Conqueror Compact master awning/fly

[red_5]

I got a very nice heavy duty 12x16 urethane coated canvas tarp with my Compact rather than the lighter weight fly. This will be great for weather but is a but of chore for shade/light duty.

I've been looking at a couple of lightweight sil-nylon tarps as an alternate to the heavy tarp for non-monsoon camping/shade needs, but can't find anything bigger than 12x16. Not a big fan of the cheapo tarps as they tend to be somewhat abrasive and a PITA to fold etc.

Suggestions/ideas appreciated!

Also, any chance someone knows the dimensions of the std fly/awing are?

Search hasn't turned anything up for me.

 

[XJBANKER]

I got a 20x30 tarp to use but trying to get a canvas one from south africa. no luck so far. I have not found anyone that will do a custom one yet but I am still looking. I know you can order tarps just about any size of the internet

 

[Hilldweller]

Boat supply store?
Tractor trailer supply (cover for flatbed)?

Neosho Fiberglass used to make custom motorcyle covers and covers for their trailers out of a space-age waterproof/breathable material. I checked their website and didn't see the product listed anymore --- I think it was called Evolution III or something. Maybe they could steer you toward something though.

or http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm/HL1057

http://www.coversuperstore.com/

http://www.tarpsplus.com/

http://www.tarpaflex.com/

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Princess Auto in Canada has heavy canvas tarps, and they even have a 10x20 for sale for like $140 or something. It's in a nice brown too. That's what I'm thinking of doing for my trailer eventually.

 

[red_5]

Thanks for the ideas. I came across this gem:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2141535&CAWELAID=109995181

Not cheap, but looks promising for a lightweight solution to keep the wet off.

 

[red_5]

I found a local canvas shop that will make whatever I need. According to the guy on the phone, they're all 'oddballs' at the shop and specialize in custom work ... :sombrero:

Sounds like the right place, and maybe a local source for tent repairs (hope to not need any, but I've thought about 'what if').

I'll run by there with the trailer next week sometime so they can have a look and figure what the best solution will be. If we come up with something good, I'll post up when I get it done.

:coffeedrink:

 

[XJBANKER]

I found a local canvas shop that will make whatever I need. According to the guy on the phone, they're all 'oddballs' at the shop and specialize in custom work ... :sombrero:

Sounds like the right place, and maybe a local source for tent repairs (hope to not need any, but I've thought about 'what if').

I'll run by there with the trailer next week sometime so they can have a look and figure what the best solution will be. If we come up with something good, I'll post up when I get it done.

:coffeedrink:

Post up and how much it would be for another one.

 

[red_5]

Figured it was about time for an update here.

I just got around to the canvas shop earlier this week and here's what I learned:

What the masters of tarpiness and awnitude recommended was a 14oz/yd truck tarp material for waterproof/durability. The same material the big riggers use. Essentially rip-proof, basically impervious to UV and completely waterproof.

The good news:

Would withstand any sun/weather and probably wouldn't be able to wear it out. Ever.

The bad news:

A 20x20 is around $500 and weighs in at about 44lbs. :Wow1:

After some measuring, a 16x20 would work for me, but I'm still looking at $$$ and 35lbs.

I was lamenting the AWOL 'factory' awning, and the $$$ I was going to have to spend replacing it.

Then, I came across this and ray of sunshine shone down on me....

http://www.mytarp.com/temper-tent-tarps.aspx

Not any lighter in weight, but much less expensive and purpose-built for the application. I'm going to call tomorrow and ask some questions, but the 16x20 looks like a deal.

 

[Hilldweller]

They look like they'd do the trick.
Sometimes a tarp is the difference between camping and going home sopping wet with lots of leftover food...

 

[red_5]

After doing quite a bit of searching on this, I've come to the conclusion that I am looking for something that doesn't exist.

The choices appear to be either waterproof/sturdy OR 'water resistant'/light/flimsy.

I might have to suck it up and go with the Temper Tent tarp in 16x20 and just deal with the weight if I want to stay dry and not have to buy a new cheapo tarp every other time out.

 

[Hilldweller]

To make you feel better, the Conqueror-supplied Compact tarp leaks, allows water intrusion into the tent, and is difficult to deploy for effective use in real rain...



...but it does have that neat velcro around the edge...

 

[red_5]

Hahaha... thanks for that. :bike_rider:

Velcro around the perimeter would be a good idea though if I have something made. I'm going back to the Canvas shop next week to look at materials again.

It's possible that it doesn't have to be totally waterproof. Perhaps something highly water resistant would do the trick. Marine canvas or the like maybe.

We'll see...

 

[red_5]

So I've ended up getting a couple of coated cordura tarps from a really nice seller on ebay, lightweighttarps. He was really helpful and was happy to answer all my questions. He has a regular business making truck tarps and whatnot as well and seems to know quite a bit on the subject.

I got a 20x20 for the master and an 8x10 to use as a secondary awning off my truck's roof rack or whatever.

The material is USA made, high quality, breathable, highly water resistant (has some kind of urethane coating on the underside and a waterproofing treatment on the top) and relatively lightweight. I've discovered that finding a durable, 'waterproof' material that is suited to this application is like finding a *real* unicorn.

Colors are limited to availability of materials. I got the ACU camo, which I happen to like anyway as I'm a bit of a mall ninja.... :ar15:

The workmanship looks really good and the price is certainly fair. I expect this should work quite nicely.

Here's a link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/20-x-20-BIG-USA...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item230332d9f6

 

[Hilldweller]

Looks great; I can't wait for you to post pics of it deployed.

 

[mountainclimber8]

I'm looking forward to seeing that as well.