Easy ARB Awning Install on a Prinsu Cabrac

My 6.5x8’ ARB awning arrived today. Just in time for Spring Break and camping season.

To prep for its arrival, I watched a few how-to videos. It looked like a headache but turned out to be super easy. Here’s how I did it:

When I installed my Prinsu two years ago, I went ahead and ordered their awning mounts. Being 6’1”, I knew I’d want any extra clearance I could get under the future awning. They’re around $65 for a pair but very sturdy. Install was easy, too.

https://prinsudesignstudio.com/product/prinsu-awning-mounting-brackets/

First, I measured the distance from the front awning bracket to the wind deflector of the Prinsu rack, which was about 20”. I measured the distance between the center mounting holes of each bracket (30” for my setup).


Next, I inserted the mounting bolt in the slots and spaced them out, 30” apart. I gave a 20” lead for the front mount so it wouldn’t stick out beyond the front of the Prinsu.


I put some duct tape on each side of the slotted nuts so they’d have a little wiggle room while mounting, but not too much. This was the step I was most concerned about, as I didn't want to have to eyeball it while balancing on the edge of my truck holding this 34 point thing in one hand.


I opened my driver-side door and stood on the sill to get up high, and inserted all four nuts at the same time. The tape trick made this super-easy for a one-person install. I hand-screwed each locking nut so it wouldn't fall off and scratch my truck. I removed the duct tape with a quick tug.

Using a 10mm socket with an extender, it took only 1-2 minutes to tighten all four locking nuts.


Deployment took about 4 minutes with the assistance of my toddler.


I'll put it to the test over the next two weeks as we venture out over the Southeast.

 

Thanks for the writeup along with link for the brackets.

 

No problem! My spring camping has been canceled due to Covid-19. I might just set everything up in the yard for a night

 

Now that I've completed this upgrade, I'm thinking about doing the 4-wall room. I'd like to track down the older version that has actual walls & windows, and not just covered screens:

https://youtu.be/987X_xT5snQ

 

I'd like to have a Canvas one that I could use a small wood heater.

 

There's a guy on youtube running a little Kni-Co wood burner in his ARB awning room:

https://youtu.be/9tBMmMoqEpI

 

Sprang for it. Currently camped out in it.

 

@MadDaddy - what bolts are you using in the tracks on the awning? From the picture, they don’t look like the standard 6m bolts.

 

Thanks for the question. I used what came from ARB.

 

Damn, mine doesn’t come with any hardware

 

No way, really? I’ve heard of missing hardware before. Have you reached out to ARB? I hear their customer service is great.

 

Not yet. I ordered it from 4wheelparts, so I’ll hit them up first. At the same time, it might just be easier to get my own hardware.

Did they provide bolts or more of a t-slot type of hardware?

 

IIRC, they were typical bolts, not t-slots.

 

But looking back at that closeup shot, they look square-head.

 

Yeah, that's what I was noticing. Thanks for all the help by the way. I really appreciate it.

 

Update on awning & room after third time out:

I'm getting better with setup and takedown times. I've learned an important note to be sure and put down some moisture barrier between the floor and the ground so I'm not rolling up a wet tent, which could lead to mildew. Originally, I wasn't excited about the fully rolling sides in this V2 tent, but it makes for a nice unobstructed view. I was near the top of a mountain that is prone to nighttime gusts and steady wind but the awning and tent held up just fine and didn't rattle throughout the night. I upgraded my sleeping bag to an oversized 25-degree canvas bag and I slept like a baby, no long johns required in 45-degree temps.

 

I just came across this old thread. Is there any way to put a lock on the awning with those prinsu brackets? I just purchased the ARB awning and getting ready to order the brackets. Would be nice to be able to lock it somehow so it doesn't get stolen.

 

I've seen others on here inquire about locks in other threads. The consensus was, "if you worry about someone walking off with this 30+ lb, 8' long obstacle, consider parking in a garage or moving."

It won't be easy for anyone to yank it off in a hurry, given the height needed to access the four nuts. They'd also need to know what size tools to have at the ready.

I live in the poorest per-capita county in my state with the highest poverty rates. We have HUGE economic inequality here. You go from million-dollar houses to slums within two city blocks. There are much easier (and cheaper) options for someone looking to swipe shelter options.

If you're feeling really ambitious, I suppose you could put some Loctite on the threads.

 

Good answer and very true. Just ordered the low profile prinsu awning brackets.

 

I have this quick-release mount from Prinsu that has locking holes on it.