27 replies to this topic

[Tuff Guy 62]

When we were outfitting our ATC Panther this past summer I vacillated back & forth on the awning option. Finally deciding against due to cost ($750.00), weight (40lbs.) along with the fact that it's always on the same side of the camper.

 

So I pickup one of these, a Colman instant screen-room. At 15'X13', it's big enough to easily encapsulate a full size picnic table. No floor on the unit, so it can be easily moved anywhere. Comes with a handy carrying bag, lightweight (18lbs) and sets up in about a minute. Hexagonal in shape so it has 6 points for staking at each leg and six guy lines for a total of 12 tie down points. Should stand well in a medium stiff Mojave wind. Purchased at Walmart on-line for $90.00.

 

Anyone else using something similar? 

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[GroovyDad]

I know what you mean, $750.00 for a little shade is steep.  For my next project, I'm going to use a rail (below) and try to come up with a way I can use a tarp or a sheet of nylon to improvise an awning.  If I'm successful, I'll post the results, if I'm not successful I'll hide in shame...

 

 

 

 

[PaulT]

One of these may work for you.

http://www.kirkhams....ms-auto-canopy/

http://www.fiberglas...as-69068-2.html

http://www.expeditio...the-lightweight

Kelty Noah's Tarp https://www.kelty.co...path=noahs-tarp

Paul

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Paul, I have a Noah's Tarp that we use on the boat, and probably will with the camper. They work well and will stand up to wind with appropriate tie downs. Getting tall poles, and pegs that will work in both loose and hard soil is important. For sand, a deadman's ancchor or stake that is made specifically for sand is needed. Extra line for tie down is important, too.

The tarp stows nicely in a small bag, doesn't take up much space, and even with poles/pegs is light.

[Bseek]

This is the one I plan to purchase eventually. So far I haven't needed an awning. Moving each day and easy set up were the key factors in my decision to get an ATC. 

 

http://www.busdepot....details/awning/

[ski3pin]

This is the one I plan to purchase eventually. So far I haven't needed an awning. Moving each day and easy set up were the key factors in my decision to get an ATC. 

 

http://www.busdepot....details/awning/

 

Add a mounting strip (to keep rain from dripping) on one side to attach to GoovyDad's trim piece and this looks to be about perfect.  We've never needed an awning - oops, except for the times we were in Colorado monsoons with Stew - as we are usually not around the truck and camper during the day, but cheap and easy may sway us. Thanks for posting!

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Sailrite (and others) have awning track and rope that will do a great job of securing a tarp to the camper.

http://www.sailrite....langed-White-96

[takesiteasy]

I've posted this before but I will add a link here to our writeup of homemade version using awning track and rope:

 

http://travelswithro...new-awning.html

 

Here's a pic (larger version on the blog):

 

Edited by takesiteasy, 29 November 2015 - 10:47 PM.

[Bill D]

Moving each day and easy set up were the key factors in my decision to get an ATC. 

 

http://www.busdepot....details/awning/

Moving each day is one of the reasons I would like an easy to set up awning.

If I were stationary for any length of time, setting up a tarp wouldn't be such a big deal.

 

I really wish my used Hawk came with an awning.  It is pretty much fully loaded, but no awning 

Edited by Bill D, 01 December 2015 - 02:28 AM.

[Advmoto18]

Here's the Keder Welt which fits into the sail track on the back of every recently manufactured FWC. 

 

I seem to recall you need 5' length for the sail track on the back of the Hawk.

 

Sunbrella fabrics are available here.

 

Custom tent poles here.

 

Don't forget appropriate sized grommets for the fabric, tips for the poles to fit grommets, and shock cord to go inside the poles to keep them together.

 

A rear awning project that will mostly likely cost less than $200 when out-sourcing the sewing to a local seamstress. 

 

Of course, you can purchase the molding  and mount it to the side of the roof.  I'm not sure how wind resistant the molding is going be when traveling down the highway at intrastate speeds. 

Edited by Advmoto18, 30 November 2015 - 11:46 PM.