Installation Safety & Guide
To ensure the longevity of your shading system and the safety of all users, please adhere to the following protocols:
Wind & Weather Precautions
The "Curtain" Rule: Our system is designed for quick retraction. If wind speeds exceed 10-15 mph, or if you notice the fabric "lofting" significantly, use the roping system to pull the shade back and secure it by tying a rope around it like a curtain immediately.
Never Leave Unattended: Do not leave the shade fully deployed overnight or while away from the campsite. Sudden gusts can create "lift" on large fabric surfaces.
Lightning: In the event of an electrical storm, dismantle the metal structures or ensure the shade is fully retracted, although rare for this type of use, metal structures on high points can increase strike risk.
Installation Safety
Three-Point Contact: When climbing onto an RV or truck to place the 32 lb frames , always maintain three points of contact with your ladder or vehicle for stability.
The "Shake Test": Once the ratchet system is tightened, give the metal structure a firm shake or pull the attached lines without the shade fabric attached. It should not move or swivel. If there is any "play" or sliding, re-tighten the straps before deploying the shade. Do not over tighten so as to not cause any damage to the roof.
Weight Limits: Do not hang heavy items (lights, fans, or gear) from the roping system. The Larger the shaded area consider purchasing a light weight shade fabric. never use tarps or non-breathable fabrics. See our Shade Fabric Guide.
Vehicle Protection
Anchor Points: Only attach ratchet hooks to structural components of the vehicle (roof racks, frame, or designated tow points). Avoid attaching to plastic trim, gutters, or fiberglass components that are not load-bearing. The tires are a perfect place to secure the straps. If you have a leveling system on your vehicle, secure the tiedowns only AFTER you have the vehicle leveled. Pay close attention to this fact as you can cause damage to your roof
Clearance: Ensure the roping system does not interfere with vehicle doors, slide-outs, or hot exhaust vents.
Vehicle Paint & Surface Protection: While the Hovershade™ system includes protective foam and rubber sleeves to shield your vehicle, it is the operator's responsibility to ensure proper clearance. Every vehicle setup is unique; if you identify high-friction areas, please apply additional padding—such as foam pads or even towels—to prevent surface scratches. When tying down the frames, keep a close eye on the roof and pressure pulling down on the bars. you can use more tie downs with less pressure if necessary .
LINES, CONNECTIONS, FABRIC,WEATHER
- Shade Fabric: You need to purchase your own style shade fabric from hundreds of different styles see our Shade fabric guide. Select the correct size for your intended coverage. Lay the fabric out before installation to identify the center and sides for a perfectly balanced setup. for best results you can zip tie different size or styles of fabric together
- Inspect Ropes: Quickly check for fraying or significant wear before every use to ensure maximum safety.
- Verify Tension: Confirm all ratchets are locked and the "click" mechanism is fully engaged before deploying the shade.
- Clear the Path: Ensure the area between vehicles is clear of people and pets during the "pull-up" phase.
- Check the Forecast: A quick glance at the weather app can save you from a mid-afternoon scramble. If winds exceed 10–15 mph, retract the system.
Roof Safety & Mounting
Inspection: if required before climbing, verify the roof is dry, clear of debris, and structurally sound. Always wear non-slip footwear.
- Secure Placement: Lift the Bars onto the roof, Tighten the Hovershade™ straps just enough to prevent the bars from shifting. Avoid over-tightening to protect your vehicle's surface.
- Final Check: Perform a "Shake Test" on the structure after the lines are set, and re-tighten straps only if movement is detected.
INNOVATION PROTECTED
Our proprietary dual-structure shading system is Patent Pending. We vigorously protect our intellectual property and unique design engineering to ensure our customers receive only the authentic HOVERSHADE™ experience.