Well, I finally got around to putting together an awning. Following some advice from some of you (in the archives) I did the following: 3- adjustable tent poles ($9 total) 1- 6 by 8 poly tarp (I had it) 1- 15 foot stick of 1/2 inch pvc ($1) Some rope and stakes ($10) 2- Spring clamps ($4) Total cost (this might increase later): ($24) I just put the tarp in the rain gutter with the pvc pipe on top of it and clamped it to the rain gutter. I then staked out the poles and its working like a charm in my driveway. If it rained, I think I might have puddling problems (which I would probably fix by adjusting the tent pole height), but I think it will hold up to a decent gust of wind. The 10 or 15 foot length of pvc is a bit of a pain, and I think I will replace it with some more tent poles so that I can carry it easier. I fiddled around with pvc couplings, but they are too big to fit well into the rain gutter. I found a place in town with used tent poles for $1 a section, so this will only cost me $4 to use tent poles instead. I'm a bit worried that metal tent poles will scratch the paint too much and cause future rusting, but I can probably figure something out to fix this. The clamps are also a small problem because they are too big to use if I want the tarp to cover the front door and be able to open and close the front door (right now I have it clamped between the sliding door and frond door). And, I also have to clamp behind the maximal distance the sliding door slides open. I have some small C-clamps that I might use, but I think that I prefer having spring clamps in case a big wind comes up and the awning really should come off (safety feature?). I also might want to use a bigger tarp, but these tarps are cheap ($4 for an 8 by 10) so that won't be a problem. Hell, I can carry both of them and use whichever I want. Just thought I would share my addition, which I know is by no means my idea. I think I will work nicely though when I need it. Blake 84 Westy |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.