.

[The Dreamsicle]

Hi Donna: I most certainly will post some photos - once we get it back together. The hubby found some screws had been put right though the existing wiring so he ripped some of it apart to fix it! Glad he found it before it started a fire!!!