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DARCHE 270 FREESTANDING LED AWNING - User Manual

DARCHE 270 FREESTANDING LED AWNING
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DARCHE.COM.AU
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
T050801740
270 FREESTANDING
LED AWNING
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Summary

Warning Information

General Warnings

Covers installation correctness, safe use, and vehicle handling changes.

Safety Warning

Advises keeping flame and heat sources away from awning materials.

Hardware Identification

Mounting Bracket Assembly

Assemble Mounting Brackets

Details the process for assembling corner plates and face plates to base plates.

Attach Brackets to Roof Rack

Provides guidance on mounting brackets to various roof rack configurations.

Awning Installation and Setup

Attach Awning to Bracket

Instructions for securing the awning to the assembled mounting brackets.

Set-up Your Awning

Guides on releasing straps and allowing the canvas to drape.

Awning Deployment Steps

Deploy Awning Arms

Instructions for swinging out rear and front arms to the 90° position.

Secure Awning with Straps

Details on using tension straps to secure the front and rear of the awning.

Adjust Support Legs

Guidance on adjusting support legs for desired height and stability.

Anchor Guy Ropes

Instructions for anchoring and tensioning guy ropes for stability.

Lighting and Pack-down Procedures

LED Lighting Setup

Instructions for connecting and operating the integrated LED light strip.

Pack-down Your Awning

Initial steps for packing down the awning, including unplugging jacks and undoing ropes.

Awning Storage and Care

Freestanding Ability

Information on freestanding mode, wind limits, and safety precautions.

Cleaning Instructions

Guidance on cleaning the awning using cold water and a soft brush.

Waterproofness

Notes on the transit cover's water resistance and periodic checks.

Vehicle Fitting and Structural Integrity

Vehicle Fitting Recommendations

Advice on professional fitting and regular checks of fasteners and connections.

Structural Integrity

Information on the awning's design as a temporary shelter and extreme weather use.

LED Lighting Usage

LED Light Strip Power

Details on power requirements (USB, 5V, 1.2A) and warranty voiding alterations.

LED Lighting Safety

Important safety notes regarding power sources, extension leads, and direct eye exposure.

Overview

The DARCHE 270 Freestanding LED Awning is a robust and versatile outdoor camping accessory designed to provide shelter and illumination for various outdoor adventures. It is engineered for quick and easy setup, allowing users to deploy it in under a minute, making it an ideal companion for spontaneous trips or extended stays. The awning is constructed from durable materials, offering excellent protection against rain and wind, ensuring comfort and safety in diverse weather conditions.

Function Description:

The primary function of the DARCHE 270 Freestanding LED Awning is to provide a temporary, freestanding shelter that extends from a vehicle. Its 270-degree coverage offers extensive shade and protection, making it suitable for various activities such as camping, picnicking, or as a base for outdoor work. The integrated LED lighting system enhances its utility, providing illumination for evening activities under the awning. This lighting system offers both white and amber light modes, with adjustable brightness, catering to different ambient lighting needs and preferences. The freestanding design means that, under certain conditions, the awning can be used without additional support legs or guy ropes, offering greater flexibility and ease of use.

Usage Features:

Installation and Setup:

The awning requires some basic assembly before its first use. It mounts directly to a vehicle's roof rack or aftermarket roof bars using supplied brackets. The installation process involves attaching bracket corner plates to a bracket base plate, followed by securing a bracket face plate. These plates are assembled using M6 bolts, nyloc nuts, flat washers, and spring washers, allowing for various height adjustments to suit different vehicle setups. The mounting brackets are designed to fit most common roof rack configurations, though specific attachments may be needed for certain roof bars. It is crucial to ensure the awning is installed correctly and securely, with regular checks of all nuts and bolts, especially during trips or when traveling on uneven terrain. The manufacturer recommends using an experienced aftermarket 4x4 accessories fitter for mounting to ensure proper installation and safety.

