Where our camper parks, the western sun bakes the side. That side of the camper sits due west. Each trip we take, I alternate which way its parked to even out the time each side sits in the sun.I don't mind getting a cover but during our racing season, we head out every other weekend. That's a lot of hassle and I know I'll probably not cover some times just because I'm too busy and don't feel like fooling with it.Any ideas? If I do a screen, I'm afraid the first good storm will ruin that. The only idea that even pops into my head is using treated deck boards and making a louvered side. That would eventually match the boards of the barn but still give it a natural look. Louvers would keep it shaded but allow a breeze to flow through. Plus I just think it would look nice.As far as we're concerned, we'll have an RV for the rest of our lives. So I see this as a reasonable expense for me; especially since so many RVs now are coming in colored sides.

I would consider some sort of a vertical screen supported by the existing posts. Maybe some framed PE 4x8 lattice sections painted the same as the barn.

A canvas shop should be able to make up 4 panels for you to go between the posts. They could even include some flaps to bleed off effects of strong winds.

When I first started reading your post the first thing I thought of was the 5/4" decking louvered.. Then I see you mention it further down.. I try not span more than 5' so the boards don't twist ..Joe

We Need Some Shade | Good Sam Community

37 Replies

lawnspecialties
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
hotbyte wrote:
If the wind blows the shade cloth too hard you can stretch some wire fencing up and then shade cloth over it. Father-in-law did that for his nursery business years ago.

Great idea. Thank you.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
1L243 wrote:
That looks really nice. What cloth demensions were you able to get? And how come the Work And Play does not rate INSIDE the shop?

Good question. Seems my priorities aren't in the right place! :B

Actually, the Work & Play has to stay outside. If it went inside, some of the landscape equipment would have to come outside. Then somebody may be just a little too tempted to walk off with a backpack blower or trimmer when they felt like it. If that happens, I may not be able to make enough money to pay for the Work & Play.
hotbyte
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
If the wind blows the shade cloth too hard you can stretch some wire fencing up and then shade cloth over it. Father-in-law did that for his nursery business years ago.
1L243
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2015
That looks really nice. What cloth demensions were you able to get? And how come the Work And Play does not rate INSIDE the shop?
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
Well. Here it is. The louvered side was just going to be too danged expensive. But I really like how this shade cloth turned out. Got these from ShadeClothStore.com. They are the 90% knitted black shade cloths. These are 10' wide and 12' tall so they're just about perfect for my barn. $59.99/cloth so although nearly $400 worth of product, far cheaper than the previous plan. Just hope they hold up in windy conditions.

That's one happy camper! :B
1L243
Explorer II
Jun 22, 2015
That is exaxtly what I used. It worked out pretty good. I pulled the shade cloth tight and it seemed to get tigher over time...

I might add that I put rubber washers under the fender washers to help grip the fabric better...
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2015
1L243 wrote:
I had the same problem even though I had a 6 1/2 foot fence the sun would still beat on the side of the Trailer. I planted Arborvitae's but they won't be tall enough to do any good for a few years. So, I used shade cloth. I got it at Lowes it is only 6' wide but you can roll of any length you want' It filters about 70% of the sun and has been up over a year now.

How did you attach it to the carport? Did you use fender washers and self tapping screws?
1L243
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2015
I had the same problem even though I had a 6 1/2 foot fence the sun would still beat on the side of the Trailer. I planted Arborvitae's but they won't be tall enough to do any good for a few years. So, I used shade cloth. I got it at Lowes it is only 6' wide but you can roll of any length you want' It filters about 70% of the sun and has been up over a year now.
gazingm42
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
I would attached a frame with heavy shade cloth to the 5 4X4s almost to the ground. The more light it traps the better, I would considered to layers as well.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
When I built the barn, I had an RV spot in mind. Our lot slightly drops to that side so that brick wall in the back ground, the rest of the barn is up that high. But from the front, its ground level. Having the lot slope was a great help because now I have over 13' underneath. When we had our Cyclone, it fit just fine as well. The plan was to have something that would fit a class A if we ever go that route one day.

Yes, I can drive through. Its 60' long with openings on both ends.

I have a friend who does carpentry work coming next week with a few deck boards so we can get a rough idea of what it would look like if I go that route. I'll update this thread as we go along.

Forum Discussion

We Need Some Shade

37 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Windshield Shades

windshield electric shade

Windshield Shades

Window shades?

Best skylight shade