Scott, You're right about the simplicity/durability thing. I have thought about a tubular frame (or frames) with a fabric skin glued to it (them) that would flip over the westy top (before it was popped, obviously) to make a kind of hard roof that didn't need all that support. I've also discovered how nice and simple it it is to tie a tarp to the front and back of the poptop and use a pole or two where convenient. I use telescoping aluminum poles with a few guys and stakes. Plenty of walking-around room, and a good sunscreen. The high front opening works well, and in the right situation the fabric (mine is a 10 x 12 ripstop nylon) also keeps the sun off the upstairs. Can be used on either side, ince I just bungee or tie to the metal brackets front and rear, or, with a second tarp, on both sides. Jim On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 1:42 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans < scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote: > what I'd like to see is one that deploys in one simpe, hassle free step. > the ones I've seen where the legs are folded up into the tube along with > the > unit itself......... > sure seems to me that it takes two people with 3 hands each to get they > whole thing deployed properly with the support legs in their attchemnt > points on the side of the van without the legs scratching the paint etc. > > the normal way to get that is have legs that are permantently sticking out > of and down from the tube where the awning lives, which is more of a 'huge > RV' thing than a sleek Vanagon westy thing. > But that's my issue with most awnings that i've seen so for on Westy's. I > think I'd rather rig some 'sky tarp' with poles and staked out lines even. > Plus........lot of stress on the sheet metal screws holding the awning tube > to the van......... > seen those pulling out etc..........then that just turns into an oversize > rusty mangled screw hole, etc. > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "brions cars" <zion-porsche-vw@Q.COM> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> > Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 9:47 AM > Subject: Re: Awning- which one? > > > The silver tops are great. For the sides a tight woven material that lets > wind through but blocks the dust is best. Strong supports are of course > very > important. Check out this link to see what stands up in the desert. There > are a lot of un-related photos, so just check out the shelters. I don't > believe anyone makes anything off the shelf that will be perfect for you. > You may be able to obtain materials and then have something made for you or > do it yourself. Good luck. I will be making my own for next years Burning > Man. The desert is fierce. I live in it. > > http://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Man-Skills-2007/< > http://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Man-Skills-2007/> > > Brion S. > ZNP, S. Utah > > Two questions about awnings, specifically for hot/windy desert camping: >> > > * Which of the awnings has the best heat/UV blocking ability? >> * Which would best stand up to high winds when fully secured? >> > > I notice shady boy advertises a "silver" fabric that blocks more sun, >> and there's mention of someone getting a sunburn under a Fiamma. >> > |
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