The $76 homebrew awning

[anthonycds]

Nick, these are the only pics I have on my tablet right now. I can snap pics later of the jaw slides and eye ends that I used at each corner for the poles to swivel into place and into their stowed positions.

Description of the following pics:
Latches to hold the PVC door closed and quick links to lock em. Lash straps are for extra security, may be overkill but I feel better with em there.

2nd, small u-bolts hold a 3/4" EMT conduit (which the tarp is screwed into through the eyelets) on the inside of the PVC. U-bolts then screw onto L-brackets. Brackets then screw onto square u-bolts that attach to the factory roof rack. The square u-bolts will slide to one side due to the weight of the contents housed within the PVC and the not-so-square shape of the roof rack rail.

I also drilled some drain holes in the PVC and plan to put some sort of weather stripping for the door.

Overall, I am really happy with how well it has held up against some pretty strong winds we've had here lately.

 

[shogun2fire]

Very cool Nick

I too recently put together a cheapo awning for my 100 and have used it on a camping trip just last week. I used zip ties which I will be switching out for some velcro straps that attach to the Mr. Longarm painter poles that I chose over the tent poles, since they were no where to be found in my area.

+1 on the PVC tube. I fashioned a door for my tubing for the tarp to just roll out, along with the necessary poles that fit perfectly into the 4"x10' PVC.

That truck looks so awesome all black... I should paint mine like that.

 

[ckkone]

Thats rad! And if you not good at DIY here is another awesome low cost option...

Kirkham's Auto Canopy @ Kirkhams

 

[nickswan]

it passed the beach test!

 

[2000UZJ]

I hate to ask but I have to. I'm about to go to HD I a bit an start this. How does it fold into the tube? Maybe I'm missing something here.

 

[nickswan]

If you're talking about the PVC version, it rolls up into the PVC tube. Mine rolls up and straps to my cross bars.

 

[LTrain0800]

I'm guessing you are in the outer banks in your beach pictures. Looks great! We're running out of beaches with auto access it seems...

 

[nickswan]

I'm guessing you are in the outer banks in your beach pictures. Looks great! We're running out of beaches with auto access it seems...

its St. Augustine, FL but i think the PO was from the Outer banks area

 

[r2m]

it passed the beach test!

Question: Did pass the "Beach" test or did it pass the "Wife/Girlfriend" test???

In the pic, looks like it passed both.
Good on ya mate!

 

[dogdaysindurham]

Dogdays - Let me first clarify, that sewing is a skill not a hobby for me! I bought an old, used Singer sewing machine years ago for another project, and it has come in handy from time to time over the years. I just used normal thread and whatever needle was on the machine at the time. Depending on your fabric, etc, you may need a heavier duty needle. In sewing the velcro tabs on I sewed a box shape around the edges of the velco then sewed an "X" throw the box. That will make it extra stout and not rip off easily, unlike your merit badge! Back stitch over your beginning and ending stitches to make sure they don't unravel too.

Thanks, for the info! Very helpful for some other projects I had in mine. I'll keep an eye out on craigs and what not for a sewing machine.

 

[GR8OUTDRS]

its St. Augustine, FL but i think the PO was from the Outer banks area

Have been on the St. Augustine beach many times, we lived there my senior year of high school. Nice to be able to drive out there.

 

[ay nako]

nice man,im probably going to try to make one of these!