Trillium Awning

[Cassie Trill]

Hi,

This is my first post so I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong place. I did search threads before on awnings, but did not find the answer to my question.

We own a 1979 Trillium and the c channel for the awning is 93.5 inches long, so a few inches shy of 8 feet. I've decided to go with a ShadeMaker bag awning (not the ropes and poles, but just the poles so its less to trip over). I am not sure if I should go with a 7 foot or 8 foot bag awning.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! If you have photos of your awning that may help me too!

Thanks in advance,
Cassie

[mary and bob]

We have the "Classic" model Shademaker bag awning. At one time I had all the dimensions but can't find them now. I could take some measurements tomorrow as I have to open the awning. AS I RECALL; the awning is actually a few inches shorter than the stated length. I'm sure we have the 7 foot awning, as what we have was only available in the Classic model. The down side of that is that the Classic has the cheaper twist lock poles and rafters. They don't work so good. If you can use an 8 foot awning you'll be much happier with the Supreme model that has the lever lock poles and rafters. I recommend buying the optional center rafter. Another problem I, and a couple other Shademaker owners have is, when the awning is rolled into it's bag rain will get in the bag. I take the awning off when not using the camper. Kind of defeats the purpose of the bag awning idea, but otherwise the bag holds water, awning gets wet and moldy. I set ours up with the legs staked to the ground, and drilled a hole at each end of the outer support to attach ropes for extra stability in wind. I bought our awning through Interwest Sports.

[Cassie Trill]

Thank you for your feedback and first hand experience. I may give them a call and see if I can get the manufacturers opinion or dimensions as what would be best with my c channel.

I will post what I end up buying in the event my experience helps someone along the way.

[mary and bob]

The awning we bought is the 7 foot Classic. The actual width of the awning is 80". The width of the bag and the bead that slides into the rail is 88". My rail measures 7 feet 1/2"