Retro fitting a sun awning

Hi, has anyone had a sun awning retro fitted to their Cali? If so, by whom? We've found VW van dealers reluctant to do it. One of them, at Norwich where we bought the Cali new, quoted us over £4,000 even though the awning itself is only £400 or so and simply bolts on! We are baffled! How difficult can it be?
Andrew Blackford

It really that easy... Suspect they got something very wrong...

Two brackets and bolting points in place.

Unless of course on the newer models the reinforcing points aren't there as standard. I'd be very surprised though.

Rgds

Mark

Andrew, their costings and comments seem extraordinary. Several people have commented that getting 'extras' fitted afterwards is expensive, but £4,000 ? ! The most important thing to check, I reckon, is whether your Cali has the rail above the r h and sliding door running the length of the main body roof - a fixture with a metal channel and plastic 'access slots' at each end. That channel is what the awning and its mountings fit into. The awning is bolted onto two brackets, which then fits into that channel, with what looks like a Hx or Tx bolt that grips the channel - I have never removed mine, but have had a look from the end. Brackets have to be fitted first, then awning on the brackets by the look of it.

Fitting / removing is not difficult, I understand, 2 person job. Probably quite fiddly, getting the sequence of tightening up right.

If your Cali has that channel, I would be inclined to just order the parts (awning, 2 brackets and relevant bolts) from VW. Or contact someone like Omnistar (who I think make the awnings for VW) or Fiamma and see what they say . . . . .

Good luck and come back here if any queries.

Lewis

Thanks for the replies. Our second nearest VW van dealers, at Bury St Edmunds, seem much more positive than Norwich. They've asked us to take our Cali over there so their fitters can check what fittings are already on the van, and they can then order the rest to suit. I'll report back on the final cost, but it's beginning to sound much more affordable. AndrewB

Omnistor make an awening for cali & can be purchased from them for £699.08

http://www.omnistorawnings.co.uk/department/5102/

That sounds much more positive, Andrew. Good luck.

Lewis

We ordered this awning a couple of months ago. Arrived two days later. Brackets fit California so took about an hour for me and my husband to fit. If I remember you need a star key/screw driver which wasnt included but we had in tool box. All that is required is to remove the black rubber awning strip, (which is now on other side of van) lift the roof, and slot brackets in place. When you lift the roof you should see two flat rectangular plates with a couple of bolts in them, one towards the rear and one near sliding door. Take out the nuts and bolts (think there are three in each) slot the brackets on and replace bolts. Then its a two person job to slide awning on. It appeared to us that the brackets were out by a few mil, but with a gentle push it slotted into place fine. Just read instructions carefully which are very good, and take time alternating tightening the bolts up and it's a very easy job. 
We have a silver Cali and the colour match is brilliant. We have peeled off the small sticker and it really is very compact, possibly thinner than the factory fitted one. (although haven't actually measured it) 

Plus it's only £429 from:

http://www.leisureoutlet.com/caravans-and-motorhomes/awnings-and-accessories/motorhome-campervan-awnings/fiamma-f45s-titanium-260-vw-t5-california-winch-awning.html

Jenny.