Removable Awning

[garmp]

We have a SportsMobile with the penthouse top (pop-up type) and are looking for an awning that we can set up at site, rather than have attached to the van permanently. Busdepot.com offers one but is not available until after the first of the year. Not really sure if this is the answer we're looking for or not. Just need to know what's out there and available. We want something that packs up in a small package, easy to set up, waterproof and sturdy. Any ideas, thoughts or experiences to share?
Thanks

[goreds2]

http://www.sportsshade.com/

VERSATILE. Attach anywhere, any angle!
Reflective silver top with black bottom feels
20 degrees cooler !
Awning dipped in protective coating that blocks 98%of harmful UV rays.
Takes up less space to transport !
Stakes and guy lines attached with no parts to lose.
Designed to sway with the wind, not parachute away.
6’ x 8’ awning provides ideal shade or rain cover.
Customizable banner doubles as a carry bag (Blue, Red, Black).
Fully Retractable, even the guy lines !
Lightweight - Less than 10 lbs.
Easy Set Up - FAST, by 1 person.

[Naio]

If you camp in the rain with doors open (as I do), make sure your tarp covers the open doors. Otherwise the interior of the doors gets wet. With a sliding door, I found this was not obvious 😉

[garmp]

Stan, that's another answer to my wants. Had you any issue with the side doors opening and rubbing the top. My plan is to possibly leave the side doors open most of the time the tarp is up. Thanks for all the input. Still researching and trying to get off my dead ars.

[Naio]

stan909 wrote:
Click on my profile. Scroll down to my website link. Scroll down to the pictures of my very effective, very cheap, very quick awning set-up. In parking lots I would use 20 lb weights to hold down guidelines instead of tent pegs. I think total cost was about $50.

Yes, that is similar to mine. I prefer to use light rope tied to whatever. rather than poles. Always running into poles :).

[stan909]

Click on my profile. Scroll down to my website link. Scroll down to the pictures of my very effective, very cheap, very quick awning set-up. In parking lots I would use 20 lb weights to hold down guidelines instead of tent pegs. I think total cost was about $50.

[Naio]

@garmp1, that setup has the same problem I was describing -- it will channel rainwater into your side and passenger doors.

I do like the fact that it looks like the VW is being eaten by a giant alien jellyfish, though :B.

[garmp]

I have really been trying to research this to see what's available and what others have done. Seems the the best solution, as in most cases, is for the DW & I to make our own. Have to do more research to see just what parts are available at what price. I think I can buy an inexpensive canopy with the X cross members and buy some additional fiberglass poles to frame the outer edges. Have the DW sew "pockets" to hold the frame poles in position. Then get some sturdier multi piece poles for uprights, which will angle back to the running boards.
Sounds simple. Just a matter to measure, find the parts and get time to do all this.
Always looking to help and/or ideas.

Something similar to this, but on a Ford Econoline. Upright or diagonal poles would connect to the corners (be further apart).

[Davydd]

If you have a storage problem and want sun protection with the added benefit of bug protection get an Eddie Bauer Screen House. They are 15' x 15' and break down to fit in a canvas bag roughly 9" x 9" x 28" which is less than 3 feet in length. I haven't found anything that breaks down into a small package as this.

They easily enclose a picnic table or have room for a couple of zero gravity lounge type chairs. We have an older version of this one we bought on sale for about $89 a few years ago.

Eddie Bauer Screen House

[Naio]

For me, an Easy-Up type would NOT work, because if set up near the van door rain would run off it right in front of the door. I mainly use an awning during rain. Is this true for you?

I've been looking for the right awning, too. So far I am just using tarps, attached to the van roof and slanting down away from the door. One at the side door and sometimes another at the back like a 'wraparound' awning.

You can fold a tarp into any shape of storage space :B. But it is a very low-tech aesthetic. If I cannot find a good awning I might get some nicer looking tarps. Would this solution work for you?

[garmp]

I also have a storage problem. The entire storage size can be no longer than 3 feet to fit the remaining space I have. Therefore I am willing to put up with a bit more assembly. But that's why I want a minimalistic structure. Am willing to put up and take down each time we drive or move about as long as it provides shelter for two with a small table and enable my side doors to open.

[the_bear_II]

An Ez-Up type canopy would be a great solution. You find them in sizes from 8X8ft up to 15X20ft. There are many different manufacturers offering this type of awning/canopy. You can get them at Walmart, Home Depot, Costco as well as most other outdoor product retailers.

Be sure to get the kind with straight legs.

Here's an example http://www.walmart.com/ip/38436691?productRedirect=true

[Oasisbob]

Perhaps a more versatil aproach would be a "Auick Set" canopy. We have two 12x12. They free stand and can be moved easily. On sale around %60