I'm about ready to ditch my HEAVY, EZ-UP shade structure that I carry with me on my trips. It's just too heavy and is only water resistant.I've looked at some of the lighter ones like the wings and the shock-corded ones but have nixed most due to either poor construction or extremely pricey.I had this one idea but need help analyzing whether it is feasible and, if it is, how I would get the parts.It goes like this. I'd love to find some thin, smooth "bolts" with a welded, washer-like base. The end of the "bolts" would have a hole drilled that a hitch pin could pass through.With 3-4 of these adhered to each side of my camper roof, I could then attach a heavy duty, brown/silver tarp with grommets to these "bolts" and the hitch pins would keep the tarp in place. On the ground side of the tarp, I'd go with 2-3 adjustable, tent poles with a thin, top post that would go through the grommets. These would, of course, have to be anchored to the ground with line and stakes.........but I am OK with that as we camp so infrequently on surfaces that would resist that.The whole thing would probably cost less than 50 bucks and would probably weigh around 10-15 lbs. It would also roll up to a lot smaller than most other options.Is this idea feasible? It would be pretty easy to drop the poles in a big wind and secure the tarp against the rig with chairs or an ice chest. Just leave the stakes in for when the wind passes. And those silver tarps ARE pretty waterproof.I have an aluminum roof so I am intrigued by these new adhesives they are using to attach solar panel mounts to roofs. The item I am having trouble locating are these "bolts" with the flat base and the hole for the hitch pins. I dont even know what to call these; hence the term "bolts" with the quotes.Any suggestions on the design or where to secure these "bolts"?

I have considered a simulat shelter/awning. To attach to the TC, my thought was to use 1/4" nylon rope. I think about three or four pieces. one end of each rope would tie to the tarp in the tarp eyes. Probably one on each end, with the others evenly spaced in the middle of the tarp. I would throw each of the ropes over the TC, and tie them to the truck or TC. Depending on thew tarp size, the ropes could be tied to the jacks. On the loose end of the 1/4" nylon rope, I would attach a tennis ball to each rope. Simply poke a hole throw the ball, insert the rope and tie the ball on. This would make it easier to throw the ball.On the ground side of the tarp I do as you indicated. Fact is, I do not remember camping where my EZup was right beside my TC. Seems like there is always some obstacle or exceptionally uneven ground beside the TC. My EZup is water proof.Wayne

Some of the Kelty tarps are pretty cool REIB

pezvela wrote:Any suggestions on the design or where to secure these "bolts"?Are you talking about clevis pins?

I know that this is not exactly what the OP is talking about, but I wonder if its in the ballpark for the "bolts"? They are called "tire swivels" and used for swing sets.

I did some budget awnings a few years ago.Construction: One 10' length of 2" PVC pipe that acts as the outer support and "roller" similar to the manufactured awnings.Two 10' lengths of 3/4" steel conduit. Cut down to 7' long, flatten one end, and drill a 3/8" hole in the flattened part.Two 3/8"x2" carriage bolts, two matching regular nuts, four flat washers, and two matching wing nuts.Two 2" PVC pipe caps. Drill a 3/8" hole in the center of each cap. Install the carriage bolts with the threaded end out, with a flat washer and regular nut. Glue the caps on to the pipe.One 10'x8' silver tarp. Screw the tarp to the pipe with self-drilling lath screws and fender washers.I used small steel carabiners to attach the loose end of the tarp to the drip rail on my trailer. Unfurl the "awning," add the conduit legs, and tie down with rope and tent stakes. By angling the legs back toward the trailer, you can introduce a pitch to the tarp so water will run off.Works pretty good but it's awkward for one person. I actually went back to using an EZ-up.

Alternatives to free standing/perm, attchd shade structure?

cd4eac
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
I put a small dowel in the end of the conduit and placed a wood screw into that with the top of the screw sticking out about 3/4 of an inch, it goes through the grommet and I hook my stake rope over the screw, thereby holding the tarp on the conduit.
pezvela
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
cd4eac wrote:
I took an 8X10 tarp, attached 4 carabiners along the edge in the grommet holes, used 4 eye screws - stainless steel attached to the side of the camper near the top, used 2 lengths conduit for legs and attached a length of rope for tie downs, cost nearly $20 and works fine!

How did you attach the conduit to the tarp?
Camp__Forrest__
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
It sounds like you are looking for something inexpensive, waterproof, lightweight, and easy to set up. We have a simple 10'x10' canopy that we bought at Rite-Aid many years ago, but they still sell them for around $30 I think. It has a frame of aluminum poles and a plastic cover. When stored, it fits in a bag a little bigger than a folding camp chair, it weighs very little, and sets up in just a few minutes. You can stake it down in bad weather and it is 100% waterproof.
cd4eac
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
I took an 8X10 tarp, attached 4 carabiners along the edge in the grommet holes, used 4 eye screws - stainless steel attached to the side of the camper near the top, used 2 lengths conduit for legs and attached a length of rope for tie downs, cost nearly $20 and works fine!
SALTYDOG5435S-T
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
When I am at the beach, I am mostly dealing with wind and rust. that is why the simple design. Plastic poles and ropes to hold every thing tight.

Yes there is some pooling if it rains. I have been thinking of adding another pole next to the camper to help with this. I still have not found another design that suites my needs.

Thanks for your questions.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Oct 03, 2013
pezvela wrote:
Salty Dog, your setup looks like it would trap a lot of rain, no?

That's the cool thing about my somewhat more complicated design.

Like a "real" awning, you can angle one corner down so the rain can't pool up.

The PVC across the outer edge keeps the awning from flapping and lets you leave it deployed in most any weather, just like a "real" awning.
RickW
Explorer III
Oct 03, 2013
pezvela wrote:
What are footman loops?

ask at amazon or ebay.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2013
delosholly wrote:
.. I am not sure if links are allowed, but: http://sport-brella.com/sport-brella-xl .

Del
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delosholly
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
I know this is not the exact same setup you are talking about, but I wanted to alert you to an alternative. We do not use a tarp or awning, we use a very light weight 9foot wide SportBrella.

We can use this over our two recliners or place it next to a picnic table (to cover 1/2 the table) or when the slots in a picnic table are wide enough apart, we can place the SportBrella in the middle of the table and it is all covered. We do carry a heavy, probably overkill, umbrella stand that we already owned to hold the SportBrella in place.

It is more versatile than something attached to the TC, especially since many campgrounds have the picnic table bolted down and not in a location where the TC can be close enough to them.

It only takes one person about 1 minute to set it up (unless you want to secure it better using the cords provided. I am not sure if links are allowed, but: http://sport-brella.com/sport-brella-xl .

Del
pezvela
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
Salty Dog, your setup looks like it would trap a lot of rain, no?