Hayduke
Senior Member
Does anyone have any awning links that wouldn't cost an arm and leg. The catalinas are expensive. Must be some kind of alternative pull out awning out there for less $
Thanks in Advance
Thanks in Advance
Awnings
- Thread starter Hayduke
- Start date
b team
Senior Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2006
- Messages
- 252
I was thinking about one of the fancy ones but thought it would weigh too much 
I went with a pouch type awning. Works great and looks nice but I'd be almost as happy with a tarp and home made support poles.
I went with a pouch type awning. Works great and looks nice but I'd be almost as happy with a tarp and home made support poles.
I, too, am looking for awnings. want light weight and easy to setup. I think that a home made (non blue!) tarp with attachments to the camper and support poles would work just fine. Cheap, easy, replaceable.
Also, looking for an awning for the rear. Hate to have the door open and get wet here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Again, a home made jobbie is probably the easiest.
Anyone with ideas would be great.
dave
Also, looking for an awning for the rear. Hate to have the door open and get wet here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Again, a home made jobbie is probably the easiest.
Anyone with ideas would be great.
dave
kcowyo
Senior Member
I have a few options saved for when I decide to add an awning. Some lightweight inexpensive options -
Shady Boy Awnings - I like this because its freestanding without a bunch of poles and ropes to trip over. It's also small enough to mount on the side between the latches without having to relocate one.
Hummer Awning - I don't know if I want something that says "Hummer" on my gear, but it's an excellent price and they'll throw in 2 chairs and a table too.
Shady Boy Awnings - I like this because its freestanding without a bunch of poles and ropes to trip over. It's also small enough to mount on the side between the latches without having to relocate one.
Hummer Awning - I don't know if I want something that says "Hummer" on my gear, but it's an excellent price and they'll throw in 2 chairs and a table too.
awning...
I hope you all have more luck with a homemade awning than I did. We have been using "blue tarps" for side and rear for several years now. The wind on the Pacific coast of Mexico made them often impossible to use. The hassle of digging them out, digging out the poles and stakes and setting them up has not helped my attitude about them.
Having had a van with a real awning in the past and watching others using theirs, has finally made me willing to spend the money for an aluminum enclosed awning. It looks like I can get one for something like $300.
I don't see where weight would be an issue for us as we have a "shell" model without all the furniture and appliances and the awning attaches to the lower cabin portion and not the roof.
As far as the rear...I made a pretty nice one out of coated cordura nylon and dowels. I made it after a trip up to see our sons in the Seattle area and spending two weeks in the rain! I will post some pix as soon as I get another camera (I left mine setting on a wall at Palenque ruins in MX like an idiot and of course by the time I remembered it was long gone. Thank goodness it was an old one that I had bought used and I had removed the flash card with previous pix.). I also have to devise another way to attach the rear awning to the roof as I am removing the roof rack that I have no use for now that I am getting a storebought awning.
Brian
I hope you all have more luck with a homemade awning than I did. We have been using "blue tarps" for side and rear for several years now. The wind on the Pacific coast of Mexico made them often impossible to use. The hassle of digging them out, digging out the poles and stakes and setting them up has not helped my attitude about them.
Having had a van with a real awning in the past and watching others using theirs, has finally made me willing to spend the money for an aluminum enclosed awning. It looks like I can get one for something like $300.
I don't see where weight would be an issue for us as we have a "shell" model without all the furniture and appliances and the awning attaches to the lower cabin portion and not the roof.
As far as the rear...I made a pretty nice one out of coated cordura nylon and dowels. I made it after a trip up to see our sons in the Seattle area and spending two weeks in the rain! I will post some pix as soon as I get another camera (I left mine setting on a wall at Palenque ruins in MX like an idiot and of course by the time I remembered it was long gone. Thank goodness it was an old one that I had bought used and I had removed the flash card with previous pix.). I also have to devise another way to attach the rear awning to the roof as I am removing the roof rack that I have no use for now that I am getting a storebought awning.
Brian
Hayduke
Senior Member
Thanks everyone for your ideas. Brian, I'll check out the Fiammas.
I have used a nylon tarp off the back w/ aluminum poles, But sometimes, that desert wind comes up and that tarp starts to act like a kite, no matter how hard I tie the thing down.
I have used a nylon tarp off the back w/ aluminum poles, But sometimes, that desert wind comes up and that tarp starts to act like a kite, no matter how hard I tie the thing down.
Wow, this is cool.
I would really like to see or hear about the rear awning as the rain here is making it hard to work on the camper. I have a shell hawk with a wide back door, and was wondering how to make the door not hit an awning when open. I was thinking of putting two hooks on the corners of the camper and putting a sheet of nylon there with grommets. Extend out with collapsalbe poles of some type that would be atttached to the camper jack holes.
Seemed simple. no so.
