I wonder if it may be a better business opportunity if you just took a risk and did a production run on these, and sold them to some outfitters as well, such as OK4WD or Mule Expedition, who sells the shadow awning.
Or more word of mouth, such as at Overland Expo PNW. I’m just not sure if enough GFC owners know that there is an option out there (pending production). I think your price is spot on and for something like this, it isn’t an issue to protect the GFC with this bracket, but it’s just word of mouth in my opinion.
Edit - also adding to this, is this 100% purely for a shadow awning? The design really is a third leg to support a 270 awning, people who want additional security aside from running (4) GFC awning brackets, on something like the OVS 270 might also be interested. Is there a way you can modify your design to support additional awnings?
I think it’s brave someone takes a chance like this I’d like to just support and offer a consumer’s opinion.
Thanks for the feedback…great thoughts in your post.
I’m attending Overland Expo PNW and fully expect to discuss this as well as my core custom overlanding solution business. It looks like GFC just got added to the list of exhibitors, but I don’t see Alu-Cab on the list. Mule Outfitters will be there and they are our local Alu-Cab dealer.
I like the idea of this bracket working for more than one type of 270 awning, however that will most likely require drilling of mounting holes by the buyer. I’m not sure if people will be willing to do that. I don’t think I can produce custom brackets for every 270 awning out there with perfectly spaced mounting holes. It would require a lot of unique laser cutting that will increase the per unit cost. That said, the bending/welding and powder coating cost would not change per unit.
If I leave the Expo with a better idea of the business opportunity, I may do exactly as you suggest.
I was able to measure the mounting holes for the Alu-Cab Shadow this past weekend at Overland Expo PNW. Great show and really great awning. Too bad that the OK4wd and Mule guys have no interest in supporting anything GFC related (they cited the very great threat GFC is to Alu-Cab…)…even if it might help sell Alu-Cab product. Personally I think that’s a bit short-sighted of them, but that’s just MHO. What I have designed so far will work.
After spending a while looking at this thread I’m still not sure what the best options are for 270 awnings.
Do you need a special corner bracket for all 270 awnings to be secure on the GFC? Or just the Alu-Cab?
Some people mentioned they were going to get the less expensive Ironman or OVS.
Did those workout okay?
I have the Rhino Rack Batwing that is mounted using the standard universal bracket. I believe the awnings that are not supported by legs, like the Alu-Cab need a corner bracket.
Hope that helps
Generally speaking, if you are using a freestanding awning, it would be recommended that you get a corner bracket. It is not required. The real issue is if you deploy in heavy wind/rain/snow while still freestanding. In those freestanding conditions, you want the pivot braced with a corner bracket or the awning will flex and seem less rigid. If you deploy poles and guys in those conditions, this is a non-issue.
Thanks for the info.
I guess if I get a 270 I’ll just feel it out.
It’s weird that GFC doesn’t make this support bracket when so many people feel that it’s necessary.
My friend has the alu-cabin with the 270 awning and it deploys super fast and strong with no legs or guys.
I really was hoping to have a setup like that with the GFC.
Edit: Ovs 270 lt on gfc brackets works just fine. Two brackets worked ok, but i added a third because i got free brackets with the new v1 hinges. Zero drama.
yea. its Overland Vehicle Systems; OVS.
My OVS 270 shows up today. I have 4 GFC brackets to use though. As my truck is long travel and I tend to go to fast and catch air quite a bit.
Hey were you able to install this awning? Any problems? I just got my GFC installed and really like this awning from what I have seen. How did you mount it?
