Date:         Wed, 18 Aug 1999 17:20:10 -0700
Reply-To:     Steve Macaulay <smacaulay@INFINTIUM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Macaulay <smacaulay@INFINTIUM.COM>
Subject:      Yet another awning idea
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Here's an awning idea that I tried last night that seems to work well, is
easy to fabricate (especially if you have the proper tools), and doesn't
cost a lot.  For under $1 I got a piece of 10 ft. long 1/2 inch white PVC
pipe.  I cut it into four 2.5 feet sections.  I then cut about a 1/3 to 1/2
inch section lengthwise out of each pipe section so that it now looks like a
"C" (I used a hacksaw for this which wasn't the easiest or quickest method
of cutting).  I then took a 8' by 10' tarp ($7) and laid the 10 ft side on
top of the drip rail down the length of the passenger's side of the van and
placed the "C" of the PVC pipe section over the tarp onto the rail.  It is
easier if you do this one section at a time.  I then placed 2 small rubber
tipped clamps (the common silver with orange tips kind - $1.80 each) on each
section of PVC pipe (one at each end).  I used these clamps because some
other clamps I had wanted to slide off the PVC pipe and these seemed to stay
in place well.  The clamps hold down the PVC pipe onto the rail, and the PVC
pipe applies holding pressure to the tarp along the full length of the tarp.
A couple of poles on the opposite side corners hold the tarp up at that end,
and another pole in the middle can provide some added height if desired and
better rain drainage (I used a grommet kit to place a hole in the middle of
my tarp for this pole).  For about $12 you should be able to pick up one of
those cheap dining fly kits along with poles, ropes, and stakes.

The whole setup goes on and off quickly and the PVC pipe provides a good
hold along the van-side tarp and it also eliminates any potential leakage
spots on that side.  I was able to pull on the tarp from the opposite side
with a significant amount of force and the tarp did not budge).  The whole
setup is compact and stores in the closet or under the rear seat.  If this
holds up well over a few trips, I'm going to replace the cheapo tarp with a
ripstop nylon ($35 from REI) or possibly a canvas tarp.  One day I hope to
get some mosquito netting material and enclose the whole setup using a
combination of velcro and magnets so that I will have a cheapo screen room.

Apologies in advance to those have had heard this before.

Steve

89 Westy