Custom DIY awning idea

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

After looking at the prices of those retractable awnings (and the small size), I had a bit of a think as to how to make a custom one. My idea is basic at the moment, but if anyone has any input or suggestions it would be great.

Plan at the moment is to bolt an aluminium box section somewhere between the lengths of 4-6m onto one side of the roof rack. then simply fix one end of a tarp to the box section (bolt or whatever is required), the tarp would then be extended and supported by a mid span brace with poles, and then again at the end with poles again. should be able to roll it up easily and just tie onto the roof racks when not in use.
I figured extending the track out past the rear would mean a smaller tarp could be strung out over the cargo door if needed.

thoughts?



*edit: will be starting this project very soon so I'll post up progress

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

I've seen a few home made ones similar - don't know about extending it out the back - that might not be legal unless it was rectractable.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

yeh forgot to say that I'd bolt it on so when driving it doesn't stick out either end, then when you need it set up, you can just quickly unbolt it and extend it out.

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

not a bad idea, what do ya recon it will cost ya all up. cheers samo

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

Unsure yet... just bought a 4.7x6.0m tarp (good quality) off eBay for $90 delivered. looking at about $100 for 8 poles or thereabouts, and unsure as to how much the aluminium track would cost, could always replace it with treated pine which would be a heap cheaper. will let you know as it progresses! hoping to get it done by xmas

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

no worries look foward to see what the outcome is. cheers samo

[stewy Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close stewy]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

I just bought myself an ARB Touring awning in the end as I just couldn't be bothered making one as it was looking like it was going to take a bit more time, more than I had first thought. Plus the zipped up bag is a good thing.
They're getting cheaper and cheaper these days as plenty are making them now.

I can extend mine with a tarp if needed, to gain more width when required.
The Touring 2500 has a groove on the otherside of the aluminium which braces the end of the canvas.
This groove I'm sure is for the optional screen if you buy it. This bit makes for a perfect fixing point to add on a tarp.
I bought an 8x6 or 8x10 tarp (can't remeber exactly the size), folded one end over with rubber flyscreen spline in the middle and glued the end tarp surfaces together with KwikGrip and the spline between it.
Makes a perfect entension for a bigger entainment/sheltered area.
Just add another 2 poles with some rope and pegs and all is well.

I also moded the ARB awning slightly for rain, by adding another quick release pole in the middle of the canvas.
I found that when it rains heavy, water can pool on the canvas. To fix this I used a third pole you can just slip in middle going from the car braced side to outer edge. Just drill a hole in the end of the aluminium so the pole end will lock and sit snug. To prop up the canvas a bit more, so the water will run off, I used a Tarp Cente Pole Cap with Spring.
The Centre Pole Cap is position with Bolt running through the middle of the extra Pole which I had drilled a hole for.
The spring height for the center pole cap is adjustable with a nut on the thread of the bolt. Now the rain just runs off without having to considerably drop the side of the awning.

Hope this gives you some more ideas XLR8_07. Keep the rain in mind as water pooling on any tarp is a concern.

Cheers

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

thanks for that Stewey... I was wondering about water pooling so that idea just might be utilised!!!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

Found this at Rays, looks interesting http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/product/ ... car+awning

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

Here's an idea from LCOOL:

Sun shade

Mick

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

How did you go Rob? Did you get your awning under way? Id be interested to hear how you went.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: Custom DIY awning idea

I've been lazy

The list is piling up on things to do to my car:

- Replace broken relay for driving lights
- wire up roof lights
- wire up dual battery system
- wire up volt gauges
- source battery tray and battery
- make awning

:|
I will update this thread though when I do get underway! At this time my thinking is to go with a stick of 4.7m 90x35 pine along the drivers side roof, then bring the tarp out covering the car and secure with however many poles it needs along the edge, and then one in the middle to stop pooling of water.