Tips for Vans

There are two primary methods for attaching MoonShade to your vehicle:

Clip the awning's corner carabiners to an anchor point, OR
Use the included strut pole as your connection point between the awning and the anchor point

For more on the two attachment methods, see the article Basics: How does MoonShade attach to vehicles?

Your anchor points can be a lot of things, but they will most commonly be:

MoonAnchors (suction cups, magnets, etc)
Existing Exterior Hardware
Your DIY Anchor

For more about each MoonAnchor, see the article What are the MoonAnchor options?

Attachment Methods

Clip to MoonAnchors, Existing Exterior Hardware, or Your DIY Anchor

MoonShde's corner carabiners will clip directly to MoonAnchors, many styles of existing exterior hardware, and pretty much any DIY anchor you can create. Anchors or hardware points must be approximately 7ft or 9ft distance apart (MoonShade's short and long side measurements, respectively). MoonShade's corner carabiners will then clip directly to the anchor loop; compatible existing hardware such as eyelets or loops; narrower roof rack features like baskets; and, platforms with pre-cut openings.

For larger rails or bars, you may need to add a simple loop of cordage or Nite Ize Gear Ties (sold separately) to your existing hardware to allow for clipping MoonShade carabiners.

Anchor Point + Strut Pole + Straps: adaptable for smaller vans and setting up on the vehicle rear

If your vehicle doesn't have space for anchors to be placed at 7ft or 9ft distance, you will need to use the included Strut Pole to mount MoonShade. You will first attach the Strut Pole to one of MoonShade's 7ft sides. Then, strap the Strut Pole to placed anchors or directly to other vehicle hardware using the included hook-and-loop straps, or Nite Ize Gear Ties (sold separately). Check out the Strut Pole instruction video here: Strut Pole Instruction Video.

The most popular ways to anchor with the strut pole are:

Strapped to MoonAnchors or DIY anchors
Strapped to roof racks, rails, baskets, or platforms
Strapped to a vertical post like a tree or fencepost
Passed through existing hardware (may require additional steps)

TIP: Any MoonAnchor can be used with the strut pole.

Anchoring to Vans

Suction Cup Anchors (included with MoonShade): short-term setups in mild conditions

The Large and Small Suction Cup Anchors included with MoonShade are a great way to use MoonShade on many vehicles right out of the box. The Suction Cup Anchors will attach to many smooth, mostly flat surfaces (e.g., vehicle roofs, body panels, and windows). Please note: horizontal surfaces are best, but vertical surfaces will do in more mild conditions.

Sprinter Rail Anchors: custom design and secure in all appropriate conditions

If you have a 2007+ model year Sprinter with factory standard roof tracks, we recommend our Sprinter Rail Anchors. You only need one pair to get started, but you may want to purchase two or more pairs so you can have an anchor set on the side over the sliding door and over the back doors. On taller Sprinters, these anchors can tend to sit a bit far back from the edge of the roof. You may need to use our Tall Connect Setup Method and/or use a step stool to reach the anchors on the roof to attach MoonShade. Setting up MoonShade on the rear of the vehicle will require the strut pole (previous paragraph).

Tracks & Slots: adjustable and secure

This is a special shout out to all the T-slots and accessory tracks on roof racks, rooftop tents, bed racks, and campers. While it is possible to use our Sprinter Rail Anchors and select Awning Rail Anchors with certain track systems outside their specified track systems, we recommend sourcing T-nuts or T-bolts/screws from the original manufacturer of the track system. Examples are Rhino Rack systems or the T-slots on a GFC rooftop tent. The manufacturer will have the best recommendation for hardware that will work with your rack system. We recommend the strongest anchor available in the manufacturer's collection for best performance in the most conditions. This is typically a simple eyebolt, washer, and T-nut.

You may also elect to create your own custom anchor and we think that's great! You know your needs best, and with a little know-how, you can easily create simple eyebolt and nut assemblies for simple and fast setups with MoonShade. Email [email protected] for more assistance with accessory tracks.

Adhesive Anchors: great moderate conditions solution for vans with no exterior hardware

Our Adhesive Anchors are a popular anchor option since they only need to be placed once. They use 3M VHB for a strong hold that's always ready to go. Check out our virtual Adhesive Anchor Installation Tutorial for more info, tips and tricks.

Magnet Anchors: quick and simple for calm conditions

Magnet Anchors are popular for quick, temporary setups in calm conditions (winds under 5mph). Make sure the area you where want to place the magnets will work. You can use a kitchen or utility magnet to test the surface for attraction.

Pad Eye Anchors: permanent and ready for (almost) anything

Pad Eye Anchors are the strongest anchoring method for MoonShade. The stainless steel pad and eye mounts to any mostly flat surface using 3M VHB adhesive as well as included self-tapping screws. These give you the flexibility of placing permanent anchors wherever you choose.

Awning Rail Anchors: secure mount using your van's keder or C-channel awning rail

If your van has standard awning accessory rails found on many prefab campers, our 3/8" Awning Rail, 1/2" (Basecamp) Awning Rail, and 5/16" Awning Rail Anchors are a great option for a secure and easy install on many styles of prefab RVs, trailers, or campers.

Keywords: Mercedes, Sprinter, Ram, Dodge, ProMaster, Promaster, Ford, Transit, Nissan, NV, Ford, Econoline, Chevy, Metro, Express, City, van, conversion

Tips for VansUpdated 2 years ago

Attachment Methods

Anchoring to Vans