Once installed, setting up the awning is straightforward:

  1. Unzip and Release: Unzip the cover and fold it over the awning body, then release the three straps to allow the canvas to drape.
  2. Swing Out Arms: Swing out the rear arms to 90 degrees, then fully extend the front arm.
  3. Tensioning: Attach the front arm to the roof rack using a supplied tension strap, gently applying tension. Subsequently, swing out the rear arms fully toward the rear of the vehicle and attach them to the roof rack with another tension strap, then fully tension and adjust the front arm tension.
  4. Freestanding Mode: At this point, the awning is set up for freestanding mode. It has a maximum freestanding wind rating of 25-30 km/h.
  5. Support Legs (Optional but Recommended): For enhanced stability, especially in windy conditions or for extended use, undo the straps securing each support leg. The legs pivot down to a vertical position and can be adjusted to the desired height using an internal twist-locking mechanism.
  6. Guy Ropes (Optional but Recommended): Further secure the end of each rafter by anchoring and tensioning guy ropes. This is particularly recommended to form valleys for water run-off in case of rain, by lowering the support legs slightly.

LED Lighting System:

The integrated LED lighting system is a key feature, providing convenient illumination.

  1. Connection: Plug each barrel jack into the ports located in the awning arms, where the LED strips are integrated.
  2. Power Source: Plug the USB jack into a suitable external power source, such as a USB portable power bank (5V, 1.2A, power bank not supplied).
  3. Operation: Use the power button to toggle between white and amber light modes. The brightness can be adjusted using the '+' and '-' buttons. It is important to use only suitably rated outlets and avoid extension leads for powering the light. Users should not stare directly at the light source to prevent eye damage. This lighting system is specifically designed for this awning and should not be used for other applications.

Pack-Down Procedure:

Packing down the awning is also designed for efficiency:

  1. Disconnect Lighting: Unplug all barrel jacks from the LED strips.
  2. Remove Anchoring: Undo all pegs and guy ropes.
  3. Stow Legs: Fold away the support legs and stow them using their attached straps.
  4. Release Tension: Release the front and rear tension straps.
  5. Fold Canvas: Fold the rear side of the awning back 90 degrees from the awning body, ensuring the top rafters sit directly on top of the bottom rafters. Repeat this for the front side.
  6. Triangular Shape: Fold the front of the awning toward the awning body, followed by the rear side, allowing the canvas to drape down in a triangular shape.
  7. Roll and Secure: Roll the canvas and secure it using the attached straps.
  8. Cover: Position the transit cover over the awning and zip it up.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspections:

Regular inspection is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the awning. Users should frequently check that all nuts and bolts attaching the awning to the vehicle, as well as those on all mechanical components of the awning, are tight and in good condition. This is especially important during trips and after traveling on uneven, rough, or corrugated terrain, which may require more frequent inspections.

Cleaning:

The awning should be cleaned with cold water and a soft bristle brush. It is important to avoid using soaps, detergents, petrol, diesel, oils, or any other chemicals, as these can damage the material. When cleaning the awning transit cover, avoid spraying water directly at the zip to prevent water penetration. If water does enter the cover, the awning should be opened and allowed to air dry thoroughly before packing away to prevent mould growth.

Storage:

Correct storage is vital for maintaining the awning's condition. If the awning must be stowed wet, it is essential to unpack and dry it as soon as possible. Rot and mildew damage, as well as failures caused by incorrect storage, are not covered under the general warranty. The transit cover, while designed to mitigate water ingress, is not fully waterproof and should be opened periodically and checked, particularly after heavy rain, to ensure the awning remains dry.

General Care:

The DARCHE 270 Freestanding LED Awning is designed as a temporary shelter for general camping in normal conditions, not as a permanent structure. It should not be left up for extended periods or unattended. To prevent personal injury or property damage, it is recommended not to erect or use the awning in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle should not be moved while the awning is deployed. The manufacturer disclaims all responsibility for accidents due to improper use, maintenance, or failure to check fastener tightness. Wind damage is not covered under general warranty.

DARCHE 270 FREESTANDING LED AWNING Specifications

General IconGeneral
Water ResistanceYes
UV ProtectionYes
Awning TypeFreestanding
MaterialPolyester
LED LightingYes
FrameAluminum

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