Date:         Sun, 29 Apr 2001 13:37:43 -0600
Reply-To:     Blake Thornton <thornton@math.utah.edu>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Blake Thornton <thornton@math.utah.edu>
Subject:      Poor man awning
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

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