Raul's Awning- $50 self-supported, quick and solid solution.

Raul

Adventurer
I wanted an awning that was easy to deploy and remove but I didn't want to spend and arm and a leg or have to install a roof rack. After thinking about it for a while and strolling the ails of Home Depot, Lowes, Academy and Walmart, I came up with this:

IMG_7537.jpg

This is the first version, with the cheapest 6x8 tarp ($2.5) I found at Walmart. I'll post more pictures with the new, heavier duty tarp.
Materials:
* 8x10 or whatever you need tarp
* 2 telescopic tend poles ($6 at Academy)
* 2 shower head support suction cups
* 2x PVC fittings
* 2x PVC 4" Bushings
* 2x Rubber connectors
* Bungee cords as needed
* 3x Fiber glass poles (I used the ones for driveway reflectors) $2 at Walmart.
* 6x Plywood clips
* Zip ties
* Adhesive tape
* Old motorcycle tire

The Eureka moment was using the clips to latch on the rain gutter. The main thing is to fold the clips to create a "nail" that latches on the rain gutter
On this picture I was using bamboo skewers to spread the load of the clips. On the new version I am using 3 fiberglass poles to connect 2 clips at the time.
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The following picture show the latest version, with rubber from a tire instead of electric tape to protect the paint.
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The other thing was finding a suction cup. I am sure there should be a better option that these, but with the rubber connector and the PVC fittings they work great.
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IMG_7542.jpg

I've tried for short periods of time and it seems to hold very well even with wind. I'll report when I use it on trips. I'll update with pictures with the new tarp and the proper internal poles. Here is another shot of the cheap prototype with the outdoor shower.
IMG_7556.jpg
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Last edited:

Treenail

Adventurer
Very clever solution

I'm not a fan of bungee cords. They stretch at the worst times. I'd use webbing with metal friction buckles like is used to strap Kayaks into racks or ratchet straps
 

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