VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
I am so going to build one of these. Already have the beer too!! Nice project Dave.
How to build a quality awning for less than $100
- Thread starter evldave
- Start date
Here is my trailer awning. This is a 19 foot Winnebego awning that I bought for a $20.00 from a scrap yard (damaged), combined with some poles (picnic shelter) that I bought from a re-use center for a couple of bucks. I cut the awning down to 8 feet and have enough left to do it again. The connectors are schedule 80 PVC tubing. Some welded square tube for the trailer brackets and I'm in 8' x 12' shade for about $50.00. But I got pretty lucky on the Winnebego find.
What a great idea! I gotta start looking for used awnings im sure I can find some to cut up
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So, I'm kicking around building something like this, but using different poles...those painter extension poles. But the diameters are different, and most likely, the nice bimini hardware won't work (i.e. the ones used to attach the side support poles to the EMT conduit (or whatever substitute pole) that is mounted to the rack).
Well, enter my favorite online retailer mcmaster-carr.
Here, you can see various clamps that could help with not only mounting the side support poles to the main pole (mounts to roofrack), but also mounting the main pole to the roofrack.
From this link, http://www.mcmaster.com/#loop-pipe-hangers/=e2i86d
Check out the "top-mount clamping hangers", and the "bottom-load clamping hangers" (these are the ones that, I believe, can both attach the side support poles to the main support pole, and the main support pole to the roof rack).
Anyways, just thought I'd share this, in case others were having similar difficulties in finding the right hardware for their particular version of Evldave's Awesome Awning....
They come in various sizes to accommodate various diameter poles. Also, some come in stainless.
Well, enter my favorite online retailer mcmaster-carr.
Here, you can see various clamps that could help with not only mounting the side support poles to the main pole (mounts to roofrack), but also mounting the main pole to the roofrack.
From this link, http://www.mcmaster.com/#loop-pipe-hangers/=e2i86d
Check out the "top-mount clamping hangers", and the "bottom-load clamping hangers" (these are the ones that, I believe, can both attach the side support poles to the main support pole, and the main support pole to the roof rack).
Anyways, just thought I'd share this, in case others were having similar difficulties in finding the right hardware for their particular version of Evldave's Awesome Awning....
They come in various sizes to accommodate various diameter poles. Also, some come in stainless.
I used some of those bottom hangers to mount my swing arm and awning to my rack they worked out great. Also I had a couple of sheetrock sanding poles,was going cut them down to use the screen mounting blocks for the swivel Hinge for the painter pole. The sanding swivel ends are threaded and the painter poles thread right in there. Was tring to keep evrything modular so everything would be one piece ( so to speak) and not have loose poles or anything taking up space. I think they would have gave a nice finish look and the price was right
TRegasaurus
Adventurer
Well this works for us at this time.
A tarp, some poles, stakes and tie downs.
Takes 5 minutes to setup and cost under twenty bucks.
A tarp, some poles, stakes and tie downs.
Takes 5 minutes to setup and cost under twenty bucks.
crismateski
American Adventurist
I am looking through the forum trying to find ideas to make an awning for my truck, thing is I dont have a shell, so there is not much up high to attach to. Have to say, this thread has been one of the best reads I have seen in a long time. I raise a beer in your honor Dave
Colonal Angus
Adventurer
I've been considering building one of these Evledave Awnings. Does anyone have a durability report on it. Evledave, did you keep this as your awning or did you end up getting an ARB or camping labs? Please let me know how these hold up.
Thanks!!!
Thanks!!!
Colonal Angus
Adventurer
Excellent point! Thank you. Did you get the CVT under the group buy?
owntmeal4life
New member
gonna have to use this on my <R.N.T.> red neck trailer once i get it built
SSSSTFIRE
Adventurer
Great thread!!! Thanks Dave.
I just built my awning up today. Am trying it with the 6' side on the rack and the 8' side out. At this extension the Wally World tent poles bow a little as the extension is nearing max. But that could just be the buzz making it look that way.
Haven't decided how I'll mount it to my Garvin rack. Maybe just the reusable zip ties for now. Prices on parts went up a tiny bit since you started this. I learned too that 3/4" EMT is bigger OD than 3/4. ?!?! Needed to swap my 3/4" Bimini thingies for the 7/8" ones and sand out the hole a bit to get it to fit the EMT. The BFH would probably break the plastic. The ones on the end of the tent poles fit perfect.
Now I just need some sun instead of the rain to test it out. Actually it'll work good for light rain too.
I just built my awning up today. Am trying it with the 6' side on the rack and the 8' side out. At this extension the Wally World tent poles bow a little as the extension is nearing max. But that could just be the buzz making it look that way.
Haven't decided how I'll mount it to my Garvin rack. Maybe just the reusable zip ties for now. Prices on parts went up a tiny bit since you started this. I learned too that 3/4" EMT is bigger OD than 3/4. ?!?! Needed to swap my 3/4" Bimini thingies for the 7/8" ones and sand out the hole a bit to get it to fit the EMT. The BFH would probably break the plastic. The ones on the end of the tent poles fit perfect.
Now I just need some sun instead of the rain to test it out. Actually it'll work good for light rain too.
magentawave
Adventurer
I'm stirring up an old thread here but do you guys ever wish your awning poles would connect to the lower part of your vehicles body instead of planting them into the ground? Just asking because I'm thinking connecting to the vehicle body would make more sense in windy conditions and would be faster to set up.
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