Did a simple project this weekend.
But first, a brief synopsis of what I wanted, what was available and what I come up with.
What I wanted: I wanted an awning that was
NOT relegated to whatever side of the vehicle I had it mounted on. Hence, if one mounts the awning on the passenger side, one is committed to orient the vehicle to either the the available parking space or the direction of the sun. Too many restrictions. I wanted it capable of attaching to
ANY side of my rig
OR be free standing.
What was available: A lot of awnings available from just under $300.00 to whatever your credit card limit is. Yes there is the Batwing by Rhino and some other knock-offs but still, the awning will only be on one side of the vehicle, and albeit will cover the rear. What does one do as the sun moves through the sky? Yea, you could move your vehicle, but a headache. Not really what I wanted.
Solution: I call it the "
Awnbrella" An
awning AND
umbrella together! This Awnbrella can attach to any side of the vehicle needed. It is
very sturdy from wind! I can ALSO have it free standing if I'm not by my vehicle for shade anywhere!!
What I purchased:
TOTAL: $118.74
Note: I purchased everything except the umbrella, umbrella cover and stand from my local hardware store, so my cost was actually less (sub $100). I just used Amazon for reference pricing.
Steps:
- Now that you've purchased all of the above all you need to do is add 3 grommets to the long side of the umbrella, preferably close to the arms and close to the umbrella edge.
- Then add 2 more grommets to the narrow side of the umbrella, determine the spacing to whatever the width of your roof rack is to attach the key rings. Mine was 15" in from each side, again close to the umbrella edge.
- If necessary (I did) cut the bottom half of the umbrella pole to be the proper height of your vehicle's roof rack.
- I then cut the wood dowel to sleeve in the umbrella stand and the lower umbrella pole.
- Then just open up the umbrella to whatever side of your vehicle you need.
- Use the key rings to attach the umbrella through the grommets to your roof rack.
- DONE!
And if you're not where you can sit next to your vehicle, just move the stand and umbrella to wherever you sit!
Note: the umbrella stand is not very secure (read that the legs aren't very long) and will tip in a light wind so you can either use anything heavy lying around your area, e.g. rocks, logs, ice chest, etc. or you can just use a few tent stakes.
Now to the pictures! The below photos are attached just to the drivers side, but can be moved to the passengers side also.
The pic below, I have it attached to the rear of my vehicle.
