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Van Morrison
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2009
Posts: 8
Location: New England
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 Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:26 pm Post subject: Best Shelter from the Storm - awnings, etc? |
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Greetings –
I’ve read hundreds of postings regarding awnings (I compiled the main threads below for any future searches). Most discussion centers around the price, and by the very definition, the shade provided. I have a different problem. Lots of rain and snow. I’m looking for a side shelter to allow protection from precipitation and the accompanying wind. The more free standing for parking lots the better.
So far it seems that people have been generally pleased with Bus Depot’s ability to withstand the elements. Any other comments on the other options (Homemade, Fiamma, Kelty, Westy Originals, Pop-up Canopies, others).
I did try a clamp, tarp, pole homemade jobber and a light wind had it pretty much useless. Thanks.
Awnings anyone
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=218147&highlight=depot++awning
F45i Fiamma Awnings: Worth the price or not?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=144057&highlight=depot++awning
Rigging a tarp awning on your bay for camping
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150000&highlight=depot++awning
Homeade/DIY Awning?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...ot++awning
E-Z Awning Owners...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=242554&highlight=depot++awning
Looking for home made awning
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=224234&highlight=depot++awning
Sweet alternative to awning
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=162030&highlight=depot++awning
Genuine Westfalia awning?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=168410
Awning ?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=154287&highlight=depot++awning
vanagon awnings
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=99582&highlight=depot++awning
Has anyone tried making a side awning?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79377&highlight=depot++awning
side awning
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28818&highlight=depot++awning
_________________
'74 Transporter - Burnt to ground on I95. Cos Cob, CT.
'84 Westy - Totaled in freak drive-by while parked at repair shop. Monterey, CA.
'95 Mazda Bongo Friendee - Vanu Chau while in Northern Japan.
'81 Westy - New England
Last edited by Van Morrison on Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:47 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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jeremysmithatshawdotca
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2002
Posts: 2530
Location: Edmonton, AB
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| Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:42 pm Post subject: |
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| I like the idea of a track just below the gutter of c shaped metal, hem a cord into one edge of the tarp to slide into the track, and two poles to set into the jack points to hold the outer edge up. Would have to have square ends to go into the jack points and resist turning, and gusts. |
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PDXWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6344
Location: Portland OR
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:52 am Post subject: |
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| The only way I've found to secure ANY awning in wind is to stake it and tie it down with ropes. Even then, there's no guarentee. I've tried them all in varying weather conditions, and as you've noted, the Bus Depot Awning provides the best weather protection. I don't think any self supporting awning will survive any moderate to high winds. |
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2003
Posts: 1839
Location: Englewood, FL
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject: |
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My dometic Transawn 2000 survied a little tornado action at a Full moon bus club campout one year. Samba member Tomasz'z Bus depot awning, not so much  Of course my transawn was standing straight up and leaning against the poptop when I came back from waiting it out in the bathhouse but I was able to just pull it back down and call it good.
There were ez-ups blowing though the campground like tumbleweed that night 
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Van Morrison
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2009
Posts: 8
Location: New England
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| Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject: calling this thread done |
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Folks - Thanks for the comments. I'm currently overseas and any Fiamma type retractable awning goes for about $1300. I've ordered the Bus Depot EZ. I'll give it a thorough workout and post results for others.
Thanks again
_________________
'74 Transporter - Burnt to ground on I95. Cos Cob, CT.
'84 Westy - Totaled in freak drive-by while parked at repair shop. Monterey, CA.
'95 Mazda Bongo Friendee - Vanu Chau while in Northern Japan.
'81 Westy - New England |
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Herr Motorspiele
Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2007
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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My Bus Depot awning is pretty good. Couple things though:
-I think it's an early version so lots of little things are not as refined as my buddies. He bought his a couple years later and the fit and finish is much better.
-Medium to heavy rain can pool then overflow the gutter and go all down the slider windows. Basically opening/closing the side door gets you wet and you can't leave the slider cracked at all. (Like I hoped  ) Also the little bit of fabric on the van side fits in the gutter pretty sloppy. You really have to be deliberate when attaching it and I usually roll it under.
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| -There were ez-ups blowing though the campground like tumbleweed that night |
This has also happened a few times. Honestly though, I'm more worried about damage to my van than replacing the awning.
There are a couple other little quirks but for the price it's pretty nice plus I usually try to avoid camping in downpours so for me it works for the occasional storm. Shade coverage is ok but once again I have the older smaller version. At one point they had a larger one for sale.
Another buddy lucked out with a OEM? fiamma style salvaged off a wrecked Eurovan. It's pretty sweet and works great. |
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Van Morrison
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2009
Posts: 8
Location: New England
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| Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:37 pm Post subject: Bus Depot EZ awning on Bongo |
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I have finally successfully field tested the Bus Depot EZ awning during our annual trek to the Nango Jazz Fest! It worked great. No seam leaks. Haven't full tested in the wind yet! More later.
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_________________
'74 Transporter - Burnt to ground on I95. Cos Cob, CT.
'84 Westy - Totaled in freak drive-by while parked at repair shop. Monterey, CA.
'95 Mazda Bongo Friendee - Vanu Chau while in Northern Japan.
'81 Westy - New England |
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