As for a side awning, something that could block sun is nice. something that can block wind and rain has to be more robust. I like those shady boy ones, but have seen them on VWs. Don't know if it could take the Seattle rain......At least they are right across the border and maybe I could check them out.
dave
I would really like to see or hear about the rear awning as the rain here is making it hard to work on the camper. I have a shell hawk with a wide back door, and was wondering how to make the door not hit an awning when open. I was thinking of putting two hooks on the corners of the camper and putting a sheet of nylon there with grommets. Extend out with collapsalbe poles of some type that would be atttached to the camper jack holes.
Seemed simple. no so.
As for a side awning, something that could block sun is nice. something that can block wind and rain has to be more robust. I like those shady boy ones, but have seen them on VWs. Don't know if it could take the Seattle rain......At least they are right across the border and maybe I could check them out.
dave
fiamma
New to the site. Just bought a 2004 Hawk for my 2004 f-150 herritage.
Im a kitesurfer so Im always looking for a way to find wind then get out and into some shade! Ive been looking at the Fiamma and decided to just get one. They look like a good comprimise for strength and weight. A little spendy but Whats a couple extra hundy? My wifes going to kill me!
I just scored one of Ebay new for 200 brand new. I'll let you know how it works. I'll put it through the extreme test. I'm from the oregon coast so it'll get lots of wind and rain exposure.
much luck!
New to the site. Just bought a 2004 Hawk for my 2004 f-150 herritage.
Im a kitesurfer so Im always looking for a way to find wind then get out and into some shade! Ive been looking at the Fiamma and decided to just get one. They look like a good comprimise for strength and weight. A little spendy but Whats a couple extra hundy? My wifes going to kill me!
I just scored one of Ebay new for 200 brand new. I'll let you know how it works. I'll put it through the extreme test. I'm from the oregon coast so it'll get lots of wind and rain exposure.
much luck!
jimjxsn
Senior Member
I had an awning on an old popup trailer that had a cord sewn into the back edge that slid into a track mounted along the top edge of the camper. I think the "bag" type awnings also use this mounting system. I found the tracks (see picture below) available here - http://www.rvworkshop.com/rv-awnings.html
A homemade awning could be made using these tracks by sewing the appropriate size cord into one edge of a tarp. It seemed to hold very well against the camper and made a waterproof seal.
Also, the site above sells both the bag type awnings and a simple striped awning like what came on my old ~70s popup.
Jim
A homemade awning could be made using these tracks by sewing the appropriate size cord into one edge of a tarp. It seemed to hold very well against the camper and made a waterproof seal.
Also, the site above sells both the bag type awnings and a simple striped awning like what came on my old ~70s popup.
Jim
Attachments
craig333
Riley's Human
I normally use an E-Z UP shelter for my shade needs but I really like the idea of an awning over the door.
Here's one more option. I also seem to recall you canget them to do custom work too.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm/Outdoor-and-RV-Accessories/Outdoor-Center/Awnings/A--E-Awnings/Trim-Line-Awning/skunum=20025d
Here's one more option. I also seem to recall you canget them to do custom work too.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm/Outdoor-and-RV-Accessories/Outdoor-Center/Awnings/A--E-Awnings/Trim-Line-Awning/skunum=20025d
craig333
Riley's Human
Mark, which model Fiamma did you get?
Jim, you know the dimenisons on that track? Looks like I have one inch easy, and an inch and half if I was to go behind the doorframe. I like the idea of having it semi-permanently attached. Makes one side you won't have to worry about wind. And you just slide it on when you need it, it won't interfere with the door.
Ben/Marty, I assume there are no mounting issues. Looking at the frame photos it looks like you'd be mounting into a nice solid piece of the frame.
Jim, you know the dimenisons on that track? Looks like I have one inch easy, and an inch and half if I was to go behind the doorframe. I like the idea of having it semi-permanently attached. Makes one side you won't have to worry about wind. And you just slide it on when you need it, it won't interfere with the door.
Ben/Marty, I assume there are no mounting issues. Looking at the frame photos it looks like you'd be mounting into a nice solid piece of the frame.
jimjxsn
Senior Member
Craig,
Boy I don't remember how thick/tall that track was, it was a long time ago. I think it is about 1" tall. That site above sells it in 4 foot wide sectons at $4 each. You just add sections for the width of your awning.
Jim
Boy I don't remember how thick/tall that track was, it was a long time ago. I think it is about 1" tall. That site above sells it in 4 foot wide sectons at $4 each. You just add sections for the width of your awning.
Jim
Mark.....welcome and please let us know how that Fiamma works out I am definately leaning towards one.
Jim....thanks for the idea of the slide-in rack..that is just what I am looking for, for my rear awning...perfect!
Dave....I made my rear door awning to attach to the roof of the camper. That is the only way that I could see to have the door open without interference. I had a homemade roof rack with 3 j-bolts on each side of the rig and 3 on the back as well.....My awnings attached to those. I will now get some slide-in track and attach it to the rear roof edge and use that. It will eliminate wind blowing water off the roof and down the door. Cool!
One of my hesitations about using a real, aluminum enclosed awning is that it has to attach to the camper part....I am 6' 2" tall and I can envision some head boinking. After this last three months in the rig my head has dings all over it no matter how I wiggle and dance my way through the door.
Good luck,
Brian
Jim....thanks for the idea of the slide-in rack..that is just what I am looking for, for my rear awning...perfect!
Dave....I made my rear door awning to attach to the roof of the camper. That is the only way that I could see to have the door open without interference. I had a homemade roof rack with 3 j-bolts on each side of the rig and 3 on the back as well.....My awnings attached to those. I will now get some slide-in track and attach it to the rear roof edge and use that. It will eliminate wind blowing water off the roof and down the door. Cool!
One of my hesitations about using a real, aluminum enclosed awning is that it has to attach to the camper part....I am 6' 2" tall and I can envision some head boinking. After this last three months in the rig my head has dings all over it no matter how I wiggle and dance my way through the door.
Good luck,
Brian
craig333
Riley's Human
I was thinking about that. If its mounted just above the door then there will be issues about it hitting the door, or being so level that water will puddle.
Wow, lots of ideas.
I like the idea of easy setup and am thinking the rear door awning is really more important than the side. It has been raining a lot here in seattle, and I keep getting wet working in and on the camper.
I like that awning alumning track... I could see getting some nylon, rolling on a dowl, then getting it to run in that track. If I could only find some small, adjustable poles and could attach it to the backI could use it as a semi-permanent rear awning. Yes, the door might hit it but would beat being hit by all that rain.
Carefree makes a truck 'awn. It would work, big and bulky, though. I could see mounting some brackets on the camper (not the roof) and have it just behind and at or slightly above roof line. That way it won't go up with the top. Just that this method would be really convenient, but definitely much much more expensive......
Hmmmm. Anyone have any pictures of one they are using?
dave
I like the idea of easy setup and am thinking the rear door awning is really more important than the side. It has been raining a lot here in seattle, and I keep getting wet working in and on the camper.
I like that awning alumning track... I could see getting some nylon, rolling on a dowl, then getting it to run in that track. If I could only find some small, adjustable poles and could attach it to the backI could use it as a semi-permanent rear awning. Yes, the door might hit it but would beat being hit by all that rain.
Carefree makes a truck 'awn. It would work, big and bulky, though. I could see mounting some brackets on the camper (not the roof) and have it just behind and at or slightly above roof line. That way it won't go up with the top. Just that this method would be really convenient, but definitely much much more expensive......
Hmmmm. Anyone have any pictures of one they are using?
dave
brett13
Lovecock
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2006
- Messages
- 1,026
Rain protection
I recall somewhere on this board that folks in rainy areas without any rear awning can get drenched from roof runoff trying to get in/out of the camper. The AC unit in my basement allows condensation to pool on the concrete floor since the concrete is just a little uneven. So, I redirected the flow with a bead of caulk. Then it occured to me that perhaps a bead of caulk along the roof runing the length of the door might direct that runoff off to the sides of the door instead of directly onto your head. Just a thought.
I recall somewhere on this board that folks in rainy areas without any rear awning can get drenched from roof runoff trying to get in/out of the camper. The AC unit in my basement allows condensation to pool on the concrete floor since the concrete is just a little uneven. So, I redirected the flow with a bead of caulk. Then it occured to me that perhaps a bead of caulk along the roof runing the length of the door might direct that runoff off to the sides of the door instead of directly onto your head. Just a thought.
Awnings...
I was just up to Albuquerque and stopped by Vantastic to look and drool at all the cool rigs.....Sometimes I just can't hep it! I was talking to a sales guy there and he showed me the difference in the Fiamma 35 and 45.....also a difference of about 4 or 5 hunnerd dollars.....the 45 is all operated by an crank and you can just crank it out a couple of feet without doing anything with struts and poles and yadda,yadda....and there you are, out of the rain.
I'll make sure there is one of those on my "expedition rig" when I win the lottery! ;^))) Meanwhile I guess I'll shoot for the 35....Brian
I was just up to Albuquerque and stopped by Vantastic to look and drool at all the cool rigs.....Sometimes I just can't hep it! I was talking to a sales guy there and he showed me the difference in the Fiamma 35 and 45.....also a difference of about 4 or 5 hunnerd dollars.....the 45 is all operated by an crank and you can just crank it out a couple of feet without doing anything with struts and poles and yadda,yadda....and there you are, out of the rain.
I'll make sure there is one of those on my "expedition rig" when I win the lottery! ;^))) Meanwhile I guess I'll shoot for the 35....Brian
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