Learn how to properly measure and install the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit for your caravan. A complete, step-by-step guide to help stabilize your awning and enhance outdoor comfort.
Owning a caravan offers a world of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with responsibilities, such as maintaining the equipment that makes your outdoor experience more enjoyable. One of these crucial pieces of equipment is your awning, which is a wonderful addition to your caravan, providing shade and shelter.
However, awnings are vulnerable to strong winds and adverse weather, causing them to flap and even suffer damage. This is where the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit comes in, offering a reliable solution for securing your awning.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to measure and install the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit, ensuring your caravan awning remains stable and secure for the duration of your travels. Follow these easy-to-understand instructions for a hassle-free installation that minimizes damage and maximizes comfort.
Why Use the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit?
The Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit is designed to keep your caravan awning from flapping in the wind, which not only reduces noise but also prevents potential damage. Awnings left unsecured can wear out more quickly, become noisy during wind gusts, and even pose a safety risk if they collapse. By using an anti-flap kit, you stabilize your awning, making your camping experience more pleasant and prolonging the lifespan of your gear.
Benefits of the Anti-Flap Kit:
- Prevents flapping: Keeps the awning taut and secure in windy conditions.
- Reduces wear and tear: Minimizes damage to the awning material and attachments.
- Supports annex walls: Allows the addition of privacy screens and annexes for extra living space.
- Improves overall stability: Ensures a quieter, more comfortable outdoor environment.
Part 1: How to Measure the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit for Your Caravan
Before installing the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct measurements for your caravan awning. Proper measurements guarantee that your anti-flap kit will fit snugly and provide maximum stability.
Tools You Will Need:
- Measuring tape
- Notepad or phone to record measurements
- Ladder (if necessary to reach the awning)
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring
- Extend Your Awning Fully: Start by fully extending your caravan awning. This is important because the anti-flap kit is designed to work with the awning in its open, taut position.
- Measure the Awning Length: Use your measuring tape to determine the full length of the awning fabric. Measure along the caravan from the point where the awning attaches to the caravan body to the far end of the awning arm.
- Tip: It’s important to measure the fabric and not the arms or other hardware. You want the anti-flap kit to secure the fabric tightly.
- Measure the Awning Width: Measure the width of your awning by stretching the tape from the top of the awning (where it connects to the caravan) down to the base of the extended awning arms.
- Record the Measurements: Jot down both the length and width of your awning. These dimensions will help you select the correct Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit size.
- Consider Extra Attachments: If you plan to add annex walls or privacy screens to your awning, be sure to measure those dimensions as well. The anti-flap kit provides a stable base for such additions, but correct measurements are necessary to ensure compatibility.
Things to Keep in Mind While Measuring:
- Accuracy is Key: Ensure your measurements are precise. Even small miscalculations can result in an ill-fitting kit.
- Weather Conditions: If you’re camping in areas with frequent strong winds, it’s advisable to get a slightly larger kit to provide extra stability.
Part 2: How to Install the Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit
Once you have the correct measurements and have purchased the right-sized anti-flap kit, it’s time to install it. Thankfully, installing an Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit is straightforward and can usually be completed in under 30 minutes.
Tools You Will Need:
- Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit
- Screwdriver (preferably a Phillips head)
- Ladder (if necessary)
- Rubber mallet (optional for any tight-fitting parts)
Step-by-Step Guide to Installation
- Unpack the Kit: Start by laying out all the components of your Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit. Ensure that all parts are present, including the anti-flap arms, clamps, screws, and any additional accessories.
- Extend Your Awning Again: As with measuring, the awning must be fully extended and taut before you start installing the anti-flap kit.
- Attach the Clamps to the Awning Fabric: Take one of the anti-flap arms and locate the clamp. This clamp is designed to grip the edge of the awning fabric. Place the clamp over the awning fabric and adjust it so that it sits securely. Tighten the screws to lock the clamp in place.
- Tip: Begin on one side of the awning, then move to the opposite side to ensure even tension.
- Secure the Other End of the Anti-Flap Arm to the Caravan: The other end of the anti-flap arm will be attached to the side of the caravan. Depending on your caravan model, you may need to screw or clamp it into place. Make sure this connection is strong and secure.
- Tighten the Clamps: Once both sides of the anti-flap kit are installed, go back and tighten the clamps. This will pull the awning fabric taut, reducing the risk of flapping in the wind.
- Add Any Additional Accessories: If you’re using annex walls or privacy screens, you can now attach them to the anti-flap arms. The arms provide a sturdy anchor point for these accessories, creating a more private, comfortable space.
- Test the Stability: Gently shake the awning to test its stability. If it moves or flaps, check that all clamps are tight and the arms are properly secured.
Final Tips:
- Double-Check Alignment: Ensure both arms are level and evenly positioned for optimal performance.
- Pre-Test Before Trips: It’s a good idea to install the anti-flap kit before hitting the road. This ensures everything fits and works as expected.
- Keep a Tool Kit Handy: Keep your screwdriver or any necessary tools within reach for adjustments or future installations.
Conclusion
The Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Kit is an invaluable addition to your caravan, offering stability, protection, and improved outdoor living space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily measure your awning and install the anti-flap kit to keep it from flapping in the wind, ultimately extending the lifespan of your awning and improving your comfort.
With this guide, you’ll be prepared to install your anti-flap kit correctly, ensuring that your awning stays secure no matter where you park your caravan. Enjoy peace of mind on your next adventure with a stable, wind-resistant awning setup